Transferring data, old computer to new.

[Avitor]

Seems I need a 'serial cable' ...when connected:-

What then? The old one crashes so often it might not last the session.

Any tips/info, what to expect, what to do, would be welcome...thanks.

[Saab Dastard]

Serial cable is stone age stuff.

Best to connect the PCs directly together with a physical network cable (might need to use a cross-over), or connected to the same router (wired or wireless), or remove the hard disk from the old PC and connect it as a second hard disk to the new PC (internally or externally).

Lots of helpful guides available on migrating user data from one system to another - Windows ships with a Wizard to do (some of) it, but you have to run it once for each account you want to migrate.

You basically want to copy settings and data from C:\Documents and Settings\username to the same location (or a backup location) on the new PC.

SD

[Avitor]

Originally Posted by Saab Dastard

Serial cable is stone age stuff.

Best to connect the PCs directly together with a physical network cable (might need to use a cross-over), or connected to the same router (wired or wireless), or remove the hard disk from the old PC and connect it as a second hard disk to the new PC (internally or externally).

Lots of helpful guides available on migrating user data from one system to another - Windows ships with a Wizard to do (some of) it, but you have to run it once for each account you want to migrate.

You basically want to copy settings and data from CDocuments and Settings\username to the same location (or a backup location) on the new PC.

SD

Yes, thanks, it is XP home to XP home, should help? I fancy the 'remove H/D' method, I can cannibalise connection from old machine?

[Mr Optimistic]

get the jumpers right

there is another thread along similar lines. Set the 'second' drive to slave. You would need a crossover cable if connecting them directly together: if you have a home network and router there is no problem but guess you haven't. Serial cable; now that takes me back..........

[Avitor]

Thanks, Mr O.

[A A Gruntpuddock]

You could always use a usb stick or a card reader and a compact flash card (or whatever is in your digital camera). Or save it to cd/dvd? Also gives you a backup if the worst happens.

[BOAC]

Avitor - let's rewind to SD's

remove the hard disk from the old PC and connect it as a second hard disk to the new PC (internally or externally).

- have you done that (preferably internally)?

[Avitor]

Originally Posted by BOAC

Avitor - let's rewind to SD's - have you done that (preferably internally)?

I haven't done anything yet, BOAC. With respect to all the advice, that does seem to be my best (simplest) solution.

I am awaiting a - lost - password for my ISP to arrive through the post before I act.

[BOAC]

Go on - you don't need an ISP password to try SD's solution. Quick - before the bank holidays are over......

Edited to change ISO to ISP......doh!.

[Avitor]

Originally Posted by BOAC

Go on - you don't need an ISO password to try SD's solution. Quick - before the bank holidays are over......

I have chickened out and text an SOS to my son, who replied that he is on the IOW....some 200 miles distant. Do I believe him? Well, that's what he said!....I have promised him a bottle of vodka...he will phone me later.