What's the logic behind the Ctrl-Tab order in Internet Explorer 7?

Question

Using Ctrl+Tab in Internet Explorer 7 (on Windows XP) seems to follow no sequence that I can work out.

Using Shift+Ctrl+Tab even jumps around with no clear logic in what tab order is being followed.

It doesn't even work to the reverse as expected from using it in other programs, such as Firefox.

Please explain to me how this key combo works in IE7 because I can't figure it out.

Bonus question: Since I can't edit the "advanced properties", is there another way to specifically change this single thing? I'm not going to try hacking the corporate machinery, but this thing drives me nuts and slows me down.

SLaks · Answer 1 · 2010-03-23 12:33:49Z

up vote 5 down vote accepted

IE 7's Ctrl+Tab switches to the tab that was last focused, not the tab to the right.

This is controlled by the Use most recent order when switching tabs with Ctrl+Tab checkbox in the Advanced tab in Internet Options.

answered Mar 23 '10 at 12:33

SLaks
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	Oh, and if someone happens to prefer the "most recently used" tab other - I do myself - here is a way to have it in Firefox: addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1122 – Jørn Schou-Rode Mar 23 '10 at 13:43
	Gah! The advanced settings are disabled, so I can't change this. Horrible..... but still, thanks for providing the correct answer! – Torben Gundtofte-Bruun Mar 23 '10 at 14:26

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Nick G · Answer 2 · 2010-03-23 12:25:34Z

up vote 0 down vote

You might find this relevant, and also note that you can change the behavior in advanced settings: http://www.ie-vista.com/tabs.html

answered Mar 23 '10 at 12:25

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2 Answers