Dragging and dropping text, windows, or files in Windows XP can prove cumbersome for some people. You have to move the mouse pointer while the left mouse button is held down, and if you accidentally release the mouse button during the drag, accidents can occur:

* Files can accidentally be dropped into the trash can.

* Text in a word processing document can appear as a scrap item on the desktop.

* Files can be moved to inadvertent folders.

If you find dragging and dropping difficult, Windows XP has a feature called "ClickLock". This feature allows you to drag and drop items without having to keep the mouse pointer held down while moving the mouse. Once turned on, you merely have to keep the mouse button held down a second or two when selecting an item to move. Afterwards, you can release the mouse and move your item. Click once again and the item drops to its destination.

1. First, open Windows XP's Mouse Control Panel.

2. On the "Mouse Properties" multi-tabbed dialog box that follows, select the "Buttons" tab.

3. Underneath "ClickLock", click the "Turn on ClickLock" button.

4. If desired, click the "Settings" button. This lets you adjust the amount of time you must keep the mouse button held down before Windows XP recognizes you wish to drag and drop an item. I recommend not moving this all the way to "Short". If you do, Windows XP may then accidentally think you wish to drag and drop items when you merely click them. However, feel free to experiment.

5. When done, press "OK" to close the dialog box(es).

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