Old laptop dying.. Want to network with PC to transfer data...

[PizzImperfect]

Hi there,

 

Thanks for having a read of my problem.

Long story cut short...

 

My older laptop running Windows Vista has issues with its Graphics chip set and now will only boot in safe mode, as otherwise i seem to get a screen full of colored lines and mess.

I have a newer desktop which is running Windows 7 64bit.

 

They are both connected to the internet via wifi at my home.

 

I have about 20gb of data on my laptop i'd like to transfer to my PC... No external HD i can get hold of to do it on.. So i thought maybe networking them so they'll share the files would be a good option.

Only problem is i have no clue how to do it and whether or not the laptop will be able to, as it will only boot in safe mode (with networking enabled)

I can browse the net on it fine, but I'd definitely like to move these files before it dies all together!

 

Any help would be much appreciated!

 

Thanks

[KenB]

Hi and welcome to fpch.

 

You could take the hard drive out and connect it to something like this:

IOMAX USB 2.0 to SATA/IDE Adapter Kit with Power: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

 

You would then be able to access the data as you do with a memory stick.

 

Your hard drive in the laptop will be 2.5 inch. ( 3.5 inch drives are used in desktop machines ).

If it is old it will probably be an IDE ( type of connection ).

The other option is SATA.

Take a look at the connections in the link - they are very different.

[PizzImperfect]

I was hoping to not have to spend any cash to be honest... If there's no way of setting up some sort of connection via Ethernet or wireless then no doubt I'll have to go for that.

 

Thank you

[Synapse]

You can do it using ethernet, it will take a good length of time unless your whole setup is gigabit.

 

Share your folders on your laptop, making sure password protected sharing is switch off. Make sure old/new computers are the same workgroup and you should be able to see your files from the 'new' PC.

[PseFrank]

I know you have stated that you don't want to have to spend any cash if you don't have to. But another option would be to buy an external Caddy/Enclosure...See link for just one example...

 

Startech USB2.0 Tool Less Enclosure For SATA or IDE.. | Ebuyer.com

 

The enclosure I have linked to caters for both 2.5in Sata and 2.5in Ide drives. One advantage of doing this is that subject to your HDD being in working order, after you have transfered/Copied your files over to your newer computer, you can then use the old hard drive as a means of backup. It effectively becomes an external HDD.

 

You can probably find one much cheaper than the one I have linked to...(£13.62)

[Dalo Harkin]

with Gigabit the MAX speed you will get is around 50Mbps, which is quicker than flash memory :)

 

You also have to make sure that the Ethernet cable is a crossover and NOT a standard CAT5e

[Synapse]

You also have to make sure that the Ethernet cable is a crossover and NOT a standard CAT5e

 

Totally agree - unless you have a gigabit switch or router, then you can just hook it all up with patch cables.

[Dalo Harkin]

YUP