There is nothing more annoying than trying to find a file quickly while you are at the peak of your work day, meaning you have more than 15 file folders open, clogging the screen.  Half the battle of work is managing all of the emails, attachments, spreadsheets, PDFs, and file folders open on your screen.  Finding a file quickly makes the user more efficient, and allows them to escape the office sooner.  The toolbars in Windows XP/Vista (if you are using a MAC, you probably aren’t in a cubicle, and this article does not apply) are always overlooked, yet offer such great shortcuts to maximize your “desktop organization”.

Solution: To create a shortcut on the taskbar that allows you to access multiple file folders that are constantly accessed throughout the day.

Follow these simple steps to have instant access to the various folders you are constantly opening throughout the day.

1. Create one “global” shortcut folder on your desktop.  Right click the desktop > select Folder > rename folder to something like “Shortcuts”.
   
   
2. Create shortcuts on your desktop to all of the folders you constantly open.
   • Right-click folder -> “Create Shortcut”
   • Drag all created shortcuts to “Shortcuts” folder. This is the most important step to follow.
   
3. Create the Quick Launch Toolbar
   • Right-click on the toolbar
   • Select -> Toolbars
   • Select -> New Toolbars…
   
4. Select the “Shortcuts” folder located under “Desktop”.
   
5. Click “OK”.

   Voila! Five easy steps and a “Shortcuts” link should now be located at the bottom right-hand side of the screen within the taskbar. Try it out and enjoy. A user can add as many folders as needed. This is also applicable to shared folders often found in the workplace. It is so simple, yet so efficient.

This toolbar tip will allow a user to eliminate unnecessary icons while minimizing time spent locating file folders. This is arguably the best way to quickly access the file folders you need without cluttering your desktop with shortcuts to folders.

If you would like to share your own tips and tricks, please send them to admin@thecollaredsheep.com.

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