Odd Request...

Is it possible to make a keyboard shortcut that leads to a certain folder? Example, pressing Ctrl+Alt+Z opens up "C:\This Folder", or maybe even something like an invisible shortcut on the desktop. My goal is to have easy access to a folder that nobody else in my family knows how to get to but I don't want to have to go through "My Computer" every time I want in it. Thanks.

 

The invisible shortcut on the desktop only requires a blank icon and the use of . as the name of the shortcut. But I'd put the shortcut in the Start menu (not on the desktop) in some folder and give it an uninteresting name that nobody is likely to try (like "System Statistics" in the System Tools folder in Accessories, for instance. Just right-click the Start button, choose Explore, and create the new shortcut in one of the folders in "Programs."
Here's what you put in the shortcut's "Type the location of the item" blank:
%windir%\explorer.exe /n,/e,Pathtothefolder
(where Pathtothefolder means something like C:\That Folder\This Folder)
Be sure to get the punctuation and spacing exactly like my example.
Now, once you've created that shortcut, right-click it and choose Properties, and give it a shortcut key like Ctrl+Alt+z (but BETTER would be something like Ctrl+Alt+End, so that nobody messing around is likely ever to find the combo of keys by mistake: you have to KNOW that the End key DOES something, or you don't try it).
Once you've done all that, the hotkey combo will open and display your designated folder.
Get back if you have probs or questions.

Oh, and consider hiding your mystery folder inside another folder, not leaving it directly under C: If it's hidden inside a folder that's inside another folder, nobody is likely to discover it while simply looking for a file.

We're assuming here that nobody else in your family knows how to open Windows Explorer and look at what's there on C: and that nobody else in your family reads this forum (GRIN).

 

Probably one here, http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q301583

Steve

 

Sorry Wisewiz, I didnt see you there. I would never post over you my friend.

Steve

 

Never to worry, my friend. We're all just trying to help these questioners find answers.

 

OK. I had it up and looking for a thread I had started on shortcuts, just didn't check for other posts.

Steve

 

I tried making an invisible shortcut but when I tried making a blank icon it showed up as a white or black box and it still had the shortcut arrow on it. Also, when I renamed it as "." it said I needed to give it a name. What am I doing wrong?

 

Hmm I don't know how to edit here...
I just saw that there is a blank icon in the system32 folder, before I tried to make my own But it still has the the shortcut error in the bottom left corner, and naming it "." still says "You must type a file name."

Edit: I see, it's on a time limit.

 

You can get "TweakUI XP" here at Major Geeks, and eliminate the shortcut arrows with it. Or here's the MS link:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx

As for the name, I guess I've just forgotten how to do the trick, so use a Google search for things like "desktop icon no name" (be creative!), and you should find the answer. I know it can be done, because I have done it in the past.

If you can't get the desktop icon thing to work, go with my other idea. We KNOW that works.

 

I already have TweakUI but I guess I skipped over that option. I found an invisible character, alt+0160. I just recently got into UI custimization so sorry for all the n00b questions. Thanks for the help.

 

That's whut we're here fer, m'fren'!