how do i connect another pc to copy what i want across?

[Kingpin]

hi all,

 

basically, all i want to know is how do i connect my new pc tower to my current PC and copy over what i want from this hdd to the new one? i am running windows XP pro on both machines, i simply havent got the time, money, or inclination to burn endless amounts of disks, i just want to plug my tower into this pc and copy what i want across to the hdd on the new one?

 

can anyone explain this to me or is it just a case of pluggin in an ethernet cable? proper clueless guys and ur answers will be very much appreciated

 

cheers guys

[DSTM]

I run a modem/Router between the 2 Computers.

Have a USB Switch box for the Printer.

Use a USB Flash Drive/Memory Stick to transfer Data.

Simple, and works for me.

The Tech Guys will have a more fancy solution.:)

[BeeCeeBee]

We do have people with familiarity with setting up a local network and transferring data. I am not one of them. It is a bit more involved than just connecting ethernet cables.

 

While I cannot argue the money issue, it seems that you are running without any external backup at all. I can probably direct you to dozens of threads where that has lead to real pain when data is lost. The cost of usb external hard drives has come way down. I would suggest that you invest in one as soon as you are able. It would certainly help with this process right now.

[Dalo Harkin]

Have a look here

Using the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard in Windows XP

[Kingpin]

Have a look here

Using the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard in Windows XP

 

mate how do u set up a network? all i have is an ethernet cable and two pc's

[BeeCeeBee]

Try here Kingpin.

 

Description of the Network Setup Wizard in Windows XP

 

The Wizard will also give you a checklist of what you will need depending on the hardware you are using to create the network. It is not all that simple a process. Though it is not that difficult either.

 

If your sole aim is to simply transfer data, (and you are still resistant to external backup) you may want to look at one of the sites that will host your files on line.

 

You can then simply download them into the new pc without creating a network. I believe that most allow about 10 gigs free but once you move them you can start over.

 

I have never tried any of these services but if you are interested I am sure that there are members here who have. I would suggest asking in a new thread in order to maximise your chance of getting useful replies.

[Spools]

Connecting the two PCs together directly using their network ports would require a crossover cable: Ethernet crossover cable - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A normal Cat5e network cable will not work in this scenario. It's easier, however, to use either a router or switch to connect two or more PCs together.

A router is helpful if you have broadband internet but a switch (sometimes called a hub) is cheaper. Both of these options would be faster than using a USB drive to copy files over.

[BeeCeeBee]

There is no question that the speed factor favours the network, however, either way it is simply a question of how long do you stay away while the transfer is taking place. In addition there is no learning curve or set up time required to use an external drive.

 

Unless you are planning on actually using the network as opposed to just creating it as a vehicle to change over to a new pc, any money spent on creating it is wasted. A usb hard drive will give you the safety of external backup usually with sufficient room to keep it up to date.

Edited March 2, 2009 by BeeCeeBee

[Tootech]

all i want to know is how do i connect my new pc tower to my current PC and copy over what i want from this hdd to the new one?

If it was that easy we could tell you straight away.

 

We need to know

 

1) What version of Windows are you copying from to - because of networking issues - XP and Vista cannot see each other on a network without an update on the XP PC.

 

2) How much data do you need to copy - standard routers will in theory allow a throughput of 100Mb/s - quite slow when you are talking a large number of GB's of data.

 

3) What security you use on both PC's because of firewall issues on local networks.

 

To be honest, I'd buy one of these

 

Plexus USB to IDE & SATA Adapter With Power Adapter (Supports 2.5" / 3.5" IDE & Serial ATA Hard Disk) - Ebuyer

 

Cheap enough and it will let you hook up your old drive to your new PC and you can copy your data easy peasy.

 

If you still want to network your PC's, post the info we need, and also, have a look at the article below as starter - tells you how to share a folder.

 

BTW- you can't share My Documents - you have move your docs somewhere else and share that folder.

 

Windows XP Networking: Sharing in the Home Office

[Guest Wolfeymole]

As Tootech said make a folder on the old box called say My Stuff and copy all your stuff into that.

 

Take the HDD out and attach it to the new box.

 

Search the HDD for the "My Stuff" folder and copy it on to the new box, done.

[Plastic Nev]

There are also data transfer cables available, I have one and used it to shift stuff in quite large amounts over to my laptop. There is one here at Maplin-

Vista USB Data Transfer Cable > Maplin

 

Plus this is the one I first used-

 

Trust USB2 Data Transfer Cable NB-7500p USB cable : Read reviews and compare prices at Ciao.co.uk

 

However I found the Trust one a bit unstable with my machines, and would sometimes crash, meaning I had to close its program and re-open it. It fortunately didn't do any damage to any file in transit, it just didn't transfer it. However it may well be OK with yours.