Quickly open files in Windows Explorer

When reviewing files in Windows Explorer, I often want to look at the file even though the extension isn't related. This tip will tell you how to use the Send To feature

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to open files.

 

  • In Windows Explorer, go to the "Documents and Settings" folder.
  • Either choose your ID or create it in the "All Users" section.
  • Select the Send To folder and create a new shortcut to NotePad.
  • Now, when you right-click on a file, Send To has an option to send to Notepad.

Note: Some files can take a long time to load this way, if they can be loaded at all.

Other Send To items can be created the same way for other programs (another text editor or even a printer).

  • To print to a printer, create a shortcut pointing to the desired printer.
  • Give it a short name and put it into the root directory of C: (e.g., C:PrintToPrinter).
  • Navigate in the dialog box to where it wants the location of the files.
  • Type C:NameOfPrintFile.lnk.
  • Hit OK and then give it a name you want to show in the Send To.

Note: Be sure to put the .lnk on the end of the name and path. Now you can define Send To as the defined printer without opening the program.

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This was first published in July 2006

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