When you copy data from RAM into a file on a storage device, you read to the file

Computers use a variety of data storage devices that are classified in two ways: one is whether they retain the data if there is no electricity and the other is how close they are to the processor (CPU). Both types of storage are needed in all computers. In a personal computer, memory does not retain data when the electricity is off, but while it is on, it enables quick access to open files. A storage drive, however, allows you to permanently store data, so it's available each time you turn on the computer.

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Volatile and non-volatile storage
Storage hierarchy
Conclusion
Copy your files on Windows 7 to an external storage device
Verify your files are correct and remove the storage device
Copy your files to Windows 10 from an external storage device
Get more info about moving to Windows 10
Need more help?
When you copy data from a file on a storage device into RAM What are you doing?
What is the process of converting objects into streams of bytes known as?
What is the process of hiding object data and providing methods for data access called?
When you write a program and save it to a disk you are using temporary storage?

Volatile and non-volatile storage

The first classification of computer data storage is between volatile and non-volatile storage. An example of volatile storage is memory (RAM) that stores data only until there is no electricity powering the device. RAM allows your computer to have multiple files open and access any of them instantly. Some other examples of volatile storage devices are calculators.

Copy your files on Windows 7 to an external storage device

Note: Copying files from one location to another will not remove the files from their original locations.

Connect your external storage device to your Windows 7 PC.
Select the Start button > Computer.
Locate the files you wish to copy, or the folders where your files are stored.
Select the file you wish to copy, but do not open it. If you'd like to copy multiple files, hold down the CTRL button as you select additional files. You can also select folders, and this will select all the files that are stored within them.
All files you selected should now be highlighted. At the top of the window, select Organize > Copy to copy the files to memory.
Now, go to the external drive location by clicking on the corresponding letter of the drive.
Once the drive is highlighted, select Organize > Paste. This will copy the files you selected earlier onto the drive.

Note that you may need to repeat steps 3-7 multiple times if you have files stored in multiple locations.

Verify your files are correct and remove the storage device

After you have copied or moved your files onto an external storage device, you can verify they're in the right location by browsing the external drive.

Then you'll need to safely remove the drive to ensure no files are lost or corrupted. To remove the device, select Eject before you disconnect the drive from your PC.

Once you have moved your files onto your external storage device, you'll be able to transfer them onto your new Windows 10 PC.

For another option to transfer files, see Move files off a Windows 7 PC with OneDrive.

Copy your files to Windows 10 from an external storage device

Connect your external storage device to your Windows 10 PC.
Select File Explorer from your task bar.
On the left guide bar, select This PC.
Locate the external drive and double-click its corresponding icon.
Locate the folder where your files are located, and then double-click that folder's icon.
To select all the files in this location, select Home in the top left and then Select all. All the files in this folder will now be highlighted. To copy only one file, select it by clicking on it once.
Select Home tab in the top left, and then select Copy to and select the folder you'd like the files copied to: Documents, Music, Pictures, or Videos. You can also choose a custom location by selecting Choose location....

Your files will begin to transfer to your Windows 10 PC. Note that this may take time depending on the number and size of the files you transfer.

After the files are copied, you can navigate to their new location to make sure the files were successfully copied over.

Get more info about moving to Windows 10

If you're considering a move to Windows 10, download the Guide to Windows 10 app to get the info you need to make a smooth transition, including personalized recommendations for your PC.

Get the Guide to Windows 10 app

*This app is for Windows 7 only

Need more help?

When you copy data from a file on a storage device into RAM What are you doing?

When you copy data from a file on a storage device into RAM, what are you doing? You are reading from the file.

What is the process of converting objects into streams of bytes known as?

Serialization is the process of converting an object into a stream of bytes to store the object or transmit it to memory, a database, or a file. Its main purpose is to save the state of an object in order to be able to recreate it when needed. The reverse process is called deserialization.

What is the process of hiding object data and providing methods for data access called?

Encapsulation is the process of hiding implementation details and providing methods for data access. Encapsulation allows a programmer to use a class without having to know its implementation. Information hiding makes it simpler for the implementor of a class to locate errors and change implementations.

When you write a program and save it to a disk you are using temporary storage?

When data values in a program are stored in memory, they are lost when the program ends. When you write a program and save it to a disk, you are using temporary storage. The terms directory and folder are used synonymously to refer to an entity that is used to organize files. The File class is contained in the System.