Bill Detwiler: If you're tired of the old CTRL-and-Click method of selecting multiple non-contiguous files, then I have the perfect Windows tweak.
I'm Bill Detwiler, and during this episode of TR Dojo, I'll show how to select files in Windows 7 and Vista using checkboxes.
For years, Windows users have a two-handed procedure for selecting multiple files that weren't next to each other. With one hand they would hold down the CTRL key and with the other they would click each file's name.
However, with the often-overlooked checkbox feature in Windows Vista and Windows 7, you can select multiple files with one mouse-equipped hand.
To turn this feature on, you need to change a setting in the Folder and Search Options of Windows Explorer.
So open Windows Explorer and navigate to a folder with multiple files.
Click the Organize tab on the top menu and navigate to the Folder and Search Options menu item.
On the Folder Options screen, click on the View tab.
Now, scroll down the list of options and find the Use Check Boxes to Select Items entry.
Place a check the settings box to activate the feature, and then click OK to accept the change.
When you go back to the Windows Explorer window, you should see a check box next to each file name.
You will also see a checkbox at the top that allows you to select all the files in the folder.
And don't worry, just because you turn on the checkbox feature you can still use the Ctrl-Click method to select file multiple non-contiguous files and Shift-Click to select files in a series.
Well that does it for this TR Dojo episode. I hope you find this tip helpful.
For more Windows tips and tricks, check out TechRepublic's Windows blog or subscribe to our Windows newsletter. I'll link to both from the TR Dojo blog.
And as always, for more teachings on your path to becoming an IT Ninja, visit trdojo.techrepublic.com, or you can follow me on Twitter at twitter.com/billdetwiler.
Thanks for visiting the TR Dojo.
