Transferring data across XP Home network

[Guest]

I need to transfer a large volume of data files from one computer to another
computer across my XP Home network. I have been using ethernet cable, but it
is taking forever!

Does anyone have any suggestions on a faster way to do this?

Thanks!

 

[Patrick Keenan]

I need to transfer a large volume of data files from one computer to
another
computer across my XP Home network. I have been using ethernet cable, but
it
is taking forever!

Does anyone have any suggestions on a faster way to do this?

Thanks!

How large is the volume, how many files? Simple file copies can take quite
a long time. A faster way is to open both cases, and move the remove
drive over to the host system. Then you will get full bus speed, and the
time taken to move the drives will be considerably less.

I usually use FileSync (www.fileware.co.uk) for this, because the Windows
tools have a tendency to quietly fail on error, and leave you wondering
where the problem was. FileSync at least keeps track of what happened and
if there's a real problem, you can tell.

Another fast way to do this, if you have the drive space, is to image the
remote drive and then mount the image on the host system. You can then
copy the files needed at your leisure.

HTH
-pk

 

[Guest]

Hi Patrick -

Thanks! Shame on me! I failed to mention that I am moving the files from my
latptop to my desktop. So I'm not sure your hardware suggestions will work in
this case.

Any other thoughts?

Thanks bunches!

KIP

 

[DSL-Dave]

Hi KIP,

There are several, inexpensive, adapters that will let you connect a laptop
drive to a USB port.
In my experience, this works quickly, as the laptop drive gets mounted as an
external drive,
and you can transfer at USB 2.0 bus speed, which is much faster than over
the wire.
In some rare instances, you may need to add a jumper to the laptop drive.
There are four pins, separated from the main pins. The two vertical pins at
the end of
the drive will set the drive to primary. Also, you may not have enough power
to operate
the drive, so some adapters have two USB plugs, which will give you another
500ma. to play with,
or use a powered USB hub.
I just upgraded my laptop from a 20GB HD using this method, and it worked
fine.

Dave

 

[Guest]

Hi Dave -

Thanks for the info! Okay, I am a novice when it comes to this kind of
hardware. Is there a specific name for the adapters? And do I need to remove
my hard drive from my laptop to do this? That's a little scary sounding for
me, but I'll trudge ahead! Also, what sources for the adapters would you
recommend?

Thanks again!

KIP

 

[DSL-Dave]

KIP,

Here is a URL for one of them:
http://www.surpluscomputers.com/store/main.aspx?p=ItemDetail&item=CRD10181

This is a handy one, as it will allow you to connect all kinds of drives to
your USB port.
It goes for $15.

Yes, you will have to take the drive out of the laptop, but that should be
an easy job.
on my Toshiba, I have to remove two screws on the bottom to remove the
cover, then the drive
slides right out. Yours may have three or four screws, and the drive might
be mounted in a
frame, but it should be obvious how it is removed.
Just be careful when plugging it into the adapter, that you DON'T plug it
into the four isolated
pins on the end!

Good luck!

Dave

 

[Guest]

Excellent! Thanks so much, Dave! This will be a big help!

KIP