Check Out, Check In, or Discard Changes to Files in a Site Library

In sharePoint 2010 to ensure no one else can make changes to the file while you are working on it you can check out the file.

To check out a file from a library:

1. Login to your SharePoint site as the administrative account
2. Select Site Actions > View All Site Content

3. Select your Document Library
4. Click the drop-down arrow next to the file you want to edit and select Check Out

5. When the file is checked out, the icon next to the file name is partially covered by a green arrow.  If you hover over the green arrow of any checked-out file, a tool tip displays the name of the document and the name of the person who has it checked out.

To check in a file:

1. Login to your SharePoint site as the administrative account
2. Select Site Actions > View All Site Content

3. Select your Document Library
4. Click the drop-down arrow next to the file you want to check in and select Check In


5. In the Comments area you may wish to add a comment that describes the changes you made for revision tracking purposes.
6. Click OK

To discard a check-out:

1. Login to your SharePoint site as the administrative account
2. Select Site Actions > View All Site Content

3. Select your Document Library
4. Click the drop-down arrow next to the file you want to check in and select Discard Check Out.

5. Click OK