Hello: Does anyone know if and how this can be done? I am using windows xp home edition! The keys that I want to disable are the ctrl+w shortcut Thanks

There are third party programs.

Most that I see co$t a little.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&s...p+edit+hotkeys

I would ask, "for what application?" Ctrl + W in Internet Explorer closes the current tab, or if only one tab, the current browser window. In Windows, it closes the current (or in focus) window. In Firefox, it behaves like IE. In Excel, it closes the current workbook. In the Microsoft Management Console (MMC), it opens a new window. In games, it may be something totally different. And certainly, many keyboards have their own set of shortcuts.

So my point is, if you are more specific, we can be too.

I don't know if this is what you want but Ill just throw if out there just in case.

You could try SharpKeys its freeware.

SharpKeys enables you to disable certain keys on a keyboard, or make them act like other keys. For example, you can turn off your CapsLock key, or remap any other key, including F keys and special keys.

Download:
http://www.snapfiles.com/get/sharpkeys.html