Thanks everyone. Lots of useful methods. Mikie - it's good to know about moving entire folders (I don't have my video's in folders - yet - but am just discovering how useful that would be for shows I've recorded for a few seasons - having them altogether). I'd like to double check and ask what "a cmd window" is - and how I'd get there. Again - I have Windows XP (SP3). Sorry to say, Mikie, but I also need more explanation for what "make a shortcut to the destination , within the folder the files are in... then select a bunch of what I want to move, cut&paste onto the shortcut" means. I know someday I'll understand all of this, but I don't know how to make a shortcut to the destination. And once I cut and paste onto the shortcut, what do I do with it? Absolutely there are some big files - so I'm glad to told me to break it up into smaller chunks. I have so far. Thank you. Lynn.

How about the manufacturer of the computer? Is it an HP, Acer, something else? I believe I've read that they offer install disks at reasonable rates, I've never ordered one but would imagine you could initiate the process by calling one of the numbers below? Probably someone can better direct you. . . "Sometimes restoring your computer back to manufacturer specifications is inevitable and we know sometimes these discs get lost or misplaced. Luckily, the manufacturer can send you a copy. Most manufacturers will need your model and serial number to send you the correct discs. Dell will need the Service Tag and Express Service Codes. Generally, you can find the needed information on the bottom or back of your computer. Check under the battery as well. Choose your manufacturer from the list below and either visit their support site or call them for instructions on ordering. Acer 1-866-539-3901 Apple 1-800-APL-CARE (275-2273) Asus 1-888-678-3688 or 510-739-3777 Dell 1-800-624-9896 eMachines 1-866-539-3901 Gateway 1-866-539-3901 HP 1-800-474-6836 Lenovo/IBM 1-800-426-7378 Samsung 1-800-726-7864 Sony 1-800-488-7669 Toshiba 1-800-457-7777" (The above quoted info comes from http://www.geeksquad.com/do-it-yourself/tools/computer-restore-disc.aspx) . . The Linux route, if acceptable, is of course even cheaper. (Free except for the price of a CD/DVDR to burn the ISO to)

What is making you think the Hard Drive is Shorting out (I agree with zep516 on the hard drive)? I know you said that something is preventing your computer from starting! Are you hearing some kind of Sound or Beeping? Do you smell smoke? Do you get anything on the computer screen? Have you tried Restarting the computer (I'm sure you have but I need to ask)? Have you tried unplugging the power and then plugging it back in? Have you recently done any Upgrading/Updating, Installing new programs, etc...? What is your Operating System (Windows Version)?

I'm with Richard on that! I use the Drive for Storage and I don't use any Backup Software that may be provided by the Hard Drives Manufacturer. You should be able to just plug it in and go as Richard Stated. Again he is correct about installing the Software on the New computer if you choose to use Manufacturer Software! Windows 10 File Explorer should be enough for moving files to your External Hard Drive! I sometimes might use an External Drive to Clone a Hard Drive, but usually I use a Hard Drive and a device something like this: USB to IDE/SATA. I then store my Clone in a Dry Cool Storage Area!