How to Create Folders in Windows XP

Windows XP uses folders, also known as directories, to store related files and documents. A folder can be renamed, deleted, moved to another folder or hard disk, or opened so files can be added, changed, or removed. You can also create folders in a specific drive or on the desktop.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Specific drive

1. Click on the "Start" button and choose "My Computer" from the popup. The "My Computer" window appears.

2. Double-click the drive letter in which you want to create a folder. The drive letter expands to show the contents of the drive.

3. From the "File" menu, choose "New" and then "Folder." A folder entitled "New Folder" appears at the end of the folder list. If you don't see this folder, scroll the window to the bottom of the list.

4. Enter a new name for the folder. If the name is not automatically highlighted to accept changes, right-click on the folder and select "Rename" from the popup menu. The name can contain letters, numbers, dashes (-) and spaces.

5. To alphabetize the newly-named folder into the list, click on the "Name" label at the top of the window. You may need to scroll the window to find the folder after it is sorted by name.

6. Alternatively, create a new folder by right-clicking in any folder area and selecting New>Folder.

Desktop

7. Right-click on any blank area of the desktop until a popup appears.

8. Choose "New" and then "Folder." A folder called "New Folder" appears near the cursor.

9. Enter a new name for the folder. Drag the folder to a convenient location on the desktop.

Tips & Warnings

• Note that many--but not all--programs allow you to create folders in their "Save" or "Save As" dialog boxes.

References

• All about folders