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Q84256: How Program Shortcut Keys Work in Windows 3.1

Article: Q84256
Product(s): Microsoft Windows 95.x Retail Product
Version(s): WINDOWS:3.1,3.11
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 08-OCT-1999

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows versions 3.1, 3.11 
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SUMMARY
=======

This article discusses how to use the Application Shortcut Keys feature in the
Program Item Properties dialog box under Windows 3.1.

MORE INFORMATION
================

Shortcut Key Rules
------------------

1. You can use shortcut keys to start Windows- and MS-DOS-based applications
  only if Program Manager has the current application focus (active). If the
  application is not the current focus, then the shortcut key is lost because
  no current application has use for it.

2. You can switch between running MS-DOS- and Windows-based applications using
  shortcut keys that have been assigned to the applications by selecting
  Properties from the File menu, and then modifying Program Item Properties.

  WARNING: Some keys do not function properly for the two previous rules above.

  The arrow keys and the INSERT, END, PAGE UP, PAGE DOWN, and HOME keys can
  cause problems by allowing you to start multiple instances of the
  application, if the application allows for multiple instances. There is a
  difference between number values on the numeric pad and the normal number
  keys at the top of the keyboard (not the function keys).


3. Page 276 of the "Microsoft Windows User's Guide" for version 3.1 incorrectly
  states that CTRL+ALT+SHIFT+"character" is different from
  CTRL+SHIFT+ALT+"character." Actually, these keystrokes are equivalent
  statements.

Steps to Assign Shortcut Keys
-----------------------------

1. From Program Manager, hold down the ALT key and choose the icon of the
  program to which you want to assign a shortcut key.

2. Select the Shortcut Key box, and then press the key combination you want to
  use for the application. The following are the valid key sequences:

   - CTRL+SHIFT+"character"

   - CTRL+ALT+SHIFT+"character

   - CTRL+ALT+"character"

Example of Shortcut Key Functionality
-------------------------------------

1. Assign a shortcut key to version 4.0 of Excel for Windows (CTRL+ALT+X) and to
  version 2.0 of Word for Windows (CTRL+ALT+W).

2. With Program Manager as the current focus and no other application running,
  press CTRL+ALT+W. Word for Windows will start.

3. With Word for Windows as the current focus, press CTRL+ALT+X, and nothing
  will happen (unless those keys have been assigned to something in Word for
  Windows).

4. Switch the focus back to Program Manager and press CTRL+ALT+X. Excel version
  4.0 will start.

5. Press CTRL+ALT+W to bring Word for Windows back into focus, and then press
  CTRL+ALT+X to switch to Excel.

REFERENCES
==========

"Microsoft Windows User's Guide," version 3.1, pages 79-80, 276-277

Additional query words: 3.10 3.11 keys hot key hotkeys

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Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbWin3xSearch kbZNotKeyword3 kbWin310 kbWin311
Version           : WINDOWS:3.1,3.11

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