CHAPTER 4
Working with Files
Access Drives on Your Computer
Copy Files to a USB Flash Drive
VIEW YOUR FILES
Windows provides several default libraries that allow you to easily access and organize the files you use most often. You can view the contents of the libraries at any time.
PRINT PICTURES
DOCUMENTS LIBRARY
The Documents library allows you to access your letters, reports, presentations, spreadsheets, and other types of documents. Many programs automatically save documents you create in the Documents library.
MUSIC LIBRARY
The Music library allows you to access music and other sound files. When you copy songs from a music CD to your computer or download music from the Internet, the music often appears in the Music library.
PICTURES LIBRARY
The Pictures library typically contains photographs, images, and graphics files. Many programs automatically save pictures you create or edit in this library. When you transfer pictures from a digital camera to your computer, the pictures appear in the Pictures library.
VIDEO LIBRARY
The Video library allows you to access videos. When you download videos from the Internet, the videos often appear in the Video library.
ACCESS DRIVES ON YOUR COMPUTER
You can easily access your hard drive, CD drive, DVD drive, and any other storage devices that are connected to your computer.
ACCESS DRIVES ON YOUR COMPUTER
A USB flash drive is a small, lightweight storage device that plugs into a USB port on your computer. You can use a USB flash drive to easily transfer information between computers. USB flash drives are also known as memory keys, pen drives, thumb drives, and key drives. See “Copy Files to a USB Flash Drive” later in this chapter.
What is a memory card reader?
Most new computers come with a memory card reader, which is a device that reads and records information on memory cards. Memory cards are most commonly used to transfer information between a computer and an external device, such as a digital camera or a video camera.
A memory card reader typically has several slots that enable you to insert memory cards of different sizes from different manufacturers and devices.
CHANGE VIEW OF FILES
You can change the view of files and folders in a window. The view you select determines the way files and folders appear in the window.
CHANGE VIEW OF FILES
EXTRA LARGE ICONS
The Extra Large Icons view displays files and folders as extra large icons.
MEDIUM ICONS
The Medium Icons view displays files and folders as medium-sized icons.
LIST
The List view displays files and folders as small icons arranged in a list.
TILES
The Tiles view displays files and folders as mediumsized icons and provides the file type and size of each file and folder.
LARGE ICONS
The Large Icons view displays files and folders as large icons.
SMALL ICONS
The Small Icons view displays files and folders as small icons.
DETAILS
The Details view displays files and folders as small icons and provides information about each file and folder.
CONTENT
The Content view displays files and folders as mediumsized icons and shows some of the content of each file.
SELECT FILES
Before working with files, you often need to select them. Selected files appear highlighted on your screen.
You can select folders the same way you select files. Selecting a folder selects all the files in the folder.
SELECT FILES
To deselect all the files in a window, click a blank area in the window.
To deselect one file from a group of selected files, press and hold down the 
key as you click the file you want to deselect.
You can also click Home on the Ribbon and, from the Select group, click Select none.
Can I select a group of files without using the keyboard?
Yes. To select a group of files without using your keyboard, position 
the slightly to the left of the first file you want to select. Then drag the diagonally over the files. While you drag , Windows highlights the files that will be selected. Release the mouse button when you finish selecting the files.
RENAME A FILE
You can rename a file to better describe the contents of the file. Renaming a file can help you more quickly locate the file in the future.
You can rename folders the same way you rename files.
RENAME A FILE
OPEN A FILE
You can open a file to display its contents on your screen. Opening a file allows you to review and make changes to the file.
You can open folders the same way you open files.
OPEN A FILE
CREATE A NEW FILE
You can instantly create, name, and store a new file in the location you want without starting any programs.
Creating a new file without starting any programs allows you to focus on the organization of your files rather than the programs you need to accomplish your tasks.
CREATE A NEW FILE
What types of files can I create?
The types of files you can create depend on the programs installed on your computer. By default, programs installed with Windows enable you to create the following types of files.
CREATE A NEW FOLDER
You can create a new folder to help you organize the files stored on your computer.
Creating a new folder is useful when you want to keep related files together, such as the files for a particular project.
Creating a new folder is like placing a new folder in a filing cabinet.
CREATE A NEW FOLDER
DELETE A FILE
You can delete a file you no longer need. The Recycle Bin stores all the files you delete until you empty it.
Before you delete a file, make sure you will no longer need it.
You can delete a folder the same way you delete a file. When you delete a folder, all the files in the folder are also deleted.
DELETE A FILE
RESTORE A DELETED FILE
Located on the Windows desktop, the Recycle Bin stores all the files you have deleted. You can easily restore any file in the Recycle Bin to its original location on your computer.
You can restore folders the same way you restore files. When you restore a folder, Windows restores all the files in the folder.
You can empty the Recycle Bin to create more free space on your computer. When you empty the Recycle Bin, the files are removed and cannot be restored.
RESTORE A DELETED FILE
Why is the file I want to restore not in the Recycle Bin?
The Recycle Bin may not store files you delete from a location outside your computer, such as a file you delete from a network folder or a USB flash drive. Files deleted from these locations may be permanently deleted rather than placed in the Recycle Bin. Also, a file can be too big to store in the Recycle Bin; in this case, Windows warns you before deleting the file.
Can I permanently remove a file from the Recycle Bin?
You may want to permanently remove a file from the Recycle Bin, such as a file that contains confidential information. To permanently remove a file from the Recycle Bin, click the file you want to permanently remove in the Recycle Bin window and then press the 
key. In the confirmation dialog box that appears, click Yes to permanently remove the file.
EMPTY THE RECYCLE BIN
MOVE OR COPY A FILE
You can move or copy a file to a new location on your computer.
When you copy a file, the file appears in both the original and the new locations.
You can move or copy a folder the same way you move or copy a file. When you move or copy a folder, all the files in the folder are also moved or copied.
When you move a file, the file disappears from its original location and appears in the new location.
MOVE A FILE
Why would I want to move or copy a file?
You may want to move a file to a different folder to keep related files in one location. For example, you can move all the files for a particular project to the same folder. You may want to copy a file before you make major changes to it. This will give you two copies of the file: the original file and a file that you can change.
How can I make it easier to move or copy a file?
Before you move or copy a file from one window to another, you may want to display the two windows side by side on your screen. This allows you to clearly see the contents of both windows at the same time so you can more easily move or copy a file between the windows. To display two windows side by side, see Chapter 2.
COPY A FILE
SEARCH FOR FILES
If you do not remember where you stored a file on your computer, you can have Windows search for it.
As you create files on your computer, Windows updates an index to keep track of your files. The index is similar to one you would find at the back of a book.
When you want to find a file on your computer, Windows scans the index instead of searching your entire computer. This allows Windows to perform very fast searches.
SEARCH FOR FILES
What types of files can Windows search for?
Windows searches your personal files, including the files in your Documents, Pictures, and Music libraries, as well as the files on your desktop. Windows also searches your email messages, your list of favorite web pages, and the programs available on your computer. Because Windows searches the programs on your computer, typing a program name into the search box provides a quick way to find a program.
Is there another way to search for files?
Yes. From the Windows desktop, press 
, which displays the Search panel. In the Search text box, type all or part of a filename, or a word or phrase contained in a file. Click 
. A list of files that match your request appears on the left side. The Apps, Settings, and Files icons display the number of search matches. Click the Apps or Settings icons to view the items in those areas that match your search.
ADD A SHORTCUT TO THE DESKTOP
You can add a shortcut to your desktop to provide a quick way of opening a file you regularly use.
A shortcut is an icon, usually displayed on your desktop, that leads directly to a program, file, or web page. During installation, many programs offer to place icons on the desktop for you.
ADD A SHORTCUT TO THE DESKTOP
How do I rename or delete a shortcut?
You can rename or delete a shortcut the same way you would rename or delete a file. Renaming or deleting a shortcut does not affect the original file.
To rename a shortcut, click the shortcut and then press the 
key. Type a new name for the shortcut and then press the 
key.
To delete a shortcut, click the shortcut and then press the key. In the dialog box that appears, click Yes to delete the shortcut.
Can I move a shortcut?
Yes. If you do not want a shortcut to appear on your desktop, you can move the shortcut to a different location on your computer. You can move a shortcut the same way you would move a file. To move a shortcut, position the over the shortcut and then drag it to a new location.
COPY FILES TO A USB FLASH DRIVE
You can copy files stored on your computer to a USB flash drive.
Copying files to a USB flash drive is useful when you want to transfer files between computers. For example, you may want to transfer files between your home and work computers or give a copy of a file to a friend, family member, or colleague.
COPY FILES TO A USB FLASH DRIVE
The message box disappeared before I could click it. How can I open the folder to view the files?
From the Windows desktop, click File Explorer.
In the Navigation pane on the left side, under the section titled Computer, you will see your USB flash drive. The letter assigned to your USB flash drive varies. Click the letter that represents your flash drive. From there you will see the window displaying the drive contents.
How do I copy files stored on a USB flash drive to my computer?
If you want to copy files stored on a USB flash drive to your computer, perform the steps, except drag the files from the USB flash drive to your computer. Windows places copies of the files on your computer.
COPY FILES TO SKYDRIVE
SkyDrive is an online file storage solution Microsoft offers. The SkyDrive Modern UI application allows you to browse and manage the files you have stored online as well as download and upload files.
By using SkyDrive to store your files, you have access to your files wherever you are—at your desk or on the road. You can access your files from most smartphones, tablet PCs, or any computer with Internet access.
To use SkyDrive, you must be logged into Windows using your Microsoft account.
COPY FILES TO SKYDRIVE
What types of files can I store on my SkyDrive?
You can store any file type or size on your SkyDrive, including documents, spreadsheets, pictures, presentations, and music.
Does SkyDrive cost anything?
You get 7 GB of free storage with SkyDrive, which is enough for more than 7,000 photos or 20,000 Office documents.
If you need more than that, you can also purchase additional storage space.
ACCESS SKYDRIVE REMOTELY
If you are at another location and want to access your SkyDrive files, you need your Windows Live password (see Chapter 1) and Internet access.
ACCESS SKYDRIVE REMOTELY
DELETE FILES FROM SKYDRIVE
If you no longer want a file stored on SkyDrive, you can delete it.
Deleting a file from SkyDrive does not delete it from your computer.
DELETE FILES FROM SKYDRIVE
