How to Open the USB Flash Drive

By Perry Piekarski

A USB flash drive is typically used to store, back up and transfer data between computers.
i flash drive image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com

A USB (universal serial bus) flash drive is a type of memory device designed to serve as a portable means of backing up important files on your computer. In order to effectively use a USB flash drive, you must know how to open it to access the data. Once you open the flash drive, files and folders can be clicked and dragged to its window. Upon dragging data to the flash drive window, your computer copies files to the device, effectively backing them up to the portable drive.

Microsoft Windows

Step 1

Power on your computer.

Step 2

Plug the USB flash drive into any of the USB ports on your computer.

Step 3

Click the "Start" button on the computer's desktop.

Step 4

Select "Computer" or "My Computer" if running Windows XP.

Step 5

Right-click the USB flash drive icon and select "Open."

Apple Mac

Step 1

Power on your computer.

Step 2

Plug the USB flash drive into any of the USB ports on your computer. An icon representing the USB flash drive will appear on your computer's desktop.

Step 3

Double-click the USB flash drive icon.

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