Copying files from one computer to another?

16 years ago

I need to copy files from an older computer to a new computer without the use of a thumb drive or CD drive. The less technical the better. I am copying only files, no programs, if it matters. I was wondering about the use of an online data storage company - loading the data up from the old one and then downloading it to the new one. Has anyone ever done this? Are you required to load any sofware to do it (trying to avoid this, old computer is chock full). Thanks.

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Comments (14)

mikie_gw
16 years ago
If you have instant messaging on both
And both are connected to the internet
Pretty easy to send files. And if on a router they'll probably go really fast. (at least they sure do here, way faster than upload/download across the internet)
klaa2
16 years ago
How many files and how big are they? I'm assuming the computers aren't networked or you wouldn't be asking, right?

I wouldn't use an online service unless you want all you files public, regardless of what your told.

If you have a lot of files that take a lot of space and your computers are not networked, consider temporarily removing the hard drive and adding it to your new computer. Or better yet, leave it there.

You can also use USB, Firewire or even ethernet to ethernet.
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sue36
Original Author
16 years ago
The computers are not networked and there is no IM. Over 4 gb of data.

I was wondering about the safety of the online services. I guess I could email the sensitive files, such as tax records and checking account, and only upload the other stuff.

I can't remove the hard drive or otherwise tamper with the old computer. The old computer does not have operational USB or firewire.

Any ideas are appreciated.
klaa2
16 years ago
Why cant you remove the hard drive?
sue36
Original Author
16 years ago
Because I don't own the computer.
mikie_gw
16 years ago
Curious what your Upload speed is ?
Take some time to upload GB's.
Most isp upload speeds are quite a bit slower than download speeds.
mikie_gw
16 years ago
You could load a web server on the new computer and then with some html & server knowledge make a web page to browse and upload to.

Trivial FTP servers (TFtp) are mostly quite small, 20k or so, and simple if you have a little bit geeky know how and are on the same connection.
klaa2
16 years ago
If both computers have network cards installed then simply buy a crossover Cat5 cable and use it to connect the two computers.
sue36
Original Author
16 years ago
I have Comcast high speed. Their website says it is 6 Mbps (which means nothing to me). The old computer has XP.

I assume new computers have network cards? How can I check to see if the old one has one?

I have NO geeky know-how. None. I've always worked for a company with a help desk that greatly discourages us doing anything on our computers (well, other than work). I am also old enough that PCs were somewhat rare until I was out of school. I know how to use programs, but I don't very little about the actual operating systems.
klaa2
16 years ago
The old computer having XP is promising. If it was hooked up to high speed Internet than it has to have a lan network jack.

Look in the back for a jack that looks similar to a telephone jack but a little wider. This will be the network adapter. If both computers have this, get that cable and your in business.

By the way, PC's were not around until I was out of school.

;-)
sue36
Original Author
16 years ago
The old computer is an IBM T41. There is no telephone-like jack on the back, but the side has two, one that is actually a telephone jack (it has a telephone symbol next to it, I used to use this on dial-up) and another that has a symbol like a little square over two little squares.

So, I get the crossover cable? Any specific instructions on how this is done? Is it easy?

Yeah, I guess my age is really a poor excuse!
mikie_gw
16 years ago
Two laptops with built in wifi ? You can make a Ad_Hoc connection between them, no cable needed.
Or better yet if you use wireless now just run the network set up wizzard.
klaa2
16 years ago
See link or just google it.

Here is a link that might be useful: How to use a cross over cable
sue36
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks. Just curious, there is a chance that certain options on the old computer are locked so I may not be able to change network settings. Is there a way to check that?

Copying files from one computer to another?

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