A file under “Libraries – Documents” is not necessarily in your personal Documents folder. Windows 7 can display several local or included network folders together in one library. This inventory helps before backup or migration; it moves no existing files and requires no internet access.
1. Record the included folders
- Open Windows Explorer and select the relevant library under Libraries, such as Documents.
- Right-click the library name and open Properties. Record every library location listed there. Document full paths, not just display names.
- Record which folder is marked as the default save location. Make no changes for this check; close with Cancel.
- Repeat for Pictures, Music and any custom libraries. Public folders may also be included.
2. Identify where individual files really reside
Open the context menu and Properties of a representative file. On the General tab check Location. Together with the file name, it gives the actual path. Also open that folder directly through Computer or its documented network path and compare the name, size and modification date.
Two identically named files from different included folders are not automatically identical. If in doubt, record both complete paths and examine their contents instead of deleting a presumed duplicate. Deleting a file in the library view affects the actual file, not merely a harmless shortcut.
3. Check saving with a test file
If the default location is writable, create a harmless new text file in Notepad with a unique name, for example Library-Test-2026-09-17.txt. In Save As, choose the library itself rather than explicitly selecting one of its subfolders. Save only if no file of that name already exists there. Then check the file properties and the direct destination folder.
Saving to the library uses its default save location. Explicitly choosing a particular folder saves there instead. Programs with custom or older file dialogs may behave differently; test the actual application dialog. Changing the default does not move existing files. If the target is unreachable or not writable, record that instead of changing permissions or network settings.
4. Count source folders for backup
Make a list with library, full source path, local or network, availability and backup owner. A mapped drive letter alone is insufficient for migration; establish its actual share target. For offline files or disconnected network targets, also clarify synchronization status with the responsible person. A visible file does not prove that the server copy is current.
The library definition is not a data backup. Verify that your backup tool includes all required physical source folders and open a restored test file in a separate destination folder. Do not remove library locations or data during this inventory. Success means the paths are identified, saving behaviour is verified and the required data is backed up independently of the library view.