Personalize the RUN COMMANDS : Windows Xp

Windows Xp: Quickly Locating Frequently Used Programs/Folders:
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TIP: Personalize RUN DIALOG BOX, Keep Most Accessed Programs/Folders just ONE CLICK away.

[Using Windows "RUN" : A Personalized Approach]

If u r used to RUN in windows, then u might have thought of making it RUN your installed programs, locate your folders as quicker as it open notepad...

Suppose,
You have a folder containing your Favourite Nepali Music Tracks at D: drives, Music folder's subfolder Nepali Music. You frequently open that FOLDER. What procedure do you follow?

Let me answer:
Open My Computer -> Then Click on Drive Letter -> Then on Music folder -> Then only on Nepali Music folder

Don't u ever think, there might be some simpler approach to Open that music folder in one click or in one Enter?

Try this:
Next time you goto locate Nepali Music folder or your any frequently accessed foder, just don't open it, right click it and Send To -> Desktop(Creat Shortcut)

Now, look at your Desktop, a shortcut to your favourite folder is located there. Just click it ond Boom!
you opened the folder at one Click!

[RUNNING PROGRAMS OR OPENING YOUR FOLDERS FROM RUN DIALOG BOX]

BACKGROUND:
When you type "notepad" and press enter at RUN dialog box, it just opens NOTEPAD, u know how?

Windows uses a Environment Variable called PATH. The variable is predefined with some mostly used Directories of Windows System. As follows:

Path = %SystemRoot%\system32;%SystemRoot%;%SystemRoot%\System32\Wbem; G:\PALS; G:\
Each entry is separated by a Semicolon(;).

Now when you RUN a command from RUN DIALOG BOX it searches for the COMMAND you entered in the directories defined in PATH Environment Variable.

The "notepad.exe" is located at C:\Windows\notepad.exe, and the PATH string %systemRoot% gives location C:\Windows (or Windows Installation Directory). and the RUN directs notepad.exe to open from the location. You're done!

STEPS:
Now locate your Favourite programs from PROGRAM FILES folder or from Start Menu. Then Just right click them Send to -> Desktop (to creat Shortcut)

You'll have a bunch of Shortcuts at your desktop. say:
ShortCut
ShortCut To MacroMedia DreamWeaver.Exe
ShortCut To MacroMedia Flash.Exe
ShortCut To PhotoShop.exe
ShortCut To My Photos (MY PHOTOS FODLER)
ShortCut To Games (Games FODLER)
ShortCut To My Music (My Music FODLER)
ShortCut To Ebooks (Ebooks FODLER)
etc..

Now Rename them as you are creating your own RUN COMMANDS. the avobe list is renamed as:

dream
flash
photoShop
myPhotos
games
myMusic
ebooks


Now,
There are two option to you to make this SHORTCUTS to be available from RUN Dialog Box

Option 1: Easier
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Copy-Paste(or u can cut paste if you won't use mouse) these SHORTCUTS to C:\Windows\ Directory.
Then, Open RUN WinKey + R -> type ebooks -> Press ENTER
You'd have ur EBOOKS Folder open in a new window!

Option 2 : Smater
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Or , you can make your own folder named QUICK at anyother drive say D:
Now copy those renamed quick shortcuts to your QUICK folder.
You have to define the QUICK folder in the environment variable PATH.

My Computer -> Right Click -> Properties
System Properties Dialog Box Appears:
Click on Advanced Tab -> Click on Environment Variables
Under System Variables -> Locate the PATH -> Double Click it
Add your G:\QUICK folder in the path list. If you like to RUN quick folder itself define G: also in the list as the PATH.

%SystemRoot%\system32;%SystemRoot%;%SystemRoot%\System32\Wbem; D:\QUICK; D:\

You're done the Smarter Way too now, Run those Commands from RUN DIALOG BOX. Enjoy!


[USE QUICK LUNCH BAR : RELAX YOUR MOUSE]


A Quick Launch Bar placed right to the start menu helps your mouse relax a lot...
Right click on your TaskBar -> ToolBars -> QUICK LAUNCH
You can add, delete any shortcuts u like in the Quick Launch Bar.. Change Icon or Anything..
Next time onward, don't waste more Clicks Access your Mostly Opened Folders..

[USE OF DESKTOP TOOLBAR]

Right Click on TaskBar ->ToolBars ->Desktop.
Hide Inactive Icon's of your SYSTEM TRAY.
The Desktop toolBar left to the SYSTEM TRAY helps you Locate Files easily... without loosing your Desktop Wallpaper...

Better Keep in mind, SPEED COUNTS. Don't Wate Time with those extra CLICKs and Files Locating hassels.