Want to trasnfer "My Documents" to a laptop (from Desktop). About to re-format my hard drive

  • Thread starter Thread starter DiscoDuck
  • Start date Start date
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DiscoDuck

and of course I want to save "My Documents" (over 6 Gigs).

Can I use a network cable between my desktop, and my friends laptop
and transfer "My Documents" to his machine (and to copy them back
after I reformat my HD)?

Do I need to use the "Transfer Wizard" for this (it only mentions the
null modem serial cable (also called a LapLink serial cable or a
serial file transfer cable).
 
If you want to connect the cable directly between the two computers you'll
need a "crossover cable."

Better to acquire (buy, borrow, or steal) a network hub or switch. A good
5-port switch can be had for around $20.
Plug both computers into the hub/switch, share My Documents over the
network, and do the copy under the control of his computer. (That way, he
shouldn't have to change any settings.)

No, you don't need "Transfer Wizard" or any other wiz-bang stuff, just
regular Windows Explorer.

Have fun,

Myron
 
This sounds like an idea that might help me transfer data from my
desktop with WinXP to my laptop with WinXP. Can you furher explain
how I set up the two machines through a network hub or network switch
to transfer files from one machine to the other. I do have both setup
to acces the internet through a Router on my Cable modem... can I go
through this means?
 
probably. Does your router have a manual?
Click to expand...

Uh yea, you mean read it? Other than that, I saw somethng concerning
networking about using the printer attached to my desktop to print
something from my laptop attached through the router. How about file
transfer?
 
Robert said:
Uh yea, you mean read it? Other than that, I saw somethng concerning
networking about using the printer attached to my desktop to print
something from my laptop attached through the router. How about file
transfer?
Click to expand...

You ought to be able to set up a connection between the machines in
Network Connections. This *ought* to work through a router, but at
worst you will only need to get a simple ethernet cross over (Cat5)
cable to plug into the ports instead. Make sure it is set up to use
distinct IP addresses such as 192.168.0.n and distinct Computer Names
within the same Workgroup name. Then if you go to Network Neighborhood,
and look at 'Show workgroup computers' you should be able to see one
from the other, and open up to see contents (access permissions
permitting) and drag things across.

If you want a permanent connection for this you could also get a direct
connect USB device (eg by Belkin or Laplink) - a bit more complex and
expensive than a simple cable, as it has to isolate power, but easy
enough and not excessively costly
 
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