USB storage key 1

[shaner66]

My GF is getting a new Dell and is getting a USB key instead of a floppy drive. I haven't had the opportunity to play around with a USB key yet, so I'm not positive on how exactly to use it.

I know all about USB, but my question is how can I send something to the USB key? Will it show up as a drive letter in "My Computer?" Also, if I'm in MS Word, can I save a file directly to the USB key like I could with floppies, or do I have to save it to the HDD first, then send it to the USB key?

Thanks.

 

[bcastner]

It shows up as a drive letter. It acts exactly like any other drive in Windows. You can copy, delete, rename, etc. just like any other drive device.

They are way cool.

 

[bcastner]

Before I forget, if your girlfriend sticks the key into another XP machine it will be recognized automaticly, and she can then use the key in this fashion to copy from one machine to another, though be a little careful as it may not always have the same drive letter between machines.

 

[shaner66]

Ok, that's what I figured, but I wanted to find out before she got the thing and asked me, because I know she will.

Thanks a lot man, I haven't been here long, but you are easily one of the most helpful people on this board.

One more thing, can I save directly to the key from within a program, such as Excel, or Word? Or do I have to save to the Hard Drive first, then copy it over?

 

[bcastner]

You can save directly, but watch out if any special macros or default (e.g. normal.dot) settings are used.

 

[bcastner]

By the way, thank you for your kind words.

Bill

 

[AtlantaTerry]

When you want to remove a floppy or CD you push a button.

With a USB Key media you do the same but this time by pushing an electronic button.

Look down at the lower right corner of your screen near the time. After you insert the USB Key you will see an icon featuring a large green arrow.

Click once and your USB Key will show up. Click twice and all such devices will show up. (On my Windows 2000 PC it says, "Stop USB Mass Storage Device (G" since my key is assigned G:, yours may be different.

When you select your USB Key by clicking on it the system performs a virtual Eject. Just like when File Manager/Explorer ejects a CD.

Be sure to go thru this extra step so your system won't become "Confused".

Terry Thomas
PC Tech Support
Atlanta, Georgia USA