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49224
May 31st, 2004 11:00
Serial PC to PC File Transfer Cable
I'm running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard & have come to the step:
First connect your computers with a cable (called a Serial PC to PC File Transfer Cable).
Wanting to transfer files from my old computer to the Dell.
Really, I want to be able to transfer files both ways whenever needed, instead of writing a CD. (That's another issue. I have used DirectCD on the old computer. It can be read on the Dell, but I am unable to write on the CD in DirectCD format with the Dell and don't know how to get to be able to do that. It would have made file exchange simpler to this point.)
Do I just go to some computer store and ask for a "Serial PC to PC File Transfer Cable" & expect to get what I need.? (Why didn't one come with the computer?)
Once I get the cable, I'm sure I just plug it into the serial ports I see (labeled) on the front of my old computer and what looks to be an identical port on the back of the Dell, labeled serial connector in the manual.
Will I then be able to transfer files both ways? I got to same the point of running the File Transfer Wizard on both computers from the Dell Windows XP disk before being convinced I have to get another cable to continue. I'd been hoping the USB ports could be connected and used, but apparently that's not an option.
Any advice? Am I just wasting my time & should continue file transfers one way from old to new using DirectCD format, then have to burn CDs to go the other way? (I also had difficulty - was unsuccessful - when I first tried to use a CD-RW so popped in a CD-R and so far have used this DirectCD format.) thanks.
I got this Dell Dimension 2400 on April 17.
ceri sheeran
2 Intern
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1.7K Posts
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May 31st, 2004 11:00
Hi
You mention
I'd been hoping the USB ports could be connected and used, but apparently that's not an option.
It is and is very easy simple and painless. Completely plug and play not pray.
This cable is available in the UK and similar items are available in the US.
http://www.maplin.co.uk/products/module.asp?CartID=040531133153269&moduleno=25600&Products=1
I've moved as much as 8GB of data off a laptop I'd just rescued, so I could back it up to CD.
A better option could be to network the two machines and a cheaper option, no cost except time, is to temporarily connect the hard disk from the old machine to the new.
edited as I realised I'd put the link in the original poast.
hth
Ceri
Message Edited by ceri sheeran on 05-31-2004 01:37 PM
Marylander-PG
3 Posts
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June 3rd, 2004 03:00
Thanks very much. I intend to use what I learned from your recommendation and get a cable as soon as possible.
I had, with help, moved the hard drive from the old computer to the new & was able to copy files in that way. Then I moved the HD back to the old computer, thinking it had to be reformatted, but acutally was able to save the data files. What I wanted was to learn how to properly connect these 2 machines & wonder why what I found only mentioned connecting them by serial ports & not USB. You say "A better option could be to network the two machines" & I suppose I'll discuss that at a store if I get a chance when looking for a USB cable. I'm not clear on how to do that, either, but probably can figure it out from what's on the shelves or someone should be available to explain it to me. I have USB cables that connect to my camera and printer, but not between computers.
Marylander-PG
3 Posts
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June 26th, 2004 01:00
In my ignorance, I have gone to a store and purchased a RadioShack USB Link Cable {labeled male-to-male. "Transfer files between two PCs. Dual buffer for 2-way data transfer and networking via USB ports."} It came with software on a floppy disk. Connecting the cable to my computer resulted in this message:
"GeneLink USB Adapter has not passed Windows Logo testing to verify its compatiblity with Windows XP. Continuing your installation may impair or destabilize the correct operation of your system either immediately or in the future. Microspft strongly recommends that you stop this installation now and contact the hardware vendor for software that has passed Windows Logo testing."
selected "STOP installation" ==> "There was a problem installing this hardware USB Host to Host Bridge The third party INF does not contain digital signature information."
sigh.
ceri sheeran
2 Intern
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1.7K Posts
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June 26th, 2004 07:00
Hi,
What does the leaflet or booklet with the lead say. If it advises it is XP compatible, then it should work.
Have you tried installing the software first, I seem to remember that doing so caused the cable to be immediately recognised by Win 98SE upwards.
Not all hard ware or software is fully accreditted as being XP compatible. I expect that to receive this accreditation Microsoft and Bill charge a lot of money.
If the lead is described by the manufacturer as Win XP compatible, what does their web site say?
If you are very concerned take it back to the shop and advise that your computer has given the warning message. Ask them to demonstrate it works.
What O/S is your "old" computer using ? Is it above Win 98, but not NT 2000 then it should be ok. Even if the device is USB 2 it should work normally albeit slower at USB 1.1 speeds.
The lead I have has worked on Windows from 98SE upwards to XP Pro SP1, except NT. Drivers are reportedly available for running USB devices on NT now though
I've had no troubles with the lead and I've not read of anyone having problems with the cable or similar devices.
If you are not happy with the cable, then return it for a refund, advising it doesn't work as per the error message.
The networking version of the lead came out just after the straight USB to USB laplink version. For the cost of the lead you could buy two Network Interface Cards and a crossover cable. I brought the lead as I thought it would be a useful device to have in my goodies box. I've only used it a few times but it has proven worthwhile
Another way to get the data off you old hard disk is the IDE to USB 2 adapter, I mentioned in this post.
http://delltalk.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_harddrive&message.id=45341
Simply connect the hard disk from your old machine to the new.
If you have problems send me an IM with your e-mail address, mine is in my profile.
hth
Ceri