An Easy Way to Get Numerous Files Into and Out of SharePoint Document Libraries

A lot of companies are now using Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 (MOSS 2007) or Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 (WSS 3.0) for document sharing and collaboration in their organizations. (In case you're unfamiliar with SharePoint, MOSS 2007 is a licensed server product whereas WSS 3.0 is a free download. For more information, see "SharePoint FAQs.") One of the most widely used SharePoint functionalities is document management using SharePoint document libraries. A few of my customers are using SharePoint document libraries to store their internal documents to take advantage of features such as version control, recycle bins, and content approval.

Out of the box, SharePoint provides an easy way for end users to upload a few files into the document library or download a few files from the document library. However, IT administrators (and even some end users) might need to upload or download numerous files. A question I'm commonly asked by IT administrators is, "What's the easiest way to upload or download a large number of files?"

The solution is straightforward and quick to implement. After you log on to the SharePoint document library, click Actions, followed by Open with Windows Explorer. After Windows Explorer opens, you can upload and download files and folders using the standard cut-and-paste or copy-and-paste operation.