When selecting multiple files in Windows Explorer you can use either the SHIFT key (to select a group of files in consecutive order) or the CTRL key (to select specific files). However, it is very easy to make a mistake which results in your painstaking file selection operation being lost, forcing you to start again. Windows Vista has simplified this procedure, and you can select files using checkboxes. Open My Computer or Windows Explorer within Windows Vista and press the ALT key then go to the “Tools” menu > “Folder Options”. Click the “View” tab and enable the option “Use check boxes to select items”. Click OK. You will now notice that all file and folder listings have a new column, and a checkbox appears in the column when the folder or file is active. In order to select multiple files or folders, simply tick the checkbox for the file or folder to make it actively selected.