Arranging Your Files and Folders

If you’re one who likes to organize your computer files, I have the perfect tip for you today! I will show you a very easy way to arrange your files and folders in Windows XP. By following the steps below, you can change the way your individual files and folders are sorted by using the Arrange Icons option under your My Documents folder. With that, you can sort your files by name, size, file type or date. Then after you sort them, you can arrange them by groups, according to the sorted view. We have a lot to cover, so let’s get started!

1.) First, go to Start, My Documents.

2.) Once you're there, single click on the folder you want to arrange.

3.) Next, go to the toolbar at the top of the page and click View.

4.) Point to Arrange Icons By.

5.) You will then see two groups of options come up, but let's focus on the first one for now. Go ahead and choose the option of your liking: Name, Size, Type or Date Modified.

6.) Now, repeat the process by clicking on the View menu again and pointing to Arrange Icons By. Then choose an arrangement option from the second group of choices you see: Show in Groups, Auto Arrange or Align to Grid.

If you’re confused about which option you should pick, here's a quick rundown of each one:

Name - Alphabetically.

Size - By size, with the largest folder or file listed first.

Type - By type, such as all documents created using Microsoft Word.

Modified - Chronologically in order by the last modification date, with the latest modification date listed last.

Show in Groups - In letter groups by alphabetical order.

Auto Arrange - Automatically in orderly rows and columns.

Align to Grid - Automatically in orderly rows and columns by invisible grid points.

7.) Once you choose your two options, your files and folders will be arranged automatically.

That’s all there is to it. Your files and folders are now as organized as can be!

~ Mike Pettinato