Western Libraries

Opening or Saving Files to a USB Device

Use of a USB device is supported only from a public PC, not a Sun Ray terminal.

Not all USB devices are the same. Some require extra drivers be installed on a public PC in order to function properly. Our public PCs do not allow drivers to be installed. Therefore not all USB devices will be compatible with our Public PCs.

How to Open a file from a USB device:

  1. Insert your USB device into the USB port located on the front of the PC tower
  2. Go to My Computer in the start menu
  3. Double click on the device, normally listed as drive E or G. May be listed under the name of the company who manufactured the device, e.g.: KINGSTON, or as a Removable Disk
  4. Navigate through the USB's folders until you locate the desired file
  5. Double click on the file to open.

How to Save a file to your USB device:

  1. Insert your USB device into the USB port located on the front of the PC tower
  2. Click File - Save As
  3. You should now be in the default Documents directory. NOTE: this is a temporary storage area. All files are deleted when you log out!
  4. Look through the Documents directory list for the USB folder
  5. Double click this folder to open
  6. Type the file name you want to save.

To safely remove your USB Device:

  1. Left click on the Remove Hardware icon located in the bottom left toolbar
    Remove Hardware icon
  2. Left click on the Safely Remove Mass Storage Device line that matches your USB device, e.g.: Safely Remove Mass Storage Device - Drive (E:)
  3. When you see the Safe to Remove Hardware message appear in the bottom left toolbar it is safe to remove your USB device from the USB port.
    Safe to Remove picture
  4. Alternatively, after you Restart it is safe to remove your USB device from the Public PC.

November 2011