Very confused re: what' in Libraries & elsewhere.

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  1. Posts : 58
    Windows 7
       #1

    Very confused re: what' in Libraries & elsewhere.


    WhenI first started using Windows 7, there were only 4 libraries that appeared -- Documents, Music, Videos, and Pictures. More recently, there are now 5 -- the 5th one being my personal folder (has my name on it). It shows things in 1 location.

    If I use my User Folder, it shows 2 locations.

    I don't understand how many copies of my personal folder are really on this computer and why does it now appear under libraries when it originally didn't?

    I don't have any problems with it being there, except I didn't put it there -- at least to my knowledge (LOL). Sometimes when saving something, it will not show up; however, if I click up in the address bar one level back, then it shows up.

    If I delete anything out of one, it also comes out of the other. I also have an icon on the desktop for my personal folder and My Documents. I'm not really sure "which" My Documents it's for at this point. I've tried deleting the one under Libraries and it will not let me. It will allow me to copy someplace else. I really only want 1 copy of things on this pc as why have double or triple?

    Could someple explain to me what I'm trying to find out, because I'm not sure I can intelligently ask what that is except should my personal folder be in the Libraries? If not, how do I get it out of there, without loosing everything in it?

    Thanks for any help.
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  2. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #2

    Hmm, a lot of people seem to have a problem understanding the library concept. But it is dead simple. A library is nothing but an index of folders - like the index in a book indexing chapters. It is neither a file nor a folder. It is just a concept (of course somewhere the info is stored, but that does not matter for this discussion).
    If you have a new library, you must have created it - possibly by a false drag and drop. The folder(s) in that library physically reside someplace else. You can delete them (the library entries that is) if you right click on the library and go to Properties. Then highlight the folder(s) in question and click the "Remove" button - that does not delete the folder itself but the entry into the library. When the library is empty, you can delete it.
    If you have more questions, post back.
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  3. Posts : 58
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Hum -- I thought I posted here again, but sure don't see it. Anyway, thanks for the help as I did delete the Libraries folder with my name on it and do still have all my files under the Users\My Documents - whew. I was concerned it would delete everything.

    Now, when I work in my folders, should I stay out of the Libraries in the windows explore tree and save and open in the folder under USERS? When I view the tree, there is a My Documents folder up towards the top, but is it necessary for me to scroll down and find the Users My Documents to work in and save files in?

    Thanks.
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  4. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #4

    You cannot save or store anything in libraries - only in folders. There is one exception. That is if the library contains only 1 folder. Than it does not make a difference whether you store to the library or the folder. But in most cases a library will contain several folders. In that case you will have to go to the folder. If you double click on the library, the folders will show up.
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  5. Posts : 233
    Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
       #5

    Oh no Windsorlady! The library feature in Windows 7 is supposed to make your life easier, not harder. Libraries are designed to give innate organization to your files and folders, making it easier for you to search and find what you are looking for. Here is a easy read that will hopefully help explain the libraries feature: Working with libraries.

    Hope this helps!
    Cheers,
    Cassandra
    Microsoft Windows Outreach
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  6. Posts : 22,814
    W 7 64-bit Ultimate
       #6

    Hello windsorlady, welcome to Seven Forums!



    You can view many well written and easily understood tutorials on the subject of "Libraries" here at Seven Forums, just click the link to the tutorial index below; be sure to keep us informed.

    Windows 7 - Tutorial Index
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  7. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #7

    CassieFWinTeam said:
    Oh no Windsorlady! The library feature in Windows 7 is supposed to make your life easier, not harder. Libraries are designed to give innate organization to your files and folders, making it easier for you to search and find what you are looking for. Here is a easy read that will hopefully help explain the libraries feature: Working with libraries.

    Hope this helps!
    Cheers,
    Cassandra
    Microsoft Windows Outreach
    Cassandra, this is nice and jolly. But believe me, a lot of people have difficulties to understand the library concept. I teach in a computer club with 650 mostly senior members and there is not a day when the subject does not come up. I try to give as simple an explanation as I can (e.g. comparing it to a book index) - something people can relate to.
    For us "system people", the thing is easy. But for laymen/laywomen, it is not that obvious.
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  8. Posts : 58
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Well you all have certainly given me some novel reading (LOL). I will review these and see if it helps. It seems to go in circles, but maybe it won't after I check some of the information above out. I do appreciate your help. I too help teach classes for our local computer club (mostly seniors) and it's confusing to many. I'm just trying to get a handle on it myself. I understand the concept of the library being an index, it's just where do I work -- in the library or in the users folder?

    All my folders/files appear in the Explore Tree right up next to the Library in My documents, so it seems way too easy to work right there, rather than to scroll down the "tree" to users.

    Anyway, I'll see if I can make my life easier with these libraries - which sure seems like a duplication of efforts.

    Thanks again.
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  9. Posts : 22,814
    W 7 64-bit Ultimate
       #9

    Hello again windsorlady.



    If you're more comfortable using folders than libraries then by all means do that, I don't use libraries myself; I just wanted to point out the existence of the tutorials to you.

    Libraries are basically just junction points to folders.
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  10. Posts : 233
    Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
       #10

    I second Bare Foot Kid - If libraries are not for you, you do not have to use them, but I do think Windows 7 - Tutorial Index is a great resource to read through. And, if you find a good way to explain libraries to you class, you should share your technique with whs so he can use it in his class as well :)
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