When working on an important file, you will want to save your work.

Step one: Choose Save or Save As

When saving a file for the first time:

• Choose File Save from the menu bar (Ctrl + S).
• The Save As dialog box appears.

OR

• Click the Save button on the Standard toolbar.
• The Save As dialog box appears.

OR

• Choose File Save As from the menu bar.
• The Save As dialog box appears.

Step two: Name the file

Before you click the Save button in the Save As dialog box, first name your file.

To name your file:

• Once the Save As dialog box is open, the current file name appears highlighted , ready for you to change it.
• Type a short, descriptive name in the File name box . File names can include spaces and capital letters.
• If you do not choose a file name, Office XP programs will assign a file name for you. By default, it assigns the first line of text in your document. If you save a blank document, the file will be saved as Doc1.

Step three: Choose a file location

Choose a file location . This will keep your files orderly and easy to find. My Documents is the default file location in Office XP.

To save a file in My Documents:

• Make sure My Documents is the current file location by making sure the left column and Save in drop-down box state My Documents.
• Click the Save button.

To save a file to an alternate location:

• To save the file on your desktop, click the Desktop button on the left side of the Save As dialog box.

OR

• Click the down arrow to open the Save in drop-down list box.
• Double-click to choose another location from the list.
• Click the Save button.

To learn more about Saving files Office XP, check out our Office XP tutorial.