Make a Duplicate of a File

Windows lets you copy and move files from one folder to another by dragging them with different combinations of keystrokes. You can also rename a file by clicking on its name or pressing F2. However, if you want to make a duplicate of a file in the same directory, with a different name, the process might not be as obvious. Here's how you do it:

On the desktop, or in an open folder window:

• Hold Ctrl, and drag the file from one part of the window to another part of the same window.

In Explorer:

• Explorer won't let you do this, but you can Ctrl-drag a file from the right pane, and drop it on the same folder in the left pane.

In either case:

• You can also use the right mouse button to drag the file from one part of the window to another part of the same window, and select Copy Here.
• The duplicate of a file called, say, MyFile.TXT would be automatically named Copy of MyFile.TXT.
• For keyboard users; press Ctrl-c and then Ctrl-v to create a duplicate of a file using the clipboard.

Duplicate a group of files:

• Obtain and install Power Rename, part of O'Reilly Utilities and Creative Element Power Tools.
• It lets you rename files in a multitude of ways, including making duplicates (renaming without removing the original).