How do you copy data directly from computer to computer?

[tatertop]

I need to copy the info from my old computer
onto my new machine.

[Rabrrrrrr]

1. Depends on your technology.

If you have a network, you just put the computers in the same workgroup and have them share each other's hard drives.

If you don't have a network, then you have to go with cables and various miscellaneous programs to get them to talk to one another.

[GirlinContempt]

2. Share folders over your home network

if you have one, and then grab the data and move it to where you want it on computer #2

You can also pick up cables to link the computers together for transfers.

[henslee]

3. I would think using a flashdrive would be a good way....

Its a good item to have around anyway. They hook up to USB port and are an excellent inexpensive way to transfer data. Radio shack has them for about 45-100 dollars depending on the gig capacity. Heres a pic...

[tatertop]

4. what is the storage capacity on that flash drive?

[obxhead]

5. looks like a 256 meg

[henslee]

6. 256. But I just downloaded a random pic. Have seen flash drives with 6

gigs but they cost more. Have seen 1.5gig drives for under a hundred. I'm sure you can poke around and find a good deal.

[lpbk2713]

20. Watch the ads, usually the Sunday paper circulars.

Just this past week I bought a 512 meg Memorex thumbdrive at Office Depot for twenty-five bucks. That's a good enough size for me. I had a 128 before that and it did OK for me.

[Moochy]

7. Windows 2000/XP has a transfer wizard now too

That makes the transfer of files pretty easy.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/expert/crawford_november12.mspx

[tatertop]

15. That looks easy

[Moochy]

16. Here's an even better HOW-TO from MS KnowledgeBase

Here's a better how-to since my link expired or something.

This one comes from the Knowledge Base, so the link will last.

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=293118

[seemunkee]

8. Alohabob PC relocator

If you want to move programs as well as data files get this program. It works great.

[Shine]

9. I have absolutey NO idea, but thought I'd drop in to say hi and

offer moral support.

I'm technically challenged, but still a very nice person. heheh.

:hi: tatertop!

[tatertop]

13. Hi Shine!

:hi:

[KitchenWitch]

19. I heartily vouch for the kindness of Shine!

She is one of the best here!

:hi:

[Shine]

25. kiss, kiss, sugarpie!!

:loveya:

[MrSlayer]

10. Take the hard drive from the old computer and put it in the new one.

And copy over using windows explorer. Or just leave it in there and access directly.

[EstimatedProphet]

11. If you're mecahnically inclined...

Take out the HD from your old computer, and put it in your new computer as a slave drive. Works like a charm!

[tatertop]

14. Does the new machine recognize the drive automatically?

Do you need a driver for the old hard drive?

[Moochy]

18. This depends

on what kind of hard drive you have in each box. Making an IDE a slave, is a straightforward swap of a dip switch on the back of the HD. But... If you have a brand new computer, you may have the new SATA type of interface. Chances are this is on the product information for your comptuer, the bill/receipt etc. SATA and IDE drives are not compatible on the same interface card or motherboard slot, but your motherboard may have both interfaces.
My suggestion is to go buy a cheap 4-port firewall for your dsl or cable router, and put both comptuers on the network. a $50 dollar project, and you'll have another layer of protection for your home computer.

[EstimatedProphet]

21. No. Reboot and hiy delete when the computer starts

This will take you into the CMOS menu, where you can reset your configurations and detect the drive. Also, make sure your jumper settings are correct, and you can check them by looking at either the HD label or by looking up your HD online.

[GirlinContempt]

22. er not to be contradictory

but you shouldn't plug the 2nd drive in with the computer on

[EstimatedProphet]

23. You know, you're right

I've been doing it wrong!

Sorry, forgot to tell you to shut it down.

[GirlinContempt]

24. I mean

You *can* do it when the computers on, but it's not the best idea.
The whole restart thing kinda made me go 'eek' ;)

[EstimatedProphet]

27. No, seriously. I didn't think about it

You should always turn off your computer when you're working on it, for safety reasons.

[GirlinContempt]

28. Exactly

:)

[DS1]

12. Hold the old pc over the new one and shake it really hard

:hide:

[UncleSepp]

17. LOL that's cute n/t

[Crazy Guggenheim]

26. Get a router and hook them up with ethernet. Make sure your folders

are Shared.

:popcorn: