I found this in a few different places around the 'net - hopefully it's helpful:
Get Fast Access to System Settings
You don't have to pass through Control Panel to get to the System Properties dialog box.
- Hold down the Windows key and press Break to open this handy dialog box immediately.
No Windows key?
- Create a shortcut to Sysdm.cpl (you'll find it in the %systemroot%\System32 folder) and place it anywhere in the Programs menu. Then open the shortcut's Properties dialog box and assign it an easy-to-remember keyboard shortcut such as Ctrl+Alt+Shift+S.
- Some laptop keyboards may have separate keys for Break and Pause, and you may find this dialog box opens if you hold the Windows key and press Pause.