![](\"http:\/\/farm1.static.flickr.com\/34\/66230307_0836a65ee2_m.jpg\")
I talked about running the Command Prompt back in #13<\/a>.\u00a0 To get there we used the Windows-R shortcut to open the Run dialog window.\u00a0 At that point, typing CMD saved time because CMD is only three letters.\u00a0 It’s a quick thing to type.<\/p>\nWhat if you wanted to run Word by typing the command into the Run dialog window?\u00a0 You could type<\/p>\n
C:\\Program Files\\Microsoft Office\\Office12\\WINWORD.EXE<\/p>\n
but that would take me about five minutes, given the number of typos I usually make.\u00a0 What if you could just type “word” to make the program run?\u00a0 That would be quick.<\/p>\n
This is one of the efficiency tips that involves some work up front, but gives a long lasting benefit.\u00a0 Before you start, make sure your “shortcut” isn’t already used by another program.\u00a0 Click Start\/Run and type the shortcut you want to use.\u00a0 I will demonstrate “ppt” as my shortcut.\u00a0 When I type “ppt” in the Run dialog window, I get an error saying the file can’t be found.\u00a0 That’s good in this case.<\/p>\n
To create your custom “batch” file you will need to open Notepad – Start\/Run\/notepad<\/p>\n
In Notepad type the long “path” to the program you want to run.\u00a0 Here is my shortcut for PowerPoint.<\/p>\n
C:\\Program Files\\Microsoft Office\\Office12\\POWERPNT.EXE<\/p>\n
Now save the file, but don’t use the default “TXT” ending.\u00a0 Change it to “BAT” instead.\u00a0 This is the file extension for Batch files.\u00a0 In addition, save the file in your C:\\WINDOWS directory.\u00a0 By doing this your computer will always find it when you type its name.\u00a0 I named my file<\/p>\n
PPT.BAT<\/p>\n
I used PPT because that is the type of file that is created by PowerPoint.\u00a0 Now, to start PowerPoint,\u00a0 I click Windows-R and type PPT.\u00a0 It’s much quicker than clicking<\/p>\n
Start\/All Programs\/Microsoft Office\/Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007<\/p>\n
Different batch files can be created for Word and Excel.<\/p>\n
DOC.BAT
\nXLS.BAT<\/p>\n
TSPY=2.90<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
If you have used computers for more than twenty years, this one will make perfect sense.\u00a0 Otherwise, stay with me on this. I talked about running the Command Prompt back in #13.\u00a0 To get there we used the Windows-R shortcut … Continue reading