Tip 234: Windows Shortcuts

Today's tips are two of my favorite Windows tips that can make life a lot easier.

Do you use Firefox but need IE for some sites? Make shortcuts that open IE to the site using the format for the command line:
iexplore.exe www.outlook-tips.net

If you need to open a website on a regular schedule, you can use this command line in Task Scheduler.

Do you have several web sites you manage with FrontPage? Create a shortcut to open the site in FrontPage:
FRONTPG.EXE – https://www.outlook-tips.net

Two things to remember – IE doesn't use a dash, FrontPage does. If you are using just the program's file name and receive an error, use the full path:
""C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\FRONTPG.EXE"" – https://www.outlook-tips.net

Many other programs use similar methods to allow you to open files in programs not designated as the default for the file type.

Published March 2, 2005. Last updated on June 17, 2011.