May 9th, 2008
Weekend Gadget Guidance: Avoid accidental copies in Windows
Ever use Ctrl+click to select files, make one wrong click and end up with a load of duplicate files on your screen?
For power users like you and me, it happens all the time. Today’s batch of guidance aims to fix that.
The problem, of course, is that you moved your mouse more than four pixels while clicking down on a file. Windows assumes you’ve dragged the files and want to copy them, and simply litters your desktop with copies.
The frustration that results is palpable: sharp exhalation, tensed fingers and the urge to utilize your coffee mug in a decidedly irresponsible way.
Fear not: the solution comes by way of The How-To Geek, which has compiled a simple fix to avoid slowing your machine down when you need it most. It can be accomplished either using TweakUI or by modifying two registry values you can find inside the HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop key: simply change DragHeight and DragWidth to a greater pixel range (double it, at least).
The result? Far fewer accidental copies — and a very clean desktop.
Andrew J. Nusca is an associate editor for ZDNet and SmartPlanet.
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