Windows XP little know shortcut key makes for a good afternoon prank!
Written by Karl L. Gechlik | AskTheAdmin.com on May 30, 2008 – 9:09 am -
AskTheAdmin loves covering helpful, useful shortcuts to help you do tedious tasks more efficiently. BUT today on this gloriously beautiful Friday morning we have a quick Windows XP key-combo that will flip your screen upside down.
Actually we were thinking more along the lines of flipping someone else’s screen upside down…
It is as easy as holding down Control + Alt + The Down Arrow… Hey wait before you hit it and get all screwey don’t you want to know how to un-do it? Hey… I’m talking to you…
Fine when you come back looking for the answer it is simply Control + Alt + The Up Arrow to undo it.
As always AskTheAdmin staff asks you to be responsible in playing pranks on co-workers, friends or loved ones as people get frustrated they get angry. So if someone winds up causing bodily harm to you and or a computer we take no responsibility for it…
But we do want to see pictures! 
What do you think?
Tags: General
Posted in General |
By Jay on May 30, 2008 | Reply
Hi Admin,
a lot of the keyboard shortcuts don't work for me, like this one. doesn't do
anything but send the down arrow click to whatever app i'm on. even tried it w/
all apps minimized. I'm on a thinkpad t61. any thoughts?
By AskTheAdmin on May 30, 2008 | Reply
Does control c or control v work for you? What about Windows + D.? Do the Control and Alt keys work on your machine?
By El Di Pablo on May 30, 2008 | Reply
I love it! I am so doing this to my coworkers today!
By Michael on May 30, 2008 | Reply
I hope you come back and tell us how it goes!
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By AskTheAdmin on May 30, 2008 | Reply
Remember don't try this on anyone bigger than you.
By Randy on May 30, 2008 | Reply
Doesn't work for me either. All other suggestions do work.
By AskTheAdmin on May 30, 2008 | Reply
I just received additional information on this. This tip works on machines with an INTEL video driver. Meaning if you are using an ATI video card or something other than INTEL it won't work unless you are running XP Tablet Edition. See the information below:
The Ctrl-Alt-Direction key sequence is supposed to be used for
changing your workspace. On my computer at work it changes the screen
orientation.
Ctrl-Alt-Up - right side up
Ctrl-Alt-Right - 90 degrees
Ctrl-Alt-Down - 180 degrees
Ctrl-Alt-Left - 270 degrees
(If that doesn't work, try Ctrl-Shift-R)
This is a feature in Windows XP Tablet PC Edition. Which makes sense. But it looks like ATI
Intel copied the keystroke for the same “feature” in their video card
drivers. I can't think of a good reason why I would need an always-on
keystroke for this on a desktop PC.
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By Joel on May 30, 2008 | Reply
Now I get it…was wondering why its not working in the XP in my workplace…
By Vaibhav Jain on May 30, 2008 | Reply
Well Admin, that is again known, but only works with Intel Graphics. Not with other like Nvidia. What has happened to you admin, you seem to be like talking of some simple kiddish stuff.
By Vandeep on May 30, 2008 | Reply
Admin said two comments up what the deal was. But I for one love the tip and found it very funny. As for your site everything is very simple and known. Lets talk about changing page orientation in word 2007. LMFAO My 5 year old can do that.
Oh and Kiddish - that is not even close to being a real word. I think you meant CHILDISH
By AskTheAdmin on May 30, 2008 | Reply
Wow what happened to you TechieDen dude? You used to be cool.
If you don't like my site get the fluck off the web! Don't make me come looking for you Brooklyn Style!
By YourMamma on May 30, 2008 | Reply
Control Alt left and right turn my screen to either side. Very cool tips. Works on my office computer with an integrated video card.
By ROHIT on May 30, 2008 | Reply
for it to work you need to enable hot keys
By Vaibhav on May 31, 2008 | Reply
I never meant to say , what you took it as. I take Admin as The Real world admin, we learn from you. We expect something much of higher level and niche that even we might not be aware of. Yes, my website is targeted to basic computer knowledge, but you Admin, you are followed by high computer experts.
I am sorry if everybody is so much Buzzed by what i commented.
I truly still follow you and really like your tips on computing and windows.
I seriously want to take my words back. But i will still follow you as you provide some super cool and informative stuff over the net.
Three cheers for you
By AskTheAdmin on May 31, 2008 | Reply
Aw shucks now i feel bad!
Sorry we have a habit of taking criticism with a grain of salt. We will try to live up to these high expectations you have for AtA and hope we will not disapoint you again!
If you are interested in submitting your tips/tricks to us we have no problem with letting you guest blog.
We have MAD LOVE for all of our readers. No matter what they have to say! Don't take our words to heart Vaibhav!!
By Michael on May 31, 2008 | Reply
Sorry for the mis-understanding! I hope there are no had feelings! Things just have been very tense around these parts with the impending upgrades.
Your still cool Vaibhav
By Jay on May 31, 2008 | Reply
ctrl c & v work, so does windows + D (show desktop). and yes, ctrl & alt keys are functional. is there any way to see if another application has mapped this shortcut?
By Jay on May 31, 2008 | Reply
ahh. i've got an nvidia card.
By technoob on Jun 1, 2008 | Reply
This shortcut doesn't work for me either. I am using the XP home edition. Maybe it works for only the XP professional edition.
By Vaibhav Jain on Jun 1, 2008 | Reply
Hey Admin, Now now you will force me take a drop off my eye. Everything is Fine, Just want to Shift Del this phase on your blog.
As far as Guest Blogging is concerned, Thanx a ton for calling me to this platform, I will certainly do this. as you have called me in, I have to raise my level and then come back to you.
I hope you dont mind that.
By Rick on Jun 2, 2008 | Reply
Yet another article that should've been researched better before posted…
By Ninja Admin on Jun 2, 2008 | Reply
Way to complain Rick! How have you contributed today?
By AskTheAdmin on Jun 2, 2008 | Reply
In all fairness I should have tested it on more machines than just mine and the wifes. We have taken on a permanent editor that should clear up this kind of snafus.
Thanks go to the 126 people that pointed out that this will only work on intel embedded video cards by default else where it needs to be configured as a hot key from your video card.