Flash Drive Instructions for Kids

Flash drives are handy; they're also easy to use.

Flash drives are a type of removable storage. Think of your flash drive as a small hard drive to store, transfer and backup important files. When using a flash drive, you can transfer files such as photos and documents to another computer. Adding files to your flash drive, as well as copying files from your flash drive to your computer, is simple to do, even for kids.

Instructions

Adding Files to Your Flash Drive

1. 

   Typical USB port on a PC.

   Find the USB port on your computer. The USB port is usually located on the back of the computer tower. However, it may be located up front on some newer computers.

2. Connect the flash drive to the USB port.

3. Locate the file(s) you want to add to the flash drive. Right-click on the file and select "Send To."

4. Choose "USB Device" or "Removable Storage" from the list. Wait for the status bar to indicate the transfer is complete.

5. Right-click on the USB icon along the bottom part of your taskbar. Select "Safely Remove Hardware." Wait until the computer tells you it's safe to remove the device before disconnecting it from the computer.

Copying Flash Drive Files to Your Computer

1. Insert the flash drive connection into the USB port. Double-click on "My Computer" or "Computer."

2. Double-click on the icon for your flash drive. This is often drive "F"; however, it is always labeled "Removable Storage."

3. Browse through the files on the flash drive. When you find the one you want to copy to your computer, right-click it and select "Send To." Choose the folder you want to add the file to (such as "My Documents").

4. Right-click on the USB icon along the bottom part of your taskbar. Select "Safely Remove Hardware." Wait until the computer tells you it's safe to remove the device before disconnecting it from the computer.

Tips & Warnings

• You can select multiple files to add to your flash drive, or to copy to your computer, by holding down the "Ctrl" button on your keyboard while clicking on the files.

• It's critical not to disconnect the flash drive without selecting "Safely Remove Hardware." If this is done, you may lose data on your flash drive.

References

• University of Deleware: Flash Drives