An Introduction to Renaming and Movement of Files
A computer file is a computer resource for collecting and storing data in a computer storage device, normally identified by its file name. Just like words are written on paper, similarly data can be written in a computer file.
A folder is a group of files. In computers, each folder generally contains files, other folders, or both. Folders are a way to arrange the files into groups that make sense. We can rename or move a file or folder just by using rename and movement commands in computers.
Renaming of File and Folders
In computing, rename is defined as the process of changing the name of a file. This is generally done manually by using a shell command such as ren or mv.
Renaming a file
Steps Involved to Rename a File or a Folder
The following are the steps involved to rename a file or a folder.
Step 1. Firstly, click on the File Explorer icon on the computer system.
Icon of File Explorer
Step 2. Go to the location where data is stored in files or folders.
Location of the Folder
Step 3. Then right click on the name of the file or folder you want to rename as per your requirement.
Renaming a folder
Step 4. Click on the rename option (on the menu that opens up).
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Rename option
Step 5. Type a new name for the file and press Enter.
Why Do We Rename Files?
There are various advantages of renaming a file and some of which are as follows:
It reduces any kind of confusion while searching any files.
It helps to find any kind of files even years after without any problem.
It also helps in organising, keeping track of data, and sharing of data very easily.
Movement of Files or Folders
File movement refers to the exchange of data files between computer systems. File transfer is known as the process of copying or moving a file from one computer to another over a network or internet connection. It makes the process of sharing, transferring, or transmitting a file or any data object between different users or computers both locally and remotely.
Steps Involved in the Movement of a File or a Folder
METHOD 1:
Step 1. Firstly, click on the File Explorer icon on the computer system.
Icon of File Explorer
Step 2. Go to the location where data is stored in files or folders.
Step 3. Then click on the name of the file or folder you want to move as per your requirement.
Step 4. Click on the Home tab at the top (on the ribbon).
Step 5. Click on the Move to button.
Move of a File to New Location
Step 6. Click Choose Location.
Step 7. Go to the location you want to move for this folder.
Step 8. Click Move.
New Location of File
METHOD 2:
Step 1. Firstly click on the File Explorer icon on the computer system.
Step 2. Go to the location where data is stored in files or folders.
Step 3. Click on the name of the file or folder you want to move.
Step 4. Hold down the right mouse button and drag the file or folder to the location you wish to move.
Things to Remember
Moving a file refers to moving original files and folders from one location to another. It helps to change the destination of the file and folder without making a duplicate of it.
Moving is different from copying as in copying a duplicate file and folder is made but this does not happen in the moving option.
If a file is in use, Windows will not allow the renaming of the file.
One should not change the file extension of a file when renaming the file.
Summary
From this article, we discussed the renaming and movements of files from one location to another. We briefly discussed the different methods and steps through which one can do the renaming and movements of files. These two options play a crucial role as it makes the organisation of data easy and more sorted. Also, with the two options one can rename the file as per the requirement and move it to the particular location as per the need of the individual.
Learning by Doing
Choose the correct answer
1. Which command is used to change the file name?
Ren
Rename
Both A and B
True/False
2. Can one remove multiple files at the same time?
3.________________ shortcut key is used to rename a file.
Sample Questions
1. Choose the CORRECT option:
What is the shortcut key to rename a file?
F5
F3
F4
F2
Ans: D. F2 is the shortcut key to do the renaming of a file or a folder.
2. True/False
Is copying and renaming options the same?
Ans: False! This is because when we select the copy option, in that case, a duplicate file or folder is created but this does not happen in the case of the move option.
FAQs on Renaming and Movements of Files - How to Rename or Move Files?
1. What are the two ways in which we can easily rename a file or folder?
The two ways to rename a file or folder are as follows:
Firstly, right-click on the item and select the Rename option, or select the file or folder and then simply press the F2 key.
Write the new name and after that press Enter or click the Rename option.
2. What does the movement of files mean?
File movement refers to the exchange of data files between computer systems. File transfer is known as the process of copying or moving a file from one computer to another over a network or internet connection.
3. What does the rename of files mean?
Rename is defined as the process of changing the name of a file. This is generally done manually by using a shell command such as ren or mv.
