Delete only certain files in folder

Basic question: is there a 'quick' way of deleting a column of files (in a folder) w/o selecting each individually (hitting CONTROL) then deleting?

 

One of the ways.......
Use the option to view the files in "details view ".
Click to highlight the first file you wish to delete.
Press your shift key and click on the last file you wish to delete.
All the files in between the first and the last, you choose, will automatically be selected for deletion.

NOTE:
If any in the "now highlighted" list is not something you want deleted you can then use your ctrl key to deselect (remove from the highlighted list) the individual desired files.

You can modify this recipe in any number of ways by sorting the files to best suit your needs. In short, the shift key allows the selection of multiple files at once. This can be as few or as many as you wish.

 

You can also click and drag (ie left click, but don't release then move the mouse and release) to select items. Just like text in a word processor.

 

That doesn't work on my system (XP Pro SP2, Classic/details view). Instead, if released over a .zip file, the system wants to add the first file to the .zip archive. If released over a .exe file, it wants to execute the file. Use goddez1's method ... it should be bullet-proof.

 

Hi Jim,
I think David was referring to a mouse and hold drag near/next to the first file one wished to delete. This produces a box that can be dragged over as many files as you wish to delete. Once all the desired files are highlighted the dangers of a left click drag are the same for both methods. That's why I always right click and select the option of "delete" or use the red "X" delete button I always make a point of adding to my toolbar. I have never trusted a left click drag and always been extra careful when doing so.

If this isn't what David was suggesting then another method has been added to this post and David's suggestion does not work for me either...

 

Hi Ann ...

That's what I like about this BBS ... I learn something new nearly every day. I thought I knew most of Windows' little tricks, but I never had heard of that one.

What dangers? Are you talking about a left-click drag to the Recycle Bin? If so, that strikes me as a cumbersome way to delete files. I never left-click and drag anything in Explorer. I always right-click and drag, as then I have the option of either moving or copying the files/folders.

I have the red "Delete" button on my toolbar (along with an "Undo" button right next to it) but I never use it ... like you, I either right-click and select "Delete" or, more likely, I use the "Delete" key.

 

Howdy again Jim,

I meant this as a all purpose left click drag caution, not just deletions. As yourself, with rare exceptions, I always use right click.

 

As usual, Y'all are a terrific group.... right-on with your solutions.... tx again...

 

jammer--And if the files are not in a column, I hold down Control and hover the cursor over each of the files I want to delete. That highlights those files to be deleted. I now can File|Delete or right click on any one of the highlighted files|Delete.