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July 15th, 2005 18:00
Problems with file transfer wizard -- 98 to XP
Because no one else in my family is at all computer-savvy, I'm delegated all computer-related tasks. This time, my grandmother is trying to transfer her files from her old Inspiron 3700 with Windows 98 to her new Inspiron 6000, which runs XP Pro. Ideally, I'd like to be able to do this with the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard which comes with XP.
First problem: I lack a serial port on the 6000, but I want to use a direct cable. Because the 3700 has a USB port and the 6000 has a firewire port, I want to use a USB-to-firewire cable instead. Can I do that? (I already have the cable, but haven't had a chance to try.) Will that work the same way as if it were a serial-to-serial cable?
Second problem: The 6000 doesn't have a floppy drive, and the 3700 doesn't have the wizard. The laptops don't ship with the Windows XP CD anymore. How am I supposed to make a wizard disk? The computer doesn't give me an option to make a CD; because I lack a floppy drive, I only have the options "I don't need a disk," "I already have a disk," and "I'll run the wizard from the Windows XP CD." The 3700 has a CD drive, so if I could just make a CD, I'd be fine.
Any help or suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!! I don't understand computers as well as my family thinks I do!
First problem: I lack a serial port on the 6000, but I want to use a direct cable. Because the 3700 has a USB port and the 6000 has a firewire port, I want to use a USB-to-firewire cable instead. Can I do that? (I already have the cable, but haven't had a chance to try.) Will that work the same way as if it were a serial-to-serial cable?
Second problem: The 6000 doesn't have a floppy drive, and the 3700 doesn't have the wizard. The laptops don't ship with the Windows XP CD anymore. How am I supposed to make a wizard disk? The computer doesn't give me an option to make a CD; because I lack a floppy drive, I only have the options "I don't need a disk," "I already have a disk," and "I'll run the wizard from the Windows XP CD." The 3700 has a CD drive, so if I could just make a CD, I'd be fine.
Any help or suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!! I don't understand computers as well as my family thinks I do!
Message Edited by daniellelouise on 07-15-2005 02:52 PM
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Denny Denham
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July 15th, 2005 19:00
You can create your own XP Reinstallation CD with the procedure here. If you are unable to do so, call Dell Customer Service and they will send you an XP CD.
For information regarding connecting using Files and Settings Transfer Wizard open the Wizard (Start|All Programs|Accessories|System Tools|Files and Settings Transfer Wizard and click on the connecting your computers link on the opening page.
fireberd
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July 15th, 2005 22:00
A comment on the cable. I don't think USB and Firewire are compatible electronically. If it will work at all you need a "null" or "crossover" cable (send/receive and control signals reversed at one end).
I've done many searches on the Internet for a USB/Firewire interface cables that would allow a firewire device to connect to a USB 2.0 port and could never find any.
They do sell USB "file transfer" cables (cross over cables). If the old PC has USB 1.0 or 1.1 it will interface with the newer USB 2.0, just run at the older 1.0 or 1.1 speed.
Message Edited by fireberd on 07-15-2005 07:34 PM
ceri sheeran
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July 16th, 2005 09:00
Hi,
USB to Firewire is not as advised possible.
No doubt someone may devise such a cable at some point, but the first question that comes to mind is would it be bi-directional ie able to pass data in both directions.
I have however not seen one yet.
USB to USB laplink is very easy though. Two UK examples are
jmwills
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July 16th, 2005 11:00