Saving Files on Library Computers

person typing on a laptop — Be sure to save your files!

Files that you save to the library’s computers are only available during your session. After you end your session, any files that you have saved to the computer are immediately and automatically deleted, and cannot be recovered by library staff.

If you need to save your files, there are three basic ways to do so: saving to a flash drive, saving to the computer and then as an email attachment, or saving to a cloud storage service.

Plug a flash drive (also called USB drive, thumb drive, jump drive, or memory stick) in the USB port on the left side of the monitor or the right side of the computer (behind the monitor).
To make sure the flash drive is connected, click the computer icon on the desktop. The flash drive should appear as Drive E in the file directory window.
When ready to save the file, choose the ‘Save as’ option.
- In Word or similar programs, this involves clicking ‘File’ and then ‘Save as’.
- On Internet pages, this involves right clicking and then ‘Save as’.
- You may have to copy and paste content into Word or a similar product before you can ‘Save as’.
In the ‘Save as’ window, select the flash drive, give the file a name, and click ‘Save’.
To check that the file has been correctly saved, click the computer icon on the desktop. This will bring up the file directory window; double click on the flash drive to see that the new file is now listed.
Safely eject the flash drive by right clicking on Drive E and selecting ‘Eject’. Pull the flash drive out of the computer.

When ready to save the file, document, or photos, choose the ‘Save as’ option.
- In Word or similar programs, this involves clicking ‘File’ and then ‘Save as’.
- On Internet pages, this involves right clicking and then selecting ‘Save as’.
- You may have to copy and paste content into Word or a similar product before you can ‘Save as’.
In the ‘Save as’ window, select ‘Desktop.’ If ‘Desktop’ is not listed, click ‘Browse’ to find it. Give the file a name, then click ‘Save’.
Open your email, compose an email to yourself, and click the attachment icon (usually a paperclip symbol).
Usually this will cause the file directory window to pop up; your email may have other intervening steps. Select ‘Desktop’ in the file directory window if it is not already highlighted.
Click the desired file to attach to the email. Click ‘Open’. The email should now show that the file is attached.
Finally, click ‘Send’. (You may wish to then check your inbox to make sure the email with attached file is present.)

There are a variety of free services that allow you to create an account and save files to the cloud. All of them require an email account. Examples are:
Each service has instructions on creating an account and storing files. If you need further assistance, please consider booking a Tech Basics Coaching session for one-on-one help.