Start multiple programs with a Shortcut.
You can create a Shortcut to open multiple programs and files at once. This is helpful when a project requires the same applications and files repeatedly.
To create a project Shortcut:
To create the STARTGRP.BAT file:
- Use Explorer or My Computer to open the Windows folder.
- From the View menu, choose Options.
The Options dialog box appears. - Click the View tab.
- Uncheck the Hide MS-DOS checkbox.
- Click Apply.
- Right-click a clear area of the desktop.
The context menu appears. - Hold the mouse cursor over New.
The cascading menu appears.
- Click Text Document
A new text document icon appears. - Type STARTGRP.BAT and press Enter.
You are asked to confirm the Rename action. - Click Yes.
- Check the Hide MS-DOS checkbox.
- Click OK to close the Options dialog box.
- Click STARTGRP.BAT and hold the mouse button down as you drag the icon to the Windows folder.
To edit the STARTGRP.BAT file:
- Right-click the STARTGRP.BAT icon that you just created.
The context menu appears. - Click Edit.
Notepad appears. - For each program, file, or folder you wish to open, add a separate line as follows:
START "[complete pathname]"
For example, to open the Windows folder add a line that reads:
START "C:\WINDOWS"
- Select Save from the File menu.
- Select Exit from the File menu.
- Right-click the STARTGRP.BAT icon that you just created.
The context menu appears. - Click Create Shortcut.
A Shortcut to STARTGRP.BAT is created. - Click the Shortcut and hold the mouse button down as you drag the Shortcut to the desired location on the Windows desktop.
