Windows Vista
Working with Folders
Folders are storage areas for computer files. They are used to organize files into categories for improving general file management. This document provides basic instructions on how to navigate, create, manage, and delete folders in Windows Vista.
Folder Navigation
Windows Explorer provides a simple folder navigation system used to easily manage your files and folders.
Opening a Folder
-
On the Taskbar, right click START
» select Explore
Windows Explorer opens. -
In the Navigation pane from the Folders list, select the desired drive or folder
The contents of the drive or folder appear within the File list.
Moving Up the Folder Hierarchy
The Address bar contains the path of your current location separated by arrows. In order to move up the folder hierarchy, click on a preceding location until you arrive at the desired location.
Moving Down the Folder Hierarchy
To view a path location's subfolder, click the arrow following the location.
Moving to a Previous Location
The Back button will move you to previous locations you have viewed in the dialog box.
-
On the Toolbar, click BACK
OR
Click any location in the path -
Repeat until you arrive at the desired location
Creating Folders
Creating a new folder is a valuable technique for organizing and separating files.
-
On the Taskbar, right click START
» select Explore
Windows Explorer opens. -
Navigate to the location where you want to create a folder
-
Right click a blank area in the Files list » select New » Folder
The new folder appears in the desired location with a default name highlighted. -
To rename the folder, type the name of the new folder
-
Press [Enter]
The folder is named.
Managing Folders
Copying, deleting, moving, and renaming folders is simple. The steps required to complete these actions are identical to those found in Working with Files.
Deleting Folders
When a folder is no longer necessary, you may delete it.
WARNING: Deleting a folder will delete all its contents. If you have files you want to keep, be sure to save them outside the folder before deleting.
-
On the Taskbar, right click START
» select Explore
Windows Explorer opens. -
Navigate to the location of the folder you want to delete
-
Right click the folder » select Delete
OR
Press [Delete]
A confirmation dialog box appears. -
Click YES
The folder is deleted.
