When you drag a file from one folder to another, what happens? Does the file get moved? Does a copy of the file get placed in the new location? The computer will automatically decide for you if you do the standard drag and drop.
There are two basic rules the computer will follow. If the initial and final locations of the file are on the same drive, the file is moved. If the initial and final locations of the file are on different drives, the file is copied. As long as you can remember those two rules and you never need to move a file to a different drive or copy a file from one folder to another folder on the same drive… you will be ok.
Have you already forgotten the two rules?
Here is a way to always get what you want without remembering any rules. Instead of a normal drag, use the right mouse button. When you right-click and drag, Windows will present you with a drop-down menu that lets you select Move, Copy or Create Shortcut. The default operation will be in bold, but you can select anything from the list.
Here’s an extra tip that will help you control the NTFS permissions on your files. When you move a file, the permissions go with the file. When you copy a file, the file’s permissions are changed to those of the destination folder. That’s something you will have to remember because there is no right-click menu to help you out.
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