For your Home or Business, The Computer Crew is your source for XP Tips, Tricks and just general info on how to get the most out of XP.  Here are some great samples of shortcuts and tips that we use.  Bookmark this page and check back now and again.  We'll keep adding new tips and tricks as we find them.  If you know of some we missed, share them with other The Computer Crew members.  Send what you would like to share to info@thecomputercrew.com
 

As you know Windows XP allows you to have multiple users on one machine. If you have multiple users you can log on to another account without closing programs, shutting down, or logging off. To switch users use ‘Windows logo key + the L key’. Then select the account you wish to open. This way, the account that is already open stays open. (Remember, leaving accounts open uses system resources. Call The Computer Crew and we’ll tell you if your machine has enough.)

Wondering where your Administrator account is?  While at the Welcome screen you can open the Log On To Windows dialog box by pressing Ctrl-Alt-delete two times.  This allows you to log on using an account that isn’t shown on the Welcome screen.

For a quick way to hide a toolbar, right-click on any toolbar of your choosing.  This will display the View, Toolbars submenu.

You can back up settings (including passwords) for each email account in Outlook Express.  Choose Tools, Accounts, select the account name, and then click export.  Then if you ever need to restore a particular account, import the saved .iaf file.

If you prefer the ‘old’ look and feel of your Control Panel, you can choose which view you prefer, Classic View or Category View.  Open Control Panel and at the left side of the page you’ll see (depending on which view you currently have open) either Switch to Classic View, or Switch to Category View.  Pick the one you like best.

If you have multiple windows open, you can easily switch between them without taking your hands off of the keyboard.  Press and hold the Alt key.  Now with the Alt key held press the tab key several times.  See what’s happening?  Now when you release the Alt key, you will switch to the window that was selected.