How to Use a Memory Stick (in Windows XP)

This is a simple and Easy to use step-by-step guide on how to use a memory stick.

Introduction

Memory Sticks, or Flash Disks, or Flash Drives, all refer to the same thing, it is simply a different name.

Memory Sticks are the new way to save files; they are safer, faster, stronger, tougher, and larger, than floppy disks.

We would recommend that if you are thinking of transferring files from University to your home PC, use a memory stick.

The following guide is to help setting up and using your memory stick.

Section A: Setting Up

1. Before you Start

Detach memory stick cap / Extend tab, whichever is appropriate.

E.g. Cap Attached / Cap Detached – Style of Stick may vary

2. First Time Use - Checking Windows and Drivers at home

If you are using your memory stick at University then the drivers should already be installed, thus your stick should function correctly, and you can skip forward to Step 3.

If you are using Windows XP or 2000, or have successfully installed your memory stick already, then skip forward to Step 3, otherwise if you are using

Windows 95, 98, then you should do as follows:

You must first install the ‘Driver’s’ before the memory stick will function properly, this can usually be done in one of two ways:-

• From a CD provided

• Downloaded from the Internet

The CD method is far simpler. In this case, simply insert the CD and follow the onscreen instructions.

To Download the driver from the internet please consult the memory stick documentation for address, or alternatively simply search the internet for the driver.

Note: The Memory stick may function correctly without installing the driver separately, this is probably because it has already received the information it needs from another source or has downloaded it from the internet.

I would like to say that this is a generic way to install a flash disk and some disk installations may vary. If in any doubt follow the instructions provided with the flash disk.

3. Insert Memory Stick

Now the Memory stick can be inserted into your PC.

It must be inserted into an empty USB port, like this located usually on the front of the PC

To insert simply ensure the stick is the right way up and push memory stick into slot until it stops, If you cannot insert the stick turn it around horizontally and try again.

4. Windows Checking

The PC you are using should then recognise that a memory stick has been inserted and will display several boxes informing you that it has recognised your memeory stick.

These will disappear after a few moments so don't worry, just wait and let the computer recognise the new device.

The computer should then add an extra Drive to your My Computer This is usually labelled as removable disk and it can be any letter not taken up by any other drive.

To get to My Computer, starting from the Desktop simply double click with the left mouse button on the My Computer icon, and the window will appear

And there you have it, the new drive can now be accessed and used the same as any other drive, the (C:) hard disk or (A:) floppy disk.

If nothing appears and the PC doesn't recognise the new drive,

Contact the Technical Assistants in 2D16 at Glenside or email them on glenhelp@uwe.ac.uk

Thank you, and safe saving

Section B: To Save or Open your work

Depending on what type of program you are using will depend on what you have to do to save your work.

At Home

If you are at home and using your memory stick you should be able to save and open files straight to the memory stick from within most programs. Simply save files by going to File then Save As, then changing the Save in: box to the memory stick, which can be selected from the drop down list, and then click Save. Similarly click on File Open to open the file.

At School or College

We recommend that when you save or open your work you should always do it from your own personal (H:) drive and then when transporting your work make a copy and transfer the desired files across to your memory stick.

Not only does this make it safer, as the H: drive is less corruptible, but also makes it quicker as the computer can access the H: drive faster than the memory stick.

To save your work to your H: drive, from whichever program you are using, click on File, Save As, then finding the destination of where to save the file (Usually this defaults to My Documents, thus the H: drive), choosing a filename, and pressing OK, or Save.

How to Copy Files to your memory stick

Open up your My Documents (or wherever the documents are saved)

Select the files you wish to copy by using the Left Mouse Button Click, (to select multiple files hold down Ctrl and select another file).

Then Click on Edit, then Copy.

Then Navigate to your F: Drive by opening up, My Computer and going to the (F:) drive (assuming Section A has been completed).

The click on Edit, Paste, and the files you selected should then be copied onto your Memory Stick.

NOTE: The reverse for this procedure is also true, thus you can copy files from your flash disk onto your (H:) drive, in the same way.

Section C: Removing Memory Stick

Once you have finished your work you must do the following before removing your memory stick, failure to follow this procedure may make your memory stick unusable.

Left Click on the Removable Hardware Icon in the right hand corner of the screen.

Select, and then click the option, Stop USB Device (F:)

A message like this should appear.

Now you can remove your memory stick from the machine.

Care of USB Memory Sticks

Avoid contact with extremes of heat, cold, magnetic fields and liquids.

All memory sticks come with a cap to protect the electrical contacts - Use it!

Take care not to leave your memory stick in a PC.

Label your memory stick so it's easily recognisable as yours.

Memory sticks are cheap and easy to replace, your data may not be! Have you got a backup?

Ensure that you remove the memory stick in the correct way by stopping it first