Take a look at the following example.
A folder called "Class Reports" has been created. We wish to move the file "Report, May 1, 1998" into that folder. To do this, simply click-and-drag the file into the folder. (you don't even need the window open) Here is the result.
However, what if we wanted to COPY the item into the "Class Reports" folder? Since we were moving from one location to another location on the SAME drive (C: drive), the computer assumes we wish to move the file. To counter this, instead of dragging the item with the left mouse button, drag it with the RIGHT mouse button into the folder. When you release it, you should get a shortcut menu like this.
If you choose "Copy Here", the computer makes a copy of the file and places it in the folder. (NOTE: the files are independent of one another. Changing one file does not affect the other.)
An alternate method in this case to the right-drag is to hold down the [CTRL] key while dragging the file. Your pointer will show a + trailing it, indicating a copy. It is CRUCIAL that you do NOT let up the [CTRL] key until the copied item is in place. Otherwise, the computer will treat it as moving the file. Click here to see a video demo of a file being copied. (48K)
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