Moving Files between Cloud & Local

Moving Files between Cloud & Local

Overview 

Almost all client-related web browsing work (e.g., download bank statements or reports) should be done in a Chrome or Edge browser running in the cloud.  In doing so, the file can be directly saved into the secure network drives – thereby reducing the risks associated with storing client files on your laptop’s local drive.

But… occasionally a website will require you to work outside the cloud – in a Chrome or Edge browser opened locally.  In these cases, you must save the file to your local hard drive, then manually copy it to one of the secure network drives, and then finally remember to permanently delete the file from your local system.  This final step is critical to avoid potential data security risks associated with client files being stored on laptops.

Follow the steps below to copy files from your local laptop drive to the secure cloud drives. 
NOTE:  This method uses TWO instances of File Explorer running simultaneously – one running locally on your laptop and the other in the Abdo cloud. We find that this reduces confusion, especially when noting the differences in appearance.

File Explorer: Cloud vs. Local

Cloud

How to Access

In the Abdo Cloud Remote Desktop window, double-click on File Explorer to open a cloud File Explorer window.


Below is a cloud File Explorer window:
  1. Note the color at the top of the window is blue or yellow/orange
    1. Colors in the cloud do not match your local computer's personalization settings
  2. Note you can see multiple drives – C:\ U:\ T:\ S:\ O:\ Q:\
    1. Network drives are only available in the cloud
  3. In your taskbar, the icon for File Explorer:
    1. Normally looks a little different, with a remote desktop overlay on top of the File Explorer icon
    2. Has (ABDO-WORKSPACE) appended to the application name
  4. The C:\ drive can show you the contents of your laptop’s local storage
    1. While you can access the contents of your local C:\ from here, this method is very slow. Keep reading this article to find out how to easily move files between cloud & local storage in the How to Transfer Files section 


Local

How to Access

  1. Click on the Windows icon in the lower left corner of your desktop
  2. Type “file explorer” and click the icon to open a local File Explorer window

Below is a local File Explorer window:
  1. Note the colors of the window match your computer personalization settings
  2. Note you can only see ONE drive – C:\
  3. Default file storage is typically the Downloads folder


How to Transfer Files 

With the two File Explorer windows open, you can simply use COPY and PASTE (Ctrl-C / Ctrl-V) to move files between the two locations.
Copying file to clipboard in local File Explorer
Pasting file from clipboard to cloud File Explorer

After copying the file from your local drive to the secure cloud drive, permanently delete the file on your local laptop.
  1. Locate the Recycle Bin icon on the Desktop of your laptop  
  2. Right-click on it and choose Empty Recycle Bin and click Yes to complete the deletion



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