These instructions show you how to delete a batch of files or email messages from your email inbox from your computer all at once. This is quite a time saver when managing files, folders and email messages.

Overview: On any windows PC, to delete more that one file (or email message in the inbox of the email application), hold down the control key [Ctrl] on the keyboard until you have highlighted the files (file icons) or email messages (by date, subject or sender) you want to delete. When all items have been highlighted, then press the delete key to place those files in the "Recycle Bin" (or your email trash folder). You then have to empty the "Recycle Bin" (or empty the trash folder using your email application, the folder may be titled differently depending on what email application you use) to actually delete those files/messages from your hard drive.

To do this, follow these steps:

1. Press the [Ctrl] key down on the keyboard and continue holding it down with one finger.

2. Then, with your other hand, use the mouse to single click the file (or inbox email message). This will highlight that item for deletion. Continue to hold the control key down until you have clicked and highlighted all of the files (or email messages) you want to delete as a batch.

3. Let go of the control key (the files or email messages should still be highlighted).

4. Press the [Delete] key or (click the delete icon on your email tool bar). All the items you picked will go into the trash.

5. You still have to empty the trash to completely delete the files from the trash bin on the desktop (or the trash folder on the email client's local folder list).

PS: If (while holding down the [Ctrl] key) you accidentally click anything other than a file (or an email message within the inbox message area) it will de-highlight everything you designated to delete. You will have to start over at step 1.

Also, if after you have clicked a file (or mail message) to highlight it for deletion, and you change your mind and want to keep it, just click that file (or mail message) again and it de-highlight's it so it will not be part of the batch of files (or messages) designated to be deleted.