Step-by-Step Guide to Copying Files Between Drives in Windows 7

Copying files between drives in Windows 7 is a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through each step with detailed instructions to ensure a smooth experience.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure that:

• Both the source (original) and destination (target) drives are connected to your computer.
• There is enough space on the destination drive to accommodate the files you want to copy.

Step 1: Open Windows Explorer

1. Access Windows Explorer:

   • Click the Start button in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
   • Click on Computer.

2. Alternatively:

   • Press the Windows Key + E on your keyboard to open Windows Explorer directly.

Step 2: Locate the Source Drive and Files

1. In Windows Explorer, identify the drive where your files currently reside (source drive).

2. Click on the drive to navigate through folders and locate the specific files or folders you want to copy.

3. If you’re copying specific files:

   • Hold the Ctrl key and click each file you want to copy.
   • For a range of files, click the first file, then hold the Shift key and click the last file in the series.

Step 3: Copy the Files

1. Right-click on the selected files.
2. Choose Copy from the context menu.

   • Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + C on your keyboard after selecting the files.

Step 4: Locate the Destination Drive

1. In the Windows Explorer window, navigate back to Computer by clicking the icon on the left pane or pressing the Backspace key if needed.

2. Identify and click on the destination drive where you wish to copy the files.

3. Navigate to the desired folder within the destination drive where you want to place your copied files.

Step 5: Paste the Files

1. In the destination folder, right-click in the empty space within the folder.

2. Select Paste from the context menu.

   • Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + V to paste the files.

3. The copying process will begin. A dialog box will appear showing the progress of the operation.

Step 6: Verify the Transfer

1. Once the files have been copied, double-check by navigating through the destination folders to ensure all intended files are present.

2. You can compare the file sizes and numbers with those in the source drive to confirm.

Additional Tips

• Canceling a Transfer: If you need to stop the transfer partway, click Cancel in the progress dialog box.
• Copying Large Files: Be patient if you’re transferring large files, as this can take extra time.
• File Permissions: Ensure you have the necessary permissions to copy files to the destination drive, especially if it is a network drive.

By following these steps, you should be able to efficiently copy files between drives in Windows 7. If you encounter any specific issues, consider running Windows Troubleshooter or checking online communities for additional assistance.