Problem
I would like to copy multiple files to one or more SharePoint libraries. Is there any way to do it outside of using the “Upload” button, which limits you to files within a single folder?
Solution
Yes.
There are several ways to do this, however, if your library has any required fields or ‘check in’ requirements, there will likely be some preparation steps you need to take. These might include temporarily removing these requirements or options. If you don’t, the copying will work, but the files may be stuck in a ‘checked out’ status until you either check in the files or supply the required metadata.
Solution 1 – Using the “Windows Explorer” option in SharePoint
In the “Actions” menu of any Document Library there is an option called “Open with Windows Explorer”. When you select this option, a new window opens. You can literally drag and drop files to and from this window.
Note: You will see a special folder called “Forms” in this window. Do not disturb this folder or use it unless you are specifically working with SharePoint form templates. That subject is outside the parameters of this article.
Solution 2 – Create a permanently mapped folder
In order to make it easier to administer your SharePoint environment, you may want to create a permanently mapped folder, to access SharePoint documents.
Below are instructions for creating this mapping in a Windows 7 environment. (Windows XP instructions later.)
Open Windows Explorer and right click on the “Computer” object. Then select “Add a network location.
This will start the Wizard.
Click “Next” on the “Welcome to the Add Network Location Wizard”.
Highlight “Choose a custom network location” and click “Next”.
Type the web address of the base URL of your site collection. Then click “Next”.
Type a friendly name for the object. You can leave the default or enter something new.
Click “Finish”. If you leave the “Open this network location when I click Finish” checkbox checked, the location will open.
In either case, you will have a new object listed under the “Computer” icon, forever available to you.
In Windows XP, there is a similar Wizard in My Network Places. Below is a summary of the steps.
- Start “Add Network Place”
- Click “Next”
- Select “Choose another network location” and click “Next”.
- Enter the URL of the target site collection (i.e. http://portal).
- Give the object a friendly name (the default is fine or you can create one).
- Click “Finish”.
Solution 3 – Using SharePoint Designer
Using SharePoint Designer 2007, you can also copy files to and from the application interface. Source and destination objects can be:
- SharePoint Designer to Windows Explorer
- Windows Explorer to SharePoint Designer
- SharePoint Designer to SharePoint Designer.
Next Steps
- Check out these other SharePoint tips
