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Windows XP |
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Introduction to Windows XP File Management |
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Organizing Your Files in FoldersWindows XP provides a ready-made folder called My Documents (accessible from the desktop or Start menu), which points to the default location where files are stored (e.g., C:\Documents and Settings\username\My Documents). You can use this default location as a starting point for creating a hierarchy of folders or you can create your own main folder and set "My Documents" to point to that location. Whether you use the Windows XP default location or specify your own, "My Documents" is the place where files are saved. Once the default has been established, you can also create additional folders within any program you use. Creating a Hierarchy of Folders Within the Default "My Documents" FolderTo create a subfolder of the My Documents folder, do the following.
How to Establish Your Own Default LocationRather than "bury" your files in the location specified by the Windows operating system, you might want to create your own top-level folder and point to that location as the "My Documents" default. The instructions below assume you'd like to create a top-level folder called MyFiles on the C: drive. Creating the Top-Level Folder
Changing the Default "My Documents" LocationMake sure you've created the top-level folder as described above and then do the following.
Once you've established the MyFiles folder as the "My Documents" target location you can add folders within that folder by following the instructions given in the "Creating a Hierarchy of Folders Within the Default 'My Documents' Folder" section above. Alternatively, you can add folders from within any program you use, as described below. How to Create a New Folder from Within a ProgramYou can also create folders within the default "My Documents" folder from the "Save As" dialog box in any program.
Finding FilesIf you can't remember where you saved a file, you can usually search for the file within the program you're using. In Office 97/2000/XP programs (Word, Excel, etc.) you can use the "Office Assistant" (e.g., Microsoft Word Help) to find instructions. In other programs, you may have to use a different Help feature to locate instructions for finding a file. You can also
use the Windows search feature to locate a file. Click
the Start button on the Taskbar and choose Search to display
the Search Results window (see Figure 1, below). Then make selections
in the Search Companion dialog bubble, starting with "What do you
want to search for?". When you're ready to begin the search, click
the Search button (which will be located at the bottom
of the dialog bubble). The files found will be listed in right panel of the window. Make a note of the location of the file when you find it. Then, if you want to open the file immediately you can double-click the filename. Note that the "Search Results" window will remain on the desktop until you close it (i.e., opening the file you were looking for doesn't close the dialog box). How to Copy, Move and Rename Files and FoldersYou can copy, move, or rename files and folders from any window or dialog box that contains folder and/or file icons (or lists folders and/or files) to any other window or dialog box that contains folder and/or file icons (or lists folders and/or files). This can be a Microsoft Explorer window or a Word "Open" dialog box, for example. How to Move or Copy a FileMicrosoft Office Example
"Send to Floppy" ShortcutTo copy a file to a floppy disk, follow Steps 1-3 (above), then click Send to on the pop-up menu and select 3-1/2" floppy (A:) from the cascading menu that appears.How to Rename a FileMicrosoft Office ExamplePlease note that the right-click cut/copy-and-paste procedure is the same no matter what file/folder window you're in. |
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August 28, 2003 |
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ITR's technology training guides are the property of California State University, Northridge. They are intended for non-profit educational use only. Please do not use this material without citing the source. |
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