Absolute Beginners Guide to Computer Basics (2nd Edition)

Now it's time to address the most common things you do with files copying and moving them from one location to another. These operations, like most file operations, can be accessed directly from the Tasks pane in any Windows folder.

It's important to remember that copying is different from moving. When you copy an item, the original item remains in its original location plus you have the new copy. When you move an item, the original is no longer present in the original location all you have is the item in the new location.

The Easy Way to Copy

To copy a file or a folder with Windows XP, follow these steps:

  1. Select the item you want to copy.

  2. Select Copy This File from the File Tasks list; this opens the Copy Items dialog box, shown in Figure 6.7.

    Figure 6.7. Use the Copy Items dialog box to copy a file or folder.

  3. Navigate to and select the new location for the item.

  4. Click the Copy button.

tip

If you want to copy the item to a new folder, click the New Folder button before you click the Copy button.

That's it. You've just copied the file from one location to another.

Other Ways to Copy

The method just presented is just one of many ways to copy a file. Windows XP provides several other methods, including:

  • Pull down the File menu and select Copy (or Copy to Folder), then paste to the new location.

  • Right-click a file and select Copy from the pop-up menu, then paste to the new location.

  • Right-click a file and select Send To from the pop-up menu, then select a location from the choices listed.

  • Hold down the Ctrl key and then use your mouse to drag the file or folder from one location to another within the My Documents or My Computer folders.

  • Drag the file or folder while holding down the right mouse button. When you drop the file into a new location, you see a pop-up menu that asks whether you want to move it or copy it. Select the copy option.

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