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| Thread ID: 61951 | 2005-09-22 02:38:00 | Transfer of Data/Programs | RoyG (7768) | Press F1 |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 390013 | 2005-09-22 02:38:00 | Does anyone know an easy way of transferring reasonably quickly fairly large chunks of data and programs between computers? Old computer running W98 and has USB 1; new computer running XP and has USB 2. Would like to transfer data to new HDD and, if possible, programs that have been downloaded and which therefore do not have disks. Old computer does not have CD burner. | RoyG (7768) | ||
| 390014 | 2005-09-22 04:02:00 | You can buy a USB file transfer "cable" (it has a lump containing electronics, so it's not just a cable) for about $50 or so. If the old box has an Ethernet interface (the new one will "almost" certainly have one) a crossover Ethernet cable will be cheaper. For a "reasonable" amount, a USB "disk" might be more useful in the long term. Imagine a 128 or 256 MB floppy. Or a 512MB or 1GB one ... You will need a driver to make it work on the W98 box. (A friend bought a RunDisk brand one at a supermarket, and it didn't have a driver disk with it. The driver was downloadable, but the very cheap thing only lasted a week anyway.) There are better brands. ;) |
Graham L (2) | ||
| 390015 | 2005-09-22 04:49:00 | Networking seems the obvious way to go but I must admit having done it myself it can be pretty daunting even for the semi skilled. Otherwise Burning CDs (not the rewitable sort), if of course your computers have the gear. Another method not generally known is using the very old DOS based program XTGold. I have used this - you need the program on both computers and if I remember it correctly a parallel cable to join the computers (but check with better qualified experts first). Mind you XTGold could be quite a difficult program to learn to use. Another somewhat slow proces is to use the good old floppies - there are plenty of programs out there that will break programs down into clumps which can be stitched back on the target computer. Anyway if its text data then floppies will handle even very big files easily. Tom |
Thomas01 (317) | ||
| 390016 | 2005-09-22 05:40:00 | The USB transfer cable is probably a good idea. I used that when transferring stuff from my old computer to my new one. It worked perfectly. Very easy to use as well. Brendo |
ImTheRealBrendo (8940) | ||
| 390017 | 2005-09-22 07:00:00 | Why not just hook the old hard drive up to an IDE cable in the new computer and transfer the data that way? | FoxyMX (5) | ||
| 390018 | 2005-09-22 07:38:00 | Adding to foxy's suggestion if you haven't got a spare connector on an IDE cable then you could buy a double for about $6-10 or just temporarly remove your CD drive and plug the drive from the win 98 machine in its place. No need to mount it or screw it in, just plug in the cables and power it all up. Then transfer the program files and data to your hearts content. |
EX-WESTY (221) | ||
| 390019 | 2005-09-22 11:31:00 | Be careful if using the XTGold method - make sure that you are using a version that will handle long filenames (if there is one - I think there is) otherwise you could get into strife resulting from filename truncation. This can be got around by scanning the file lists before you copy and transfer any files with names like xxxxx~1.exe or whatever via floppy (using Copy or Explorer to get the full filenames) if practical and the rest using XTGold (or Fastlynx or PCTools or Norton Utilities or whatever). This could be quite tedious. Following Foxy/Ex-Westy's suggestions is a better way to go. To do that, though, you need to set up the drives properly as Master and Slave, and this could entail removing the new HDD to read the jumper settings on the drive's label. HTH |
Robin S_ (86) | ||
| 390020 | 2005-09-22 23:15:00 | Thanks for the help. The USB cable sounds the simplest if one can transfer programs as well. Any thoughts on the memory sticks (I think that's what they are called) that plug into USB port? | RoyG (7768) | ||
| 390021 | 2005-09-23 01:53:00 | They are often called "USB disks" or "Flash Disks", too. One of these might be gereally useful in tht e future. See my previous posting. :( (Any files larger than the unit can handle could be moved in sections using the "span" option of WinZip or WinRAR.) Some MP3 players can be used as removable disks, too. |
Graham L (2) | ||
| 390022 | 2005-09-23 04:12:00 | Another method not generally known is using the very old DOS based program XTGold . Thomas: If you are still an XTGold user, you'll love ZTree, the modern 32-bit equivalent that uses long file names . It is a complete rewrite in modern program language, has the identical user interface, and duplicates all of the old XTree features except the Oops command . Compressing files requires you to do some setting up as well . It is a free download, but once the trial expires the nag-time (chimes) at each start increases . It is cheap to buy and it is a one-off payment, not an annual fee . Cheers Billy 8-{) |
Billy T (70) | ||
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