Filed under: Text, Utilities, Windows, Freeware, Windows x64
Stupid Windows trick: disable shift + delete to avoid accidental obliterations
by Lee Mathews Aug 3rd 2009 at 4:00PM
One of my most-used combinations is shift + delete, the shortcut to permanently vaporizing unwanted files. It also works in apps like Outlook Express and Windows Mail to bypass the deleted items folder. Which is one instance where the killer key combo can be a seriously mixed blessing.
You get in the habit of shift-deleting junk mail. You also get in the habit of holding shift to select multiple messages before shift-deleting several pieces of what you thought were junk mail. Except in the blink of an eye before you actually tap the delete key you notice a familiar address sandwiched between the Viagra ads and poorly-written phishing attempts.
Unfortunately, you realize this a moment too late and your messages are all gone. "I've got to stop doing that," you say, but it's become a habit.
Here's an easy way to break it: make your computer forget what shift+delete is supposed to do. Grab AutoHotkey (free), and then create a new script using the following text:
Sure, you could just do the one-day-at-a-time thing and keep reminding yourself not to use the deadly combination, but sometimes help is required when breaking habits like this. Remember, it only works when AutoHotkey is running.+Delete::
KeyWait Shift
Send {Delete}
Maybe this isn't the kind of hack that you'd use on your on computer, but it may be worth putting to use on, say, your wife's laptop. You know, in case she accidentally deleted something really important from a publisher and doesn't ever want to write another "so sorry but I think I nuked your message" message.
AutoHotkey is also capable of a heck of a lot more than keeping you from accidentally purging mom's emails. It's well worth a download.
So, just how good at time waster games are you? Think you've got the stuff? Well, The World's Hardest Game 2.0 doesn't think you do.
Yes, amazingly, it's possible to have a sequel to a game called "The World's Hardest Game". It doesn't seem logically possible, since if the first one was actually the world's hardest, how could another one come along and share the moniker? It made me doubt the name in the first place. That is, until I tried the game.
The mechanics of the game are very simple. You are a small red square, ...
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
acme said 4:21PM on 8-03-2009
its called ctrl+z
Reply
Lee Mathews said 4:27PM on 8-03-2009
And this works? Try it for me and report your success.
Click something on your desktop, hold shift and click delete, then try to ctrl+z and tell us if it comes back.
If you're feeling brave, try it with your My Music folder...But I wouldn't advise it.
Money Mike said 5:07PM on 8-03-2009
Hahahaha. Shift + Delete is a permanent delete. You can't Ctrl + z that. Thanks for the laugh.
acme said 5:48PM on 8-03-2009
snap, i didn't rtfa. i was thinking shift+delete on text...
Larry Williamson said 4:56PM on 8-03-2009
OMG WTF ALL MY MUSICCC NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!11 LADY GAGA!!!!!!!!11 BRITNEY :((((((
Reply
blaszta said 10:05PM on 8-03-2009
I would shift + delete twice/three times (if it's possible) just to make sure nobody ever found I had/listened britney/lady gaga mp3 :-D
Money Mike said 5:14PM on 8-03-2009
My only problem with telling your computer to not permanently delete on Shift + Delete is that you completely defeat the purpose of being able to permanently delete by pressing a key. I really think it would be easier to just remember to stop using Shift + Delete for deleting files.
I just love that feature too much... as much as I love deleting files without having to see the confirmation (which you can't do with Shift + Delete, btw).
Reply
pippozzo said 3:02AM on 8-04-2009
Hey Lee, you'd just read in my mind.
Too often I nuke things then make: "DOHH!!"
Reply
fameh said 8:26AM on 8-04-2009
Its a nice trick. Personally i prefer hotkeyp over AutoHotkey.
Anyway, im a shift+delete addict, and i want to continue being it :p Other thing is that im also a fan of Restoration, hehe, which is very nice for these situations :p
Reply
exullufo_572 said 3:00PM on 8-04-2009
Shift + Delete doesn't obliterate anything, it just bypasses sending the file to the Recycling Bin.
You need a wiping program to overwite sensitive data to obliterate it (cd. Eraser at heidi.ie).
Reply
juvenal said 2:24PM on 8-05-2009
exullufo_572
ok, some programs, but is not funny when happen
Reply
Information Central said 3:46PM on 9-03-2009
This is retarded. The author uses Shift-Delete to intentionally bypass the safety net (the recycle bin), and then installs another one to replace it.
Good job, professor.
Reply
Lee Mathews said 3:47PM on 9-03-2009
"Stupid" Windows Trick. You'll note that it doesn't say "the most useful and productivity boosting Windows tip ever."
Thank you for playing, and enjoy your copy of our home game!