Transferring files

[Guest]

I want to transfer files and settings from 98SE to XP Pro, using a serial
cable. The Transfer Wizard instructions imply that I need a monitor for my
old computer as well as my new one. Is this right, or have I missed
something? I have only one monitor and connecting and re-connecting could be
a nuisance. Is there a device that will switch the monitor from one computer
to the other?

My old computer has USB 1.0, so a flash drive is not possible, and I do not
know enough to move the hard drive to my new computer, so I would have to pay
somebody.

Thanks in advance for your help.
TonyPH

 

[Bob Harris]

On option would be to borrow a monitor for the old PC. Odd-fashion cathod
ray tube type monitors, using analog signals, are pretty much
interchangeable among all PCs. Even the more modern plasma type monitors
usually interchange among PCs, if an old-style analog cable is used.

An alternative plan would be to place the old hard drive in a USB 2.0
enclosure. These are available at any PC store for about $30. There are
only two connections to make inside the enclosure, and they are very
different sizes/shapes, so no mistake is possible. Then, attach the
enclosure to your new computer, running XP. It should automatically
recongize the external USB hard drive, load default driver, and then the
contents should be available in windows explorer. The advantage of this
option is that after you copy the files to your new PC, you can then erase
the external hard drive and use it for backups of important files.

 

[Ron Badour]

Why won't a flash drive work with USB 1--it works here. Moving the hard
drive to the other computer is fairly simple and if you want to try it, post
back and I will provide instructions. I think you can buy an A-B Switch for
the monitor.

 

[Guest]

Thank you for your help.

According to the manufacturer's website (PNY Technologies) the only flash
drive that will work on USB 1 is the 64Mb, which would not be practical for
my purpose.

If you would send me instructions on moving the hard drive I'll take a look.
My first computer was one I built myself, but things are different now. My
new computer is much smaller than the old one, and will only take half-height
cards.

TonyPH

 

[Guest]

Thank you for your help.

I may very well end up borrowing another monitor, but I had no idea
transferring files would be so difficult.

Also, I might take a look at the USB enclosure but my old hard drive is nine
years old, so there is a good risk of a mechanical failure, and I would not
like to rely on it for backups.

TonyPH

 

[Ron Badour]

Beware of static electricity and ground yourself to the case before touching
parts. Open both cases and remove the hard drive from the old PC--should be
four or less screws and two cables to remove. Remove the ribbon cable from
the CDRom/DVD/CDRW or whatever drives you have on the second eide connector
of the new computer. Stand the drive on its end outside the new PC and
attach a power cord and the ribbon cable. Power up the new computer and use
Windows Explorer (WE) to transfer the files. If by chance the old drive is
not reflected in WE, you may have to go into the BIOS but we'll cross the
bridge if we come to it.