Desktop shortcut in Windows Vista

What is a desktop shortcut?

A desktop shortcut, usually represented by an icon, is a small file that points to a program, folder, document, or Internet location. Clicking on a shortcut icon takes you directly to the object to which the shortcut points. Shortcut icons contain a small arrow in their lower-left corner. Shortcuts are merely pointers; deleting a shortcut does not delete the item to which the shortcut points.

How do I create a desktop shortcut?

If the item is located on the Start menu:

1. Click Start. The Start menu appears.
2. Locate the item to which you want to create a shortcut. If the item is located on a submenu, go to the submenu.
3. Right-click the item. A context menu appears.
4. Click Send To. A submenu appears.
5. Click Desktop (Create Shortcut). Vista creates a shortcut to the item.

If the item is visible in the Windows Explorer:

1. Open Windows Explorer.
2. Locate the item for which you want to create a shortcut.
3. Right-click the item. A context menu appears.
4. Click Send To. A submenu appears.
5. Click Desktop (Create Shortcut). Vista creates a shortcut to the item.

How do I create a desktop shortcut to a Web page?

If you are using Internet explorer:

1. Click the icon that precedes the URL on the address bar.
2. Drag the icon to your desk top. Vista creates the shortcut.

Now, when you click on the shortcut, the Web page will open.

How do I turn a Web link into a desktop shortcut?

1. Click the link in your browser window (usually underlined text) and drag it to the desktop. An icon appears on your desktop.
2. Click the icon to go directly to the link’s destination. If your browser is not open, clicking the icon starts the browser.

How does the Create Shortcut Wizard work?

You can use the Create Shortcut Wizard to add a shortcut to your desktop.

1. Right-click the desktop. A context menu appears.
2. Click New. A submenu appears.
3. Click Shortcut. The Create Shortcut dialog box appears.
4. Type in the location of the item to which you want to create a shortcut. Alternatively, browse to find the item.
5. Click Next. The next Create Shortcut dialog box appears.
6. Accept the default name or type in a new name.
7. Click Finish. Vista creates the shortcut.

How do I rename a desktop shortcut?

The name of the desktop shortcut displays below its icon. For example, if you create a shortcut to the program Microsoft Word, the name Microsoft Word displays below the icon. To rename a shortcut:

1. Right-click the shortcut. A context menu appears.
2. Click Rename.
3. Type a new name.
4. Press Enter. Vista renames the icon.

I have a shortcut that opens a program on my desktop. How do I add it to the Start menu?

1. Right-click the shortcut icon. A menu appears.
2. Click Pin To Start menu. The program appears on the Start menu, above the horizontal line.

How do I change the icon associated with an object on the desktop?

1. Right-click the icon. The context menu appears.
2. Click Properties. The Properties dialog box appears.
3. Click the Change Icon button. The Change Icon dialog box appears.
4. Click the icon of your choice.
5. Click OK. The Change Icon dialog box closes.
6. Click Apply.
7. Click OK. Vista closes the Properties dialog box. Vista changes the icon.

Note: Not all icons can be changed. If you do not see the Change Icon button or if the change icon button is dimmed, the icon cannot be changed.

How do I delete a desktop shortcut?

1. Click the shortcut.
2. Press the Delete key. Vista asks if you are sure you want to delete the shortcut.
3. Click Yes.

Remember, shortcuts have an arrow in the lower-left corner. If the icon you delete does not have an arrow in the lower-left corner, it is not a shortcut and deleting the icon deletes the object.