Internet Explorer 6: Save Time with AutoComplete
Internet Explorer includes a feature called AutoComplete that keeps track of information that you've recently typed, such as Web site addresses, information in forms, and search queries. As you type new information, AutoComplete tries to anticipate what you are typing and offers possible matches. You save time because you don't have to type in the full information—just select AutoComplete's match and go!
On This Page
 | How AutoComplete Works |
| Adjust AutoComplete Settings |
How AutoComplete Works
Say you've recently visited the Web site http://www.microsoft.com and you want to go back. You can type "http://www.mi" or even just "mi" and AutoComplete will fill in the rest of the Web address for you. If you've visited more than one place on a Web site, AutoComplete will present you with a list of places you've been on that site.
AutoComplete list of site matches
Tip: It's not necessary to type the complete Web address including "http://www." and ".com" in the address bar. For example, say you want to go to the MSN Web site at http://www.msn.com. Instead of typing the complete Web address, you can just type "msn" in the address bar and then press Ctrl+ENTER to automatically add "http://www." and ".com" in the Web address.
Adjust AutoComplete Settings
Perhaps AutoComplete is not activated in your browser and you want to turn it on. Or maybe you'd rather not have AutoComplete remember user names and passwords that might let others access sensitive information. You can change these settings in Internet Explorer by following these steps:
1. | On the Internet Explorer Tools menu, click Internet Options. |
2. | In the Internet Options box, click the Content tab, and click the AutoComplete button. The AutoComplete Settings box will appear. |
3. | To turn AutoComplete on, click the boxes next to the types of information you want AutoComplete to remember. For example, you can click the "Web addresses" box if you want AutoComplete to find quick matches for the Web sites that you type into the Internet Explorer Address Bar. When you click an empty box, a check mark will appear to let you know that you have chosen to have AutoComplete remember that type of information. |
4. | If you don't want AutoComplete to remember user names and passwords, you can uncheck the box for User names and passwords on forms Clicking a box that already has a check mark in it will clear the box.
 AutoComplete Settings box |
5. | When you're done choosing your AutoComplete settings, click OK twice. |