Browser Window Recycling

Know what I hate? Anchovies on my pizza and recycled browser windows. You don't know what a recycled browser window is you say? Let's illustrate this idea with an example.

You have a web page open that you're checking out. An e-mail comes in and you decide to switch to your e-mail program. As you check out the new e-mail, you see a friend has sent you a link to a cool web page. So, you click the link and it loads in place of the page you were originally looking at. You catch yourself yelling, "Hey, stop! I was lookin' at that!"

Sure, you can always hit your Back button to go back to your original page, but wouldn't it be nicer if the e-mail link would just open up in a new window?

Good news- it can with just a couple of clicks of your mouse!

1. Open up Explorer and select the Tools menu, Internet Options.

2. Under the Advanced tab, look for the Browsing section. Now, look for a check box labeled "Reuse windows for launching shortcuts". Uncheck that puppy and you're all set.

Oh, here's a note - If you're using a pre 5.0 version of Explorer, you're looking to check (not uncheck) a checkbox labeled "Browse in a new process". I know, it's cryptic, but that's what it's called. Also, your Internet Options on older versions of Explorer may be under the view menu. I don't remember for sure...

Posted in: Internet Tips