Overview
Abbreviations
Examples

Internet Explorer has a feature that replaces text entered in the address bar based upon a registry setting. For example, its possible to type in 'kb q198279' (without the quotes), and have IE generate the URL to display the knowledge base article Q198279. It does this by replacing 'kb' with another string containing a placeholder for the remaining arguments. This feature saves typing URLs and reduces the number of pages visited to get the results you're after. BTW Firefox and Maxthon have this functionality built into their user interface.

SearchURL.reg contains settings that will allow easier searching of the websites listed below. Click the link, then either choose to save the file to disk (you should do this so that you can review it) or choose to run it from this location. If your organisation blocks the download of .reg files, then use this link (copy the text and paste it into a .reg file). If you review SearchURL.reg, you'll easily recognise the syntax all be able to create your own abbreviations for your favourites sites.

These are the abbreviations that I've used.

If you know of any other IT related sites that would be easier to search by way of an abbreviaton, please let me know and I'll add them to SearchURL.reg

The examples below show how to use the abbreviations

Note: Microsoft have changed the way articles are referenced. The new URL is:-
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=n where n is the identification number of the article.

Because this new URL does not accept article ID's in the old format (with a leading Q), I'm continuing to use the old URL as this works with or without a leading Q.

Microsoft's website will continue to accept the old URL until around November 2004. Once the new format has become established I'll start using the new URL in SearchURL.reg and in any case, well before November 2004.