Personal Computer Concepts: Software and Hardware

Miscellaneous Windows Notes

How to Open Files and Folders on Windows

To open a file on a Windows machine, there are several options one or the other of which will work on your machine depending how it is configured. Try these out in order. If all goes well, a window appears on the screen displaying the content you expect for the file or folder. If you experience problems, read about possible problem resolution and then try another of the file opening options below.

• Double-click the icon you want to open: Move the mouse and notice whether a pointer moves correspondingly on the screen. Position the pointer on the icon of the file or folder you want to open. Click the mouse's left button twice in quick succession.

  This should always work on folder icons, but may not always work on other icons that represent files. When configured properly, Windows determines the file type by its name and starts the application that is associated with that file type. When Windows does not know or find the right application to handle a particular file type, it displays a dialog box to inform you of the problem and request assistance.

• Drag-and-drop the icon into a browser window: This option works for the CE3 class files in AS 213 and SocSci1. It is assumed that you are reading these instrutions by means of a browser, perhaps Netscape. To create a new browser window, select the menu entry sequence "File -> New -> Navigator Window". Now position the pointer on the icon you wish to open. Press the left (or only) mouse button down and don't release it. Notice that when you move the mouse, the icon moves with the pointer. Move it over the pane of the new browser window. Release the mouse button.

  Drag-and-drop is a GUI function. It tells Windows to open the file that you are dragging by means of the application you are dropping it on. If the application knows how to display the file, it does. Otherwise, it might display a dialog or warning box to inform you. Or it might show you the file content in an unusable manner.

It is hard to list all the reasons why a computer might not be doing what you expect it to. There are too many possibilities, depending on how the computer is configured and in what state its previous user has left it. If the short list below does not help, your best bet is to ask a class or lab staff person for help. Short of that, perhaps a more experienced user can help. Class staff is available during the scheduled sections. Lab staff is available during regular lab hours (see section schedules)

Here is a brief list of might happen when your computer does not do what you expect it to:

• Nothing: Look for more subtle changes, such as changes to the tool bar, or windows appearing below others. If you cannot spot a change, ask for help.
• Just beeps: Usually this means you are trying to do something that is not permitted. If you cannot think of another way to obtain the result you wish to, ask for help.
• Timer appears: Wait ! the computer is probably busy and the taks you requested is taking a little more time. Only ask for help if you continue to wait for more than 60 seconds.
• Menu appears, that is a box with no raised border around it that contains a list of words: Perhaps you are pressing a mouse button unintentionally, or you are pressing the wrong mouse button. Button functions are sometimes reversed by other users. To dismiss the menu, try moving the pointer to another location on the desktop and then click another mouse button. Usually the far left or far right button helps. Another option is to use the "Escape" key which is usually located in the upper left corner of the keyboard.
• Warning box appears, that is a box with an exclamation mark icon and a message. Usually such boxes come with an OK button which you can press to dismiss the box.
• Dialog box appears, that is a box that requires user input. Usually such boxes come with buttons marked OK and Cancel. Pressing the latter usually dismisses the box.
• The wrong window appears: Windows have an X shaped button in the upper right corner which closes the window when pressed.

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