Data transfer to new machine!

Question

I am bying a new Dell Inspiron 6400 and getting rid of my old PC.   I have a lot of data on the PC which I want to transfer before I get rid of it. is there  a simple way of hooking the two machines up and transfering the data? I mean I would like to do this without having to buy additional hardware or to have to burn a truck load of CD's.  I do have a wireless router from Linksys- if that helps in the operation.   Any suggestions will be welcome.   thanks,

ejn63 · Answer

Since keeping only a single copy of data on a single system is playing Russian Roulette with it, you're better off buying an external drive for backup or using CD/DVD to archive.

While you CAN transfer data over a network, that puts your data at the mercy of a single hard drive. Remember there are two kinds of hard drives: those that have failed, and those that will fail.

India1947 · Answer

i do intend to backup on DVD. My present system has a CDR. I will save myself a lot of space by going straight to DVD from the new machine. Also, my previous experience with CD's has not been very good. DVD's are generally more reliable.

Jag989 · Answer

You would need a router or a CAT-6 crossover cable to connect the computers directly.     I would have to disagree with your opinion on CDs. Out of a stack of 100 CDs, you're probably guaranteed that all will burn correctly. With a stack of 100 DVDs, depending on the manufacturer and age of the disks, you can bet on at least 10 of them not burning, or not working after burning. CDs are also more robust in that they can take more scratches and scuffs before losing data in most cases.     Obviously the upside to DVDs is that they hold much more.

em20260 · Answer

Doesn't good old LapLink work these days?

em20260 · Answer

Try this, it hooks up your old hard drive to the USB port of your new machine and it appears as another drive letter so you can transfer data.   http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822999161

Arcania99 · Answer

I am trying to do the same thing you are- read the treads but your question wasn't really answered.  Did you find out?  I have the cross over cable and it's connected right and working.  I just cant seem to get them to talk!  Any suggestions are welcome.  I am starting to wish I just got another Gateway...   Thanks loads.

India1947 · Answer

I had the following problems whihc I figured out by trying many things. Nobody on this forum or at the Linksys forum came up with anything. To link the two machines I was using my Linksys wireless router.     1. I had given both computers the same name. Once I changed the name on the new machine I could see both machines. 2. I could still not access any information on the old machine. For that I had to individually go to each folder/drive and tweak the Share settings. This basically means that the information has to be made available for sharing.  3. Once I did that I had to then look on the net work and authorise the newer computer access to information on the old computer. AFter doing all this I was able to swap files very easily.   I don't know if this helps you. But try something like this and see if it works.

Arcania99 · Answer

Holy buckets!  It makes sense when you said it but I would have never come up w/ it on my own!  There is no resaon, other than job secutity (like when it takes 6 different screwdivers and alan wrenches to take off an 88' lens plate for your brake light cover!)  that this transfer- household people with very non-limelight lives have to face something like this,an imposssiple seeming attept.  Will try tomorrowm and thread what I come up with- if sucessful! LOL.  Thanks.  Appreciate the info.   Arcania

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Data transfer to new machine!

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