35 replies to this topic

[disneyreporter]

Hi there guys,

I just bought a brand new Dell Inspiron laptop for $729.99. It has a processing speed of 2.0ghz, 3GB RAM, and a 250gb hard drive. I'm really satisfied, especially with the wireless internet and the fact that I can carry my computer around with me, allowing you to use your computer in comfortable spots -- outside in the shade, on the train, or even in your bed where I'm using it write now as I type. If you didn't already guess, this is my first laptop. But I do have some issues. Does anyone happen to know an easy way to transfer some of my files from my old desktop computer to my new laptop? Some files are easy enough to transfer with a USB flashdrive, like my website files and some family pictures, but transfering all of my music songs on a USB flashdrive is not feasible. It takes up way too much space to fit. A quick solution would be the best, as I cannot use my iPod on my new laptop yet without first transfering all of the songs because then all of the songs will be taken off my iPod because they are not on the new laptop. Any ideas, solutions, and just general comments are welcome and highly appreciated. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me solve my problem.

Eric

[saitunes]

With the old computer you want to transfer from how big is the bulk of your music collection (rough number would suffice) and have you got wireless from the computer to your laptop?

another option would be to burn it to DVDs (If you've got a DVD burner)

or getting a portable hard drive and copying to and from that

[disneyreporter]

I believe the collect is about 15gb. The computer itself isn't wireless. It is hooked up to a wireless router which my laptop and the old computer use for internet.

My new laptop can burn DVDs, but the old one can only burn CDs, which I don't think hold very much.

Never heard of a portable hard drive. I was hoping to not have to spend any money since I just dished out $730, and I'm only a teenager.

[disneyreporter]

I tried hooking up an ethernet cable to connect the two computers, but that didn't seem to do anything. I also tried creating a network between the two computers, but that failed miserably, and I'm not even sure it would work even if I got the network up and functioning. Maybe I'll just have to deal with slowly transfering everything by a USB flash drive.

[sonesay]

First off make sure you are using the right cable, cross over cable is required for computer to computer connections. If you are using a switch or hub then regular cables are needed. The easiest way I can think off for you is to use the windows network setup wizard to get your network up and running since it basically does everything for you(You wont need to set up the IP's and network mask correctly which can be confusing if you don't even understand what they are). You just need to follow the instructions, This is easier then giving you detailed steps where you could go wrong or miss one and have it not work. I'm assuming your using windows maybe you can confirm more details so people can try help out more.

Oh yeah once the networks setup you will need to enable shares so first things first get them connected.


http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/n...etup/wired.mspx

Edited by sonesay, 04 July 2008 - 01:12 AM.

[mm22]

try setting up the network as sonesay describes... if you use xp the wizard should do the job for you as long as you run it on both computers and choose the same workgroup name to make things easier. Since you have a router it's probably best to connect through it, so you don't need to use crossover cables, and remember to share the folders you want to transfer (just right-click and choose Sharing and Security...)

If you still can't figure out where the other computer's file are you may search for the computer through explorer (Start Menu >> Search >> Find computer), you can search either by the name you assigned to the other computer (if the two machines are in the same workgroup) or by local network IP address (you can check that in LAN properties / tray icon)

aside from that i find an external hard drive a convenient and reliable solution to store and backup data, and keep them synchronized between different computers... you probably don't want to overload your new laptop with a whole lot of (growing) data, even though 250GB seem, and are, a lot

[disneyreporter]

Ehh, I've given up on the whole Network thing. I followed the instructions on the network setup thing, but after doing that, I got a bit confused, and I didn't want to mess up either computer. Is it a problem if one computer is running Windows XP and the other is running Windows Vista?

Well, in the end, I did get my music files transfered by using my iPod as flash drive. It took two trips, but it was a lot easier than the 50 or so trips it would have taken with my flash drive. Those iPods really do come in handy. Thanks for all the help and assistance you guys have provided me. If I have any more questions or issues, now I know who to turn to. Thanks again.

[Tran-Gate]

It depends on how much space you want to transfer.... If you have just documents, a few songs, etc. You may want to transfer using a flash drive. If you have lots of programs, hi-def videos and crap on your computer. You may want to use an external hardrive. If you get an external hardrive, you may not even need to put it on your computer. You could have it separate maybe next to your laptop so your computer can run faster not having to fill up so much hardrive space on your laptop.

[joeblogg]

use a portable hard drive. they have like 160 gb of space and they are great for file transfering. or you can get an external hard drives which are bigger and cheaper than portable hard drives because they aren't exactly portable but they have much bigger space.

for example a 16gb portable hardrive costs more than a 500gb external hard drive.

external hard drives aren't that big like there not massive but you can't put them in your pocket. i recommend a external or portable hard drive for your situation.

[kplow1986]

i think the best way to transfer files is through network.

u no need to setup any network wizard. all u need to do is connect your old compter and new laptop.
Note* straight connect 2 computer without using your router ,more faster. it can tansfer with any type of
network cable (crossover or straight).

step 1
go to my network places. Click view network connection at your left top side.
u will see local area connection, then right click and click properties.
u will see internet protocol. double that one.
And u click "use following ip address" e.g put in 192.168.0.5 at old computer and 192.168.0.6 at laptop
and subnet mask will get it automatically.
remember to close firewall on both computer. (Note* do this both computer)

step 2
share your files.
go to your folder that you would like to share.
right click properties.
click sharing at second tab. and take a look at "network sharing and security"
if you 1st time sharing files, it will show u "if you understand ........."
just click it, and then select just enable file sharing.
after all, select the check box . "share this folder at network"
(Note* do this only on computer which want to share )

hope you can understand my explaination

[Quatrux]

A note, that he said that his music collection is only about 15 GB? isn't the flash usb keys usually ~4 GB of storage, so it wouldn't take to much of his time, firstly when I read the topic, I thought he really had a big collection or his usb key is only 512 MB?

A agree that the best method is to create a network, use the same Workgroup if it's possible.

[Asol]

I agree with kplow1986, because I also think that the best way to transfer files is through network. At least I always use this way when I need to transfer files from one computer to another. PC File Transfer helps me transfer different information from a remote computer to the local one or the other way around.

[RJM]

The network is by far the fastest. I know you said you followed Sonesay's advice but just to verify, are you using a CROSSOVER cable? It won't work unless you use one. Crossover cables are wired differently. Two of the conductors are swapped.

Otherwise use a router or switch between the computers. Then post what your errors are.

Edit:

Damn it, Asol! This thread is ancient! WTF!

Edited by RJM, 02 March 2009 - 11:10 AM.

[-Sky-]

I'd recommend FireFTP for file transfers and FTP clients/programs. External/USB hard drives are good aswell, you could also use a spare Internal Hard Drive (Just disconnect from your old/spare PCs) and you have backup drives. Despite the use of some FTP clients like SmartFTP, they are all too slow. FireFTP (IF you use Firefox) is one of the best (in my opinion) FTP client online. It does it's job, it's FREE no license needed to use it.

[aloKNsh]

the best way to tranfer files is via cable or creating lan setup in your house.
it will not require any techincal skills also you can setup within a minute
just follow the process for creating a lan setup
if you are using win xp or win 98
sorry i havent used win vista
so only i can tell is of win xp
try clicking on network connections and then show all connectioons
and then establish a new network connection
and follow the instructions

[cyber_electrons]

For only file transfer (without the settings), a external/portable hard disk is recommended. They are relatively cheap. As you are only dealling with 15GB, a few rounds of 4GB or 8GB USB would be ok. You may also want to compress your files as well, but it is time consuming if you already have removable storage device.

I would recommend a portable HDD or some USB.

[Alex Cicala]

disneyreporter, on Jul 3 2008, 12:59 PM, said:

Hi there guys,

I just bought a brand new Dell Inspiron laptop for $729.99. It has a processing speed of 2.0ghz, 3GB RAM, and a 250gb hard drive. I'm really satisfied, especially with the wireless internet and the fact that I can carry my computer around with me, allowing you to use your computer in comfortable spots -- outside in the shade, on the train, or even in your bed where I'm using it write now as I type. If you didn't already guess, this is my first laptop. But I do have some issues. Does anyone happen to know an easy way to transfer some of my files from my old desktop computer to my new laptop? Some files are easy enough to transfer with a USB flashdrive, like my website files and some family pictures, but transfering all of my music songs on a USB flashdrive is not feasible. It takes up way too much space to fit. A quick solution would be the best, as I cannot use my iPod on my new laptop yet without first transfering all of the songs because then all of the songs will be taken off my iPod because they are not on the new laptop. Any ideas, solutions, and just general comments are welcome and highly appreciated. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me solve my problem.

Eric

Buy a cheap external hard-drive normally u would get, 120gb for about $100AUD, [http://www.xe.com, to convert]
This is the best way to transfer..

[saitunes]

disneyreporter, on Jul 3 2008, 11:59 AM, said:

I cannot use my iPod

Not true. as long as its in disk mode, open it up and there should be a .ipod control folder, a hidden one, so you would need to turn off hiding hidden files and folders.

Try that out it worked with my shuffle

[iGuest]

TRANSFER FILES AND PROGRAMMES ONTO EXTERNAL HARD DRIVEBest Way To Transfer Files

I am sure there is someone out there with the knowledge and know how so here goes.  I have just purchased a new laptop and a 640gb external hard drive.  I want to download my files and programmes from my old laptop which runs on XP onto the external hard dri ve and then I want to transfer all the files and programmes onto my new laptop which runs on Vista.  I need an idiots guide on how to do this, I have tried but am getting nowhere.  Please help me asap.

Any advice woud really be appreciated.

-reply by Patricia

 

[frozen.fish]

Set up a network, get a crossover cable or a wi-fi router..

or get a usb stick with large memory and do it manually....

[novic_1223]

I have found that the best way to transfer large files from desktop to laptop is by either taking out the harddrive from the desktop and creating it into an external harddrive for the laptop. By doing this i can copy and paste the files easily and it moves relatively fast. I have been doing this becasue i also have been having the same problems with creating networks and i still dont understand how to make one that actually works. Another way is by creating ur own harddrive enclosure (my friends dad made it for me). Although hardrive enclosure cost some money it is worth it becasue when you r friend is acking you to end him/her some files, lend him you hardrive and save your self a lot of stress instead of copying and pasting on a 1gb flash drive 15 times.

Here are some links that review the harddrive enclosure:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2027309_hard-drive...disused-pc.html
http://www.wikihow.c...rnal-Hard-Drive

Be sure that you understand how to connect and disconnect you harddrive from you desktop
Don't go pulling all sorts of wires out of the motherboard!
Only take out the wire that is connected to the harddrive
note: harddrives come in different sized and type so be sure to get the right harddrive enclosure
or you may get a harddrive enclosure that is to small or two large for your own

Do Not format your harddrive as the link that i gave you stated
you want to tranfer file not creating a blank drive
formatting will delete everything off of your harddrive

[iGuest]

I want to move files movies about 800 gig from my harddrive to media hard drive what is thefastest way?Best Way To Transfer Files

Hi guys I have a lot of movies I want to move from one harddrive to another and I want to do it a few times.

Could someone tell me is their a fast way to do this.At the moment I am doing it by usb and it takes foever.

It would be great if someone could help.

Thanks Regards 

Howard.

[rnichilo]

You can transfer them via external HD, Burn files to CD or DVD, Transfer via hub, router, etc on LAN
Plenty of options

[k_nitin_r]

The simplest way you can set this up is to run NetMeeting on both computers and send the files across from one computer to another. Enter the IP address of the other computer to connect. As this occurs over the LAN, this is quite fast. If you're familiar with sharing folders in Windows, that'd definitely be a better option. Or you can setup an FTP server (FileZilla, included with XAMPP) to copy the files across via FTP.

BTW, 15GB doesn't sound like much - you can use a 16GB flash drive to copy them all across. Portable hard drives can store upto 500GB. Or, better yet, plain ol' external USB hard drives can store up to 2TB (2,000GB).

Regards,
Nitin

[iGuest]

Networking Xp and VistaBest Way To Transfer Files

To network xp and vista make sure you have service pack 3 on the xp computer and change the workgroup to the same as the vista pc and then you should be able to see the xp computer on your laptop. All you have to do from there is share the music folder with the rest of the network and you can just copy the files over. 

The reason for the upgrade to sp3 is that vista uses a different way of communicating with other pcs that is not integrated in xp until you upgrade to sp3. Good Luck

-reply by Mike George