Being without a mouse can be frustrating. That's when knowing some basic keyboard shortcuts comes in handy.
If your mouse is not working, the first thing you need to check is to see if it is plugged in. If it is plugged in and it still doesn't work, reboot your computer. You will need to use your keyboard to turn off your computer.
This is the quickest and safest way to shutdown without using your mouse.
1. If you have any open programs use [ALT][F4] to close them.
2. Use your arrow keys and the enter key to answer any pop up warnings.
3. Continue pressing [ALT][F4] to close all open programs until the "Turn off computer" display pops up.
4. Use your arrow keys and the enter key to select turn off or restart.
Another way to shutdown your computer is to use the Start menu.
If you are using Windows XP try this:
1. Press the Windows [Logo] key
2. Press the [up arrow] key once to select "Turn off computer"
3. Press the [Enter] key to continue.
4. Press the [right arrow] key once to select "Turn off" or twice to select "Restart"
5. Press the [Enter] key to continue.
Using the Start menu also gives you access other programs you may want to use before shutting down your computer.
Now that your computer has been rebooted, your mouse should be working again. If it is not, try connecting another mouse to your computer.
Here are some common keyboard shortcuts that you will want to keep taped to the back of your keyboard or laptop.
• [F1] Starts Windows Help
• [F5] Refresh your page in Explorer and Web browser windows
• [F10] Activates menu bar options
• [SHIFT] + [F10] this is the same as right-clicking on an object
• [ALT] + [F4] Closes the current windows
• [ALT] + [TAB] Switch to another running program
• [CTRL] + [ESC] Opens the START menu (use the ARROW keys to select an item)
• [Windows Logo] Opens the START menu (use the ARROW keys to select an item)
• [Windows Logo] + [C] Opens Control Panel
• [Windows Logo] + [E] Opens My Computer (aka: Windows Explorer)
• [Windows Logo] + [F] Find files or folders
• [Windows Logo] + [M] Minimize all open windows
• [Windows Logo] + [Break] System Properties dialog box
• [TAB] Move to the next control in the dialog box
• [SHIFT] + [TAB] Move to the previous control in the dialog box
So the next time your mouse goes south, just keep this list handy.
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