The Microsoft Flag Key

[kara3334]

One of my clients asked me what the key between Ctrl and Alt is (the one with a picture of the Microsoft logo on it). This key is used in opening Windows Explorer. Does anyone know its name?

 

[carrr]

I've always heard it called the "Windows" key

 

[linney]

"Natural keyboard shortcuts" (from Help and Support). Microsoft describe it as the "Windows Logo Key ".

You can use the following keyboard shortcuts with a Microsoft Natural Keyboard or any other compatible keyboard that includes the Windows logo key () and the Application key ().

Press Windows Key to
Display or hide the Start menu.


Press Windows Key
+BREAK Display the System Properties dialog box.
+D Show the desktop.
+M Minimize all windows.
+Shift+M Restores minimized windows.
+E Open My Computer.
+F Search for a file or folder.
CTRL+ +F Search for computers.
+F1 Display Windows Help.
+ L Lock your computer if you are connected to a network domain, or switch users if you are not connected to a network domain.
+R Open the Run dialog box.
Display the shortcut menu for the selected item.
+U Open Utility Manager.

 

[Snickle]

A weird one on the Window + E key, works fine on several machines with both Pro and HE, does not work on 3 machines with Pro, will not open Windows Explorer. Only real difference is the 3 machines have the Plus! Pack installed but the others don't.

 

[linney]

Berton,

If that's a worry to you (I suspect it isn't) you might be able to use this article and do something with it.

216893 - How To Disable the Keyboard Windows Key

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;216893&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

 

[bcastner]

I would without blinking a tear of regret remove the Plus! package.

 

[Snickle]

linney, thanks for that article. It certainly has a different look from the usual Knowledge Base pages.

The Window + E key is not a problem as I don't use it much but more of a curiosity of why/how it gets disabled but none of the rest are.

Thought for a while that installing MS Office might be doing it but all of the computers involved have it so I'm back to thinking it's the Plus! Pack.

One of these days I'll set up a computer and install WinXP on it then the Plus! Pack and see for sure that's where the change is coming from.

 

[Snickle]

bcastner, tried your suggestion and no change. Back to thinking on the issue.

 

[bcastner]

Update the keyboard driver. If these are HP keyboards the issue may not be resolvable.

 

[prophotodx]

I have XP with a Microsoft Wireless Comfort Keyboard, and the Winkey+E does not work either, nor does it work on two machines at my work with cheap keyboards. Any ideas to fix besides reinstalling the driver?

 

[linney]

Try Safe Mode (Do you have this problem in Safe Mode?).

310353 - How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310353&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

316434 - HOW TO: Perform Advanced Clean-Boot Troubleshooting in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316434&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

310560 - How to Troubleshoot By Using the Msconfig Utility in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310560&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

Run the System File Checker program from the Run Box by typing.....Sfc /Scannow in it and have your XP CD handy.

HOW TO: Verify Unsigned Device Drivers in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q308/5/14.asp