Go for a memory stick.

For my desktop computer, I removed the harddrive and put it in a fixture that I found at Best Buy which allowed me to plug it into a USB port in the new computer and transfer files directly. Perhaps they have one that will work with your laptop's harddrive.
(Are you positive that you are using data discs for the files rather than music CDs?)

What type / brand of blank cd are you using?

No, I didn't realize there were different disks. I was trying to use blank Memorex, what I assume are music CDs. Could that be the reason I am having a problem?

Randy...I am not proficient enough to remove the hard drive from my laptop, but it was a good idea for someone who can.

Meggypeggy...had an aunt named peggy..[g]...haven't heard that name in awhile. Cute screen name.

I was wondering, if someone could suggest a memory stick? Plus if I use that, I suppose I would have to purchase multiple sticks to get most of my files over to a new machine...or even just to back them up, since I have music and photo files. Won't that be expensive? Would CDs be cheaper?

Even on the new machine I am going to need to back up files, so what is the best long term solution? What are most people doing these days?

Other thoughts?

Thanks
:-)
pm2

Check to see how large your music and photo files are that you wish to save. The USB drives can be had up to about 8GB, I believe. I managed to move all my photos and music from my old Win 98 to my XP using only a 1GB plus a 128MB drive. These little gadgets have become quite inexpensive and all seem to be pretty reliable, so just get whatever is on sale at a good price.

I just bought a tiny 4gb usb flash drive for $28 from egghead. A-Data, Man its slow to eject.
The better sandisk usb flash drives are about $30 on sale. $35 frequent sales at neighborhood stores.

I use My Book external hardddrive for back-ups. It holds 149 gb. I have one complete extra computer backed up on it plus all my picture and document files from my main computer and have only used app 20 gb. It works on a USB connection and can be carried from one computer to another. WalMart has these drives now, but I ordered mine online a couple of years ago. I think they sell for about 129.00. Hope this helps! Ida

You would have to watch what size memory stick you buy. Older computers may not recognize it. It may only recognize up to a 512MB

Genes, you are right. Not all are backward compatible.

When you state you cannot burn a disc on your CD player ? Are you sure it Burns disc's ? That would be different than just a CD Player.
As far a USB Memory stick.I myself use the Micro-Cruzer, as it is compatible with the old USB 1.2 as well as the new USB 2.0 speeds. You can get those up to about 8 gigabytes. Thats alotta pics and files.
Also,IF you have a USB port, why not get a external HDD ? And copy all the files over to that instead ?
Both of those would be great ways to back up all your files BEFORE it dies.Good luck.

Hi,

back again, having gotten sidetracked researching a new computer system. I bought a Maxtor external Drive but I am taking it back after reading many many posts suggesting they fail more often than others. I also am finding that even when you use an external drive, that most people recommend that you back up to DVD/CD as well. So I am wondering if you have to back up the external drive, then why have one at all?

I didn't want to spend the money on small flash drives to 'store' my data on, because it would not be cheap in comparison to much more storage space on an external drive for the money. But I think I would like to use ONE flashdrive? memory stick? [Are they the same, btw?] just to transfer my data from the old computer to the new. They can be written over repeatedly, correct?

After I am finished transferring, I would like to use the flash drive to put my most valuable docs and photos onto the flash drive and use it to store in a safety deposit box. Is that possible?

I am thinking that once I get onto a new machine with a new DVD player that would also allow me to write to a DVD, that I could back up that way.

Am I making sense? Any experiences that would suggest I should think of doing something else?

Oh, btw, I do have a wireless home network and two laptops use the network. One is a Macbook and at the moment one is a PC. Is there anything I should know about formatting my data so it can be used by both Win/PC and Mac? Any storage media I can get that will allow me to use it on both?

Thank you all for the input...

:-)
pm2

Flash drive, thumb drive, memory stick,. . . .yes, they are all the same gadget. You can get them in all sizes from 128M or less up to 8GB. So get one that will be large enough to hold a fair amount and you can use that to transfer your files. Sure, you can wipe clean (format) and put new files on one, over and over. Your idea of putting files of valuable documents on a flash drive and storing in a safe place makes sense to me. And, on your new comp, backing up to DVD also makes sense. A DVD holds lots and lots of material.

Sorry I can't help with the question re the Mac and PC since I'd only be guessing about that.

Memory Stick is a different animal from a usb flash drive.

Well, yes, technically. It is a memory card used by Sony products.

Thanks... :-)

I did get out and looked at Sandisk memory sticks. They had one that was made of titanium that was $30. The salesperson said you could just about run over it with a truck. I don't know why I felt that would be a good thing, [g], but it really sold me on it for some unknown reason. They only had it in a 2GB size although he said he thought it was available in a larger size. The regular 4GB that was not made of titanium was $40. So I am holding onto the receipt.

It had a USB 2 format, but he said it would be compatible with my USB 1.2 as well. I am pretty sure an Apple has a USB 2 port so I think I will be all set.

Thanks for the help..
pm2