How to Create a Directory in Windows XP

Directories, also called folders, allow you to organize your data in Windows XP. For example, you could organize a collection of pictures stored on your computer by creating directories with meaningful names, such as Family, Friends and Vacation, then moving each picture into the corresponding directory. You can create a directory or folder in Windows XP anywhere on your computer's hard drive, but it is common to create directories in the "My Documents" folder so that it is easy to remember where they are.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button, then click the "My Documents" icon on the Start menu. This will open the My Documents window.

2. Navigate through My Documents to the place where you want to create a new directory. For example, to create a directory for pictures, navigate to the "My Pictures" folder in My Documents.

3. Click to highlight the directory in which you want to create a new directory. For example, to create a new directory inside the My Pictures directory, click the "My Pictures" icon to highlight it.

4. Click the "File" link in the menu bar of the My Documents window, then click the "New" link to open a context menu. Click the "Folder" link in the context menu. This will cause a new folder icon to appear in the right-side pane of the My Documents window. The new folder will be named New Folder.

5. Right click the icon that is named New Folder and select the "Rename" link from the context menu. The name of the new folder will now be highlighted so that you can type in the name you have chosen for it. When you have done so, the new directory creation process is complete.

References

• "Help and Support Center." Microsoft Windows XP Professional. Redmond: Microsoft, 2002. Windows Help file.