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Organize, Organize, Organize! Did you ever want to just delete everything on your computer and start over but you can’t because you actually need some of the stuff there? Are you looking for a way to organize the mess? Here’s how to make folders to organize your files.

You may not know it but the venerable old filing cabinet was the inspiration for how computers are setup today. And just like in an old fashioned filing cabinet the key to organizing things is to use folders to put like things in together. Here's how to make a folder:

Choose a place you'd like to place your new folder. In this example I'll be making a new folder in my "My Documents" folder which, if you are logging in using your first.last name log-in, is a network folder that exists on a server in Chet's room. You could also be making a folder on your C: drive or in your "My Pictures" or on your desktop or inside any existing folder.

The first step is to go to the place where you want to create the new folder. Then go to the word "File" at the top of that window and select "New" and then "Folder"

This menu will also appear if you right click in the spot where you want to create the folder.

Once the new folder appears you will have to name it (unless you want it to always be called “New Folder”) by typing in the new name of the folder. If the computer won’t let you just type in a name for the folder, right click on the folder and select “Rename” from the list that appears.

To move items into your new folder all you have to do is drag and drop them over or cut and paste them. You can create folders inside of folders for even more organization.

PRACTICE ACTIVITY: Try making a new folder today and rename it. If you don’t want the folder after you have created it just right click on the folder and select “Delete” from the menu.

TO KEEP ON LEARNING: If you'd like to learn more about working in the Microsoft Windows Operating System try searching the internet for:

Microsoft Windows Tutorial

Making folders

Organizing your computer