Copying and Moving Files

Copying and moving files are essential to any PC related task. This guide will briefly instruct how to use the Copy and Cut functions as well as the difference between the two functions.

Copy vs. Cut

As it's name suggests, the Copy function takes a selection of files and duplicates them to a destination you select. Think of it like faxing a document. When you send a document via fax, you keep the original copy, but an exact duplicate is sent to your intended recipient.

The Cut function works in a similar way, but it does not keep an original copy of the file. Think of it as sending a document through the mail. Once the document is sent you no longer have access to the document.

Be careful when using the Cut function, especially when working with large files. It is possible that a file move can fail and the original files would be lost. IT recommends using the copy function when possible, and then deleting the unused files.

Using the Copy and Cut Functions

  1. Locate the folder where your orignal file(s) are using the start menu.  If they are on your computer, they are most likely in your User folders (Documents, Pictures, etc.) (1). If they are are on a removable device or server, you will want to look through the "Computer" location (2).

2. Select the files or folders you wish to move or Copy. If you wish to select everything, press and hold the CTRL key (1) and press A while still holding down CTRL. If you only wish to select a few files, hold CTRL and click each file without releaseing CTRL. Selected files and folders will turn blue as seen below.

3. Right click one of the selected documents. A contextual menu pops up including the options Cut and Copy. Click the option you would like to use and then navigate to the folder or drive you wish the files to be sent to. Once you are there, right click the window and select Paste .

Instead of right-clicking the selected documents, you may also use the below keyboard shortcuts:

(CTRL+A): Select all               (CTRL + X): Cut               (CTRL + C): Copy               (CTRL + V): Paste

Make sure you do not use the Paste Shortcut function as it will not copy your files. If the original file is deleted or otherwise unavailable, the shortcut will no longer work.

4. Once you have selected Paste, a window will come up to show the progress of the file transfer. Once it finishes you may use the files in the new location.

Opening files or ejecting USB drives while a file transfer is taking place can result in data loss. Ensure that all file transfers are finished before doing anything with the files.