Make a Kindle Shortcut
Streamline copying your books to your Kindle Documents folder (when it is connected of course) by creating a Shortcut to it in your right click and Sendto menu option.
Normally, when you hook the Kindle to a computer (PC) via a USB cable, a little window will appear asking if you want to view the contents using Windows Explorer. Answer yes, and you can get to your Kindle Documents folder that way and drag files directly to it.
Make it a little easier if you put a shortcut to the Kindle Documents folder in your Sendto menu. This will allow you to right click any Kindle ready book file and choose Sendto, then click your shortcut directly to your Kindle Documents folder (two clicks instead of clicking and dragging). You might want to name this shortcut KindleDocs so you can distinguish it from another shortcut to your Kindle when you choose Sendto. This appears when your Kindle is connected and is a shortcut to the main Kindle root directory (not your Documents folder). It happens because your computer is thinking it is an external drive when you have it connected.
Special Note: If you feel the least uncomfortable following these directions, don't do it. Send me an email and I will help if I can. You have been gently warned.
Two steps will get it done
- Make a shortcut to your Kindle Documents folder.
1. Connect your Kindle with the USB cable to your computer.
2. When the AutoPlay window appears, choose Open folder to view files
3. While holding down the Alt key on your keyboard (this is really important), drag the documents folder from your Kindle window to your Desktop so you can find it easily. You should end up with a Shortcut to your documents folder on your Kindle. If you don't see an arrow on your desktop shortcut, put it back. Make sure you do NOT accidentally move the folder from your Kindle. You only want a shortcut. The original folder should still be on your Kindle.
4. Close your Kindle window. Right click on the shortcut on your desktop and choose rename. Rename it to something like KindleDocs.
5. Test your shortcut by double clicking it. Your Documents folder on your Kindle should open.
- Put the shortcut into your Sendto menu folder.
1. Click the Start button (bottom left on your main computer screen)
2. Click once (so you see a blinking cursor indicating you can type something) and type shell:sendto in the Start Search box. (Windows XP, click Start, then Run, and type in the Run box)
3. Press the Enter key on your keyboard.
4. Your SendTo window will appear with the contents in the right pane. Left click and drag your Kindle shortcut to where the rest of the shortcuts in this folder are. It will be moved (not copied). If you are afraid to drag, you can also right click on the shortcut and choose Cut. Then right click inside the Sendto folder and choose Paste. This will do the same thing.
5. Close the SendTo window and test your handiwork by right clicking any book file. One of your options (a new one) will be your brand new shortcut to your KindleDocs folder. Remember, this option will only work if your Kindle is connected via USB.
In the Future:
You won't have to click Open folder to view files when you connect your Kindle. You won't have to drag from one folder to another (risking a miss and having to find something that got dropped into the wrong folder. You will be able to connect your Kindle with the USB cable, then right click on the book file you want to send to it, choose Send To and choose your KindleDocs folder. Two clicks and you will be done!
Ask Mrs. Wizard:
If you have a question, please send me a personal email (mrswizard@mrswizard.com) with your question. I have no way to answer or get more information from you to give you a decent answer if you just comment. I answer all my emails and am more than happy to help any time I can. Your questions mean a lot to me, and may even inspire an article that will help others and make this a valuable resource to anyone who reads it.
Ask Mrs. Wizard:
If you have a question, please send me a personal email (mrswizard@mrswizard.com) with your question. I have no way to answer or get more information from you to give you a decent answer if you just comment. I answer all my emails and am more than happy to help any time I can. Your questions mean a lot to me, and may even inspire an article that will help others and make this a valuable resource to anyone who reads it.
