With Windows Vista, it is not necessary to launch the Run dialogue box to execute certain programs and commands. Instead, click on the Start button and just start typing. The search box at the bottom of the Start menu can be used to search for files, track down shortcuts or launch frequently used tools, such as the Registry Editor (type 'regedit') or the System Configuration utility (type 'msconfig').

The search box does not maintain a list of previously typed commands, but this can be accessed by launching the old-style Run dialogue by pressing the Windows key and R simultaneously.