haldir Posted May 20, 2006 Share Posted May 20, 2006 Hey guys last night I almost bought a 20 dollar cable/software package at Wallyworld last night, as I want to finally get some files off my old puter onto this one (mostly music & picture stuff), but I thought I'd ask for other options, heck maybe even cheaper options if any. the cable was 2.0 USB cable, the software I noticed used IE, so that was something that I wanted to avoid (as I used Firefox) the USB cable seems like a good way for me to go, but I'm open for other options. thanks Randy M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vejlin Posted May 20, 2006 Share Posted May 20, 2006 The cheapest (free) and fastest way to transfer the data is to simply put the old hard disk into the new machine (even if only temporarily) and then moving the data to the new hard disk. Other than that you copuld upload to a server and then download it to the new machine. This can be done for free also. Depending on how much data you want transfered burning a few CD's or DVD's might be the cheaper way to go if you don't like the free options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kheprera Posted May 21, 2006 Share Posted May 21, 2006 Okay, so how do you do it from a laptop to a desktop? I've had this question for a while, now. The Zip Drive I have is old and won't work with the newer Windows. *sigh* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ixminis Posted May 21, 2006 Share Posted May 21, 2006 Okay, so how do you do it from a laptop to a desktop? I've had this question for a while, now. The Zip Drive I have is old and won't work with the newer Windows. *sigh* There are connectors that one could use to connect the laptop hard drive to the desktop drive controller... Fry's should have 'em. Or, if both have a NIC card... Use a hub... too much info/not enough? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outkast Samurai Posted May 21, 2006 Share Posted May 21, 2006 The little USB jump drives are nice. I picked one up at Wallyworld and its been a lifesaver. You can grab one for as little as $14 if you keep your eye out for a sale. Now that I've invested in a wireless router, file transfer is cake. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twjolson Posted May 21, 2006 Share Posted May 21, 2006 If both computers have network cards an option is a cross over cable. It is no more difficult then using a hub, just less to buy. However, they aren't as plentiful as regular network cable. But, the easiest and cheapest options would be either transfer the hard drive (if you dont' know how, have a friend), or burn the info onto CD's. There are many other options, and if those two don't fit you, give us some more info and we can help further. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haldir Posted May 21, 2006 Author Share Posted May 21, 2006 really don't want that hard drive in this system, as it's the one that is wacko due to a crash last Jan/Feb or so. Alot of files, more or less big files, so disks would be ok but that would be a major PiTA to do. So I'll probably just spend the cash on the cable/software thingee & do it that way. Seems to be the easiest option, due to both 'puters have 2.0 USB in them & such. Hell even do it overnight if I have to. thanks for advice.. RM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kheprera Posted May 21, 2006 Share Posted May 21, 2006 I guess I should specify the problems with the laptop. Screen is cracked. Disk drives don't work. It's old. 3GB HD, and that was considered high tech when I got it. It's at least 8-9 years old, Windows 98 is on it, and it does have USB, but I don't know if it's 2.0 or not. While my current computer is newer with Windows NT, Athalon 1.2 and 80 GB HD. So I really need a way to just backup the HD on the laptop so I can erase the HD and pass it on to someone who wants computer parts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haldir Posted May 21, 2006 Author Share Posted May 21, 2006 the usb is defeintly 1.0 on the laptop, don't think 98 supported 1.1 or 2.0 back then have you thought about getting a external case for the hard drive inside?? then put hte drive in there, then hook it up the computer to get the files out?? those are pretty cheap these days, like 20 bucks if you can catch a good deal on newegg.com RM RM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twjolson Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 I guess I should specify the problems with the laptop. Screen is cracked. Disk drives don't work. It's old. 3GB HD, and that was considered high tech when I got it. It's at least 8-9 years old, Windows 98 is on it, and it does have USB, but I don't know if it's 2.0 or not. While my current computer is newer with Windows NT, Athalon 1.2 and 80 GB HD. So I really need a way to just backup the HD on the laptop so I can erase the HD and pass it on to someone who wants computer parts. When you say Disk Drives don't work, do you mean CD/Floppy, or do mean the Hard drive isn't working too? Assuming the Hard drive is working, it sounds like your best option is a crossover cable (The trick is making sure you get the cross over cable, and not a normal one). Most laptops have a network port built in, and your desktop likely does too, and if not, you could borrow one from someone, or worst case situation, you could just buy one for less then 20 bucks. (which then would be useful if you get DSL or Cable internet) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sergeant_Crunch Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 I have a USB external hard drive case for exactly this reason. Course now that I have a network set up, it isn't so much of an issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Froggy the Great Posted May 22, 2006 Moderator Share Posted May 22, 2006 Here's what you do: Needed: -A crossover ethernet cord (or two cords, both connected to a hub) -network ports. Do this: -Connect the two computers together. -Enable Simple File Sharing in Windows. -Make sure "Client for Microsoft Networks" and "File and Printer Sharing" are enabled on both computers. -Set the IP address to 192.168.1.1 in one computer. -Set the IP address to 192.168.1.2 in the other. -Make sure the subnet mask is the same in both computers. -Move all files you want to transfer into a shared directory. -browse to the shared directory from the other computer. -Copy files. This is assuming you have Windows and are somewhat network-versed. I could do this in 5 minutes, assuming nothing came up in the networking that requires voodoo or a live chicken. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kheprera Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 Disk drives. The hard drive is fine. The computer will boot up. I can't load/save anything from the floppy or cd drive, and disks get stuck in the floppy. I've tried cleaning. It's a weird setup where the 3.5 and CD drive switch out, so I can't use both at the same time. It's really a bad setup and part of the reason, I think, the drives don't work anymore. It was a replacement for the previous laptop I did have (I had extended warranty and the screen flaked out about five times, so they gave me a new computer). I just need a monitor to hook it into to see what is on the screen. Cracked LCDs are bad things. Only hookup ports I know of are serial, parallel, USB, and PCMCIA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twjolson Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 Disk drives. The hard drive is fine. The computer will boot up. I just need a monitor to hook it into to see what is on the screen. Cracked LCDs are bad things. Only hookup ports I know of are serial, parallel, USB, and PCMCIA. You can, if you know somone get a PCMCIA network adapter, just borrow it, use it to transfer files. That or it sounds like your next best option would be an adapter that someone on here mentioned to allow you to install the notebook harddrive into a desktop (or did I read that wrong?) There is also mention of a USB file transfer, that would work. Also, if you know somoeone with an external hard drive, that is an option too. You have lots of options, it just depends on how much you want to spend, or what kind of things your friends have that you can use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crusoe the Painter Posted May 23, 2006 Share Posted May 23, 2006 If both have USB ports, just use a USB flashdrive. 1 Gigabyte ones are stinking cheap now. Just copy onto the the drive, and plug it into the other computer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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