How do I copy HD to HD with 2 separate computers?

[Himbald]

My new computer and my old computer have NO zip drives, CD-RWs or similar devices. I need to copy about 350MB of important data and files from my old computer to my new computer before I reformat my old computers HD and sell that entire system as is. How can I copy from old HD to new HD (without using 500 floppy disks of course)?

Both computers have fully functional USB ports. Is there any way to attatch some sort of cable via USB and transfer any data that way? I'd rather not have to risk going inside my new system (temporarlily putting old HD in new computer). . . I'm a total novice and I would probably f' something up.)

Many Thanks in advance!

 

[fobbman]

I would recommend capturing the contents of your hard drive in an uncompressed AVI format and then transferring it to VHS tape with your video out connection. Once the new drive is in then go ahead and recapture to the new hard drive. It's that easy!

 

[Himbald]

There are no video out connections on either computer. (

 

[authenticate]

Sounds like a non-video related question...the best way to do this is to disconnect the old hard disk and attach it to the spare cable in the new computer. Reboot and you will see two hard disks. Copy by dragging.

 

[Himbald]

authenticate, What type of "spare cable" is that exactly? I don't think my system will have any spares for me to just plug into (of course I could be totally wrong).

Thanks by the way . . . I hope it's that easy, and doing it won't srew up my new system.

 

[Antza]

See if there is a spare connector in the middle of the cable your new hard drive is connected to. If there is, connect the old HD to it and boot. Go to BIOS settings and set up the HD or set it to auto detect.
You have to make sure that the old HD is jumpered to "SLAVE" (if possible), or it does not work.
If there's not and extra connector in the cable, just remove the HD from your old computer with the cable and attach it next to new HD connector in the motherboard. Now set the HD jumpers to "MASTER" (it will become a secondary master) and set it up in BIOS.

The main thing is that you put the drive to some IDE connector and probably the BIOS will detect it automatically.

 

[authenticate]

Normally, most motherboards (m/b) have two IDE channels. That is two connectors on the board each with 40 pins. If your old computer just had one hard disk then there will be one cable running from one of the IDE connectors on the m/b to the hard disk. If you also had a CD-ROM then there may either be a second cable connecting the second IDE connector to the CD-ROM or the CD-ROM may be "slaved" off the first cable.
If you do have a CD-ROM then detach it from the cable and power connector and plug both into the back of the old hard disk. As suggested by Antza position the jumper in the position that relates to "slave". It currently be set as "master".
If you do not have a CD-ROM then attach the old hard disk to the existing cable (each cable should have three female connectors). Attach also a power connector to the hard disk. Remember to set the jumper as in the above paragraph.
There is no need to secure the hard disk in the slot or close up the case just go ahead and power on.

 

[nebula]

If you don't want to move the HD's around, you can network the two together via the USB ports. Go here, http://shopper.cnet.com/shopping/resellers/0-7085-311-2224292.html

It's a USB device from StarTech Computers that allows you to set up a network. Belkin also makes one but I couldn't find it on their website. I haven't tried it myself, but shouldn't be hard if you can set up a network. I also think you could get a USB hub and do it that way, just like using NIC's, but I'm not sure.

Most of all, don't worry, what you want to do is fairly easy!

 

[fobbman]

Heh, sorry. I was being silly since you asked this in the "Video" section.