To be honest this question is more about the memory stick rather than windows, I didn't know where to post it! Apoligies. I keep having problems with Windows XP and so I must save all my files before trying to fix it. I have bought a Sony 4GB Memory Stick and have moved the files from my laptop to the stick. No problems. (NB: The stick is just plug and play). But when I tried to view the files I could not. 'My Computer' stops responding, I have to end the task and then all my icons disappear for about 15 mins. I thought this problem would be related to my laptop because, to be honest, its on its last legs. But I tried the stick on the computers on campus and the same thing happened. The computers would freeze everytime I tried to access the files. (NB: These computer use Windows XP as well - related?) I have checked in properties which has confirmed that my stuff has been saved on the stick, and that the device is working normally. I have saved PDF, Word, Excel files, photos, music and some AVI and MPEG files on the stick. Are these files the problem? Or, has my laptop effected it in some way? So Dark the Con of man

My thought is: Did you Format the storage device before storing data on it ??

Thumb drives don't need to be formatted. What happens when you try to get into the drive through explorer rather than My Computer? Life is more painless for those who are brainless.

I'm sorry, I'm a complete novice - how do I access the files via explorer? So Dark the Con of man

Start -> Run -> type explorer and hit enter. Navigate to the drive. I have NOT lost my mind — I have it backed up on tape somewhere

Same response. 'My Computer' stops responding. So Dark the Con of man