• Hot keys are Windows keyboard shortcuts.Jon Schulte/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  Hot keys are keyboard shortcuts. These shortcuts may be activated using a single key or a combination of keys. Hot keys are not specific to the computer model, but to the operating system. The HP Pavilion dv5000 laptop came with Windows XP Home or Professional Edition. Therefore, the Hot keys for this model are those related to Windows XP.
  
  

F Keys

• The keys at the top of the laptop keyboard, or "F keys," can be used for many shortcuts in Windows XP. F1 provides help with the selected item or active window. F2 allows the user to rename the chosen item. F3 can be used to search for a file or folder. F4 will display the Address bar options in Windows Explorer or My Computer. F5 will update the open window. F6 allows the user to scroll through the elements on the desktop or in a window. F10 activates the menu bar in the open application.
  
  

CTRL Key Combinations

• Pressing the CTRL key and A together will select all the objects in the open window. CTRL and the C key will copy an item to the Clipboard. CTRL with the F key will show the Find all files box. CTRL and the G key will show the Go to folder box. CTRL with the N key will open the New dialog box. CTRL and O will show the Open box. CTRL with the P key will open the Print dialog window. CTRL and the S key opens the Save window. CTRL and V allows the user to paste an item that has been copied from the Clipboard. CTRL with the X key cuts an object or selection and moves it to the Clipboard. CTRL and Z will undo the previous action. CTRL with the F4 key will close the open window. Pressing CTRL, SHIFT, and arrow keys will highlight a portion of text. CTRL and ESC together will open the Start menu. CTRL and F6 key will open the subsequent window in an application.
  
  

ALT Key Combinations

• Pressing ALT and Enter will allow the user to view properties for the highlighted object. ALT and F4 will close the open window or quit an open application. ALT with the SPACEBAR opens a shortcut menu for the active application. ALT with the TAB key switches between open windows. ALT and ESC will cycle among items.
  
  

Windows Logo Key Combinations

• The Windows key pressed by itself will open or close the Start menu. The Windows key with BREAK opens the System Properties window. The Windows key with the D key displays the computer's desktop. The Windows key and the M key minimizes all open windows. The Windows key with Shift and M will restore the windows that are minimized. The Windows key and E will open My Computer. The Windows key with the F key opens the Search for files or folders function. The Windows key with the F1 key will open Windows Help. The Windows key combined with the L key locks the keyboard. The Windows key and the R key opens the Run box. The Windows key with the U key opens Windows Utility Manager.