Haven't you ever wished there were an alternative for Ctrl+click or Shift+click selections? Remember the frustration inherent with losing a large custom selection because you missed a click or you failed to press the Ctrl or Shift keys properly? Well, Microsoft fixed this in Windows Vista. The latest operating system from the Redmond Company enables users to select multiple items in Explorer via check boxes.

But although Microsoft has integrated the feature into Vista, it is disabled by default. Not to worry. Today at Tweak Mode I will show you how to enable this feature. In order to be able to select multiple items via an alternative method you must navigate to the “Use check boxes to select items” option.

In order to do so, in Windows Vista, first open up an Explorer window. Any window will do, as it will permit access to the Organize tab. Right under the address bar, click on the organize tab in the top left hand corner. A drop down menu will be displayed. Towards the middle you will be able to see the “Folders and Search Options.” Go ahead, click on this too. It won't hurt, I promise.

Clicking on the “Folders and Search Options” will bring up the Folder Options panel. No big surprise there! This is what we wanted in the first place. In this panel select the View tab. And then check the “Use check boxes to select items” option. Use the adjacent images as guidance.

No more Ctrl or Shift + click, or click and drag. All the items in explorer will now have their own check box, permitting you to make a multiple selection, the Vista way. Enjoy!