Q&A for How to Transfer Data from a Flash Drive to a Computer

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How do you transfer data from an external hard drive to a computer?

Chiara Corsaro
Phone & Computer Repair Technician
Chiara Corsaro is the General Manager and Apple Certified Mac & iOS Technician for macVolks, Inc., an Apple Authorized Service Provider located in the San Francisco Bay Area. macVolks, Inc. was founded in 1990, is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with an A+ rating, and is part of the Apple Consultants Network (ACN).

Chiara Corsaro

Phone & Computer Repair Technician

Expert Answer

The easiest way to do this is to plug in your external hard drive, open it on the computer, and drag the files from your hard drive on to your computer.

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How do you move files to a new folder on a Mac?

Chiara Corsaro
Phone & Computer Repair Technician
Chiara Corsaro is the General Manager and Apple Certified Mac & iOS Technician for macVolks, Inc., an Apple Authorized Service Provider located in the San Francisco Bay Area. macVolks, Inc. was founded in 1990, is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with an A+ rating, and is part of the Apple Consultants Network (ACN).

Chiara Corsaro

Phone & Computer Repair Technician

Expert Answer

Copy the files you want to move. Then, click option, command, and "V" to copy over your files to the new folder.

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How do I transfer pictures from a flash drive to my computer?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Put the flash drive in, then open the file browser and find the flash drive. Find the pictures you want on the flash drive and drag these across to your computer. This will make copies for you onto the desktop or whichever location you've chosen. Follow the instructions on your computer for safe removal of the flash drive.

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Can I use a flash drive to back up my computer?

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wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Yes you can but if you have a lot of files, a flash drive won't back it all up. If you only need to back up 32GB-64GB for example, you could back it up on the flash drive. However, anything bigger isn't sensible for flash drives; you're better off getting an external hard drive. Also, it's not a long-term storage option––it can corrupt easily or be lost.

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How do I transfer a program from one computer to another using a USB?

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Staff Answer

This depends on the programs. Most programs will situate their contents in multiple locations, so if it's on your computer, you'll need to know where all of a program is stored. It can be easier to download the program from scratch again as it brings in all of the needed content for you. If you are trying to transfer from a computer, at the very least be sure to capture the EXE, Application and Java files; however, there are usually many other files too. Also, the programs will differ between operating systems (for example, EXE is Windows, while .app is Mac). End answer: it can be done but it's easier if you can download the program afresh.

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How do I copy from one flash drive to another?

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wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

There are 2 ways; which one depends on how many USB ports you have. If you have 2, then put both flash drives in, open up in the file browser and move the information between the two drives in the file browser. If there is only one socket, put the first flash drive in and place the files to be transferred on the computer, then unlpug and put the next drive in. If you have no USB ports, you will need an adapter (Mac). You could also transfer files to the Cloud, then download them onto the other flash drive.

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Can I copy Quicken onto a USB flash drive, then use the flash drive to put the data onto another computer?

Community Answer

You can. Open Quicken, and under file, there should be an option to backup the data. Insert your USB drive and choose that for the backup location. To restore, use the reverse procedure to put it onto the new computer. Note: some versions may have the backup utility under "tools."

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Does the information from a flash drive move to the hard drive of the computer?

Community Answer

This process simply copies the files, they will remain on the flash drive. To move them instead, use Cut instead of Copy.

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If I store all my files and folders on my Windows 7 PC to flash drives, will they transfer easily to a new Windows 10 PC?

Community Answer

They will! All files and folders transferred to other devices will be readable, but don't expect to get programs transferred. Transferring software is a little more difficult, although possible. All of your pictures, videos, music, documents, and more will be able to be transferred.

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Can I simply email files to myself to transfer to a new computer?

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If your email provider allows the file size, yes. Using a flash-drive would be more efficient.

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I uploaded data from my flash drive and got the message "Your data was sent successfully". But I can't find the data: it isn't in my downloads. Where was it sent to on my computer, or was it sent to the vendor?

Community Answer

If you uploaded it to a website, the files were most likely sent to the vendor. If you cannot retrieve your data from your flash drive, check with the vendor to retrieve the file(s).

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How do I copy-paste data from a pen drive to my computer?

Community Answer

Open it in file explorer, select the file, and then copy it (Ctrl-C). Then paste it in any folder you want.

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How do I play a file on my flash drive on my computer?

Community Answer

Drag the file you want to play to your desktop, then open it.

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How do I copy a movie pendrive to a laptop?

Julie

Community Answer

If you cannot copy the movie by opening your pen drive and dragging the movie onto your computer, it could be "write protected." That means the operating system, Windows, will not allow you to copy it because you don't have the original. Some software such as Roxio may change the file into an ISO file first and then transfer it to your computer.

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How can I copy an old flash-drive onto an old Windows?

Community Answer

Plug it in, open the flash drive (explorer.exe, this pc, devices and drives) and select all the files you want moved (either using your mouse and dragging, with shift+click or with ctrl+click). Then do ctrl+c, alternatively right click and press copy, then go to your desired destination and ctrl+v or right click and press paste.

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How do I transfer information from a flash drive to another computer via email?

Community Answer

Copy the data from the drive to your computer and launch your email. Then send the data to the other computer's email address.

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Does it matter which flash drive I buy to transfer files from my old laptop to my new one?

Community Answer

As long as the flash drive has enough storage space for you, then it doesn't matter which one you buy specifically.

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After I transfer files from a flash drive, how do I open and use programs with extensions?

Community Answer

After your files are transferred to your computer, you should be able to open them by double clicking on them, or by opening the associated software and accessing the file through there.

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What should I do if my flash drive isn't working?

Aditya Telang

Community Answer

Some older flash drives need drivers to work with your system, which install automatically when you plug it in. Wait for the drivers to install. (You will be notified by Windows.) Then you can start using it. If that does not work, or if it takes too long (more than 10 minutes), check your flash drive for errors. If your computer isn't detecting the drive at all, then use it on another USB port on your system. If it detects it then, that means the first USB port is the concern. If it doesn't work at all, try it on your friend's system. If it works on another system, you may need to update your motherboard drivers. If that also does not solve your problem, then you may need to purchase a new flash drive.

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How can I transfer information in an email to a flash drive?

Community Answer

To transfer information from an email to a flash drive, you will first need to download it to your computer, then you can transfer it from your computer to the flash drive.

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How do I transfer a flash drive folder to PC without transferring duplicates?

Community Answer

Just select "move" instead of "copy." Right click, and it should show up with options.

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My USB ports do not work anymore, ever since installing Windows 10. Any solution to this?

Community Answer

It's possible that your computer hardware is configured specifically for another version of Windows, and therefore the USB ports might not work, as well as other inputs such as the headphone and mic inputs. It's definitely helpful to call a professional and get their take on it.

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How do I transfer data from an older flash drive to a new flash drive?

Community Answer

Assuming both drives still work, transfer all the files from the older drive onto your computer. Then transfer said files from your computer to the new drive.

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Do I need a special flash drive to transfer 3D movies?

Community Answer

No, you don't need a special flash drive to transfer 3D movies.

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How do I email a video that's on my flash drive?

Community Answer

Make a shortcut of your video on your desktop. Go on your email program and compose an email. Select the files from your desktop, upload them and send them.

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Will info stay on a flash drive until the drive is erased?

Community Answer

Yes, unless you select "move" instead of "copy" when transferring files, the files on the flash drive become corrupt, or the drive itself becomes damaged.

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