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

[Himbald]

Both my old computer and my new computer have NO Zip drive, CD-RW, or similar device. How can I transfer the 350MB of important data and files before I reformat my old HD and sell that entire system as is? Using floppy would take hundreds of disks and hours and I obviously don?t want to do that.)

Both computers are USB systems. Isn?t there a way I can connect my 2 systems via USB (Buy some sort of cable and software) to transfer HD to HD? I am a total novice and I don?t want to risk trying to physically put my old HD into my new computer to temporarily transfer that way. I?m sure I would screw something up.)

Btw ? My new system has a NIC card (getting DSL cable soon) and my old one has a 56k internal modem. Is there a way to utilize those connections to do this?

Thanks in advance

 

[sohcrates]

i don't think you have any way of doing it man. from what i've seen, there's no file sharing over USB allowed in windows (at least, not yet)...and 1 NIC plus 1 Modem = nothing helpful either

you either need to put a NIC in the old machine too, and then get a crossover cable, or just put the old hardrive in the new machine (even though you don't want to)...ALTHOUGH, if you have any questions, we're here to help you do it so that you DON'T screw anything up in doing so!

 

[w0rmh0l3]

Sure there is, I use a USB-RJ45 adapter for my cable modem and it works fine. I'm sure you could connect two computers together with two USB-RJ45 adapters and some network cable.

 

[sohcrates]

i suppose that might be an option, but my instincts tell me it would be a configuration nightmare to make file sharing work work like that, but then again, i've never used one of those adapters! so maybe it IS an option

 

[Himbald]

If it's something that you think a complete novice could do would you please explain exactly how to go about that procedure Worm?

 

[AC]

worm, do you use a rj-45->usb or a usb-> rj-45...there's a big difference...if you have a usb cable modem, you are basically just plugging the usb into the rj-45 of the nic, and the nic handles the rest...

i really doubt there is a rj-45->usb adapter...that would mean that the usb interface on the computer would receive the signals and some sort of software ethernet receiver/transmiter would be needed...but even then basic hardware is still required (ie. a winmodem still has hardware part eventhough the majority of it is software)...

ok, so for the file transfer issue:

1. • get a "parallel data transfer" cable
   • use "windows direct cable connection" (free), "fastmove" ($50), or "laplink" ($150) to establish the connection
2. • get a network card and cross-over cable for the old comp
   • network comps via "TCP/IP" and "file and printer sharing"
3. • physically move the hard drive over to the new comp, configure, and copy

well, since you indicated that you don't want to go the latter 2 options, you are left with the first...that's all i can think of right now...

 

[Himbald]

AC, Do you happen to know the link for that "windows direct cable connection" for 98SE?
Sounds like that might be my best option.)

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Use a paralell port cross over cable ($15-25 at office depot) and MS's direct cable connection (it's included with windows).

Edit: start>programs>accesories>communication>direct cable connection (this varies but is usually near there)
You might have to add it in via the control panel's add/remove programs>windows setup>communication.

 

[Duvie]

I remember back in the old days you can type some "interlink" command in your config.sys or autoexec.bat while having a dual modem cable hooked through the com2 ports (serial) and it would recognize the other drive...copy over in dos mode...

Also programs like laplink have serial connection transfers an such...I set up 4 office computers with all the same hardware...I got one running perfectly then cloned every one of them through the transfer link.

 

[Durron]

I've always found it easiest to just take the hard drive out of one machine and slap it into the other one, copy the stuff over, then put it back in the old machine =/

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Duvie: Interlnk+Intersvr are the DOS equivilent of Direct Cable Connection. The latter is a bit easier to use, especially for novices or those who aren't into command prompts. And the procedure is pretty much "follow the on screen instructions"

 

[MrCookie]

If you go the route of parallel direct connect, make sure you get the correct cable. They look identical to printer cables, but in the printr cable some of the wires are crossed internally. I think the direct connect cable is a straight pass through.

The other easy solution would be to use an external zip drive.

 

[raz]

I agree with Durron. It only takes a couple of minutes and you're all set to copy your info to your other drive. And best of all...it don't cost nothing!

 

[Lvis]

durron has the right idea. I did see at a computer show a usb kit for hooking two machines together. They wanted about forty bucks for it.