Transferring data

[delmac85]

Is it possible to transfer data from one computer to another using a cable? Thanks in advance

[ChuckFickens]

Well you did when you posted your question....

I assume you mean two computers in your house though?... yes it is possible and if both computers are connected to the Internet using the same router then they are already connected together.

To give a more useful answer you'll need to explain exactly what the situation is though.

[delmac85]

Thanks for you help, our computer is on the way out so was going transfer pics etc across to a new one before it fails completely.

[VHG]

There are lots of ways to get data OFF an old computer and transfer it to a new computer:

1) Copy the data to one or more CDs or DVDs and then put the CDs or DVDs in the new PC and copy the data across (this is a good because you also have the data backed up to CD or DVD)

2) Copy the data to a small "memory stick" and put the memory stick in the new PC and copy it across. Memory sticks are small and cheap.

3) Copy the data to an external hard drive and then plug the external hard drive into the new PC and copy the data across.

You CAN use a cable to connect two PCs directly but it does take some setting up so you do need some technical knowledge.

As Chuck says, if both PCs are using the same router you can copy the data direct from one PC to the other (via the router). But again it needs a little setting up.

To be honest the easiest way (if you are not technical) is using one of the three options above.

[SeaJayPea]

There is a product called Laplink that will do it. But, by the time you've bought the software and the cable, you'd be better off doing what has already been suggested.

Chuck, I'd be interested myself in the 'two computers with one router' scenario you talked about, as I have that situation and no idea how to go about it.

[delmac85]

i was wondering the same seajaypea but thought the answer might be far to complicated.

[ChuckFickens]

It's fairly simple... but without knowing what version of windows both computers are running and directions are going to be vague at best.

[SeaJayPea]

Well I have XP.

[ChuckFickens]

Create a folder somewhere (I normally put one called inbox on my desktop) and then right click on it and select sharing and security, then select the "share this folder" tick box and also "Allow Network Users to Change My Files" and click OK.

Then also on the same computer open a command prompt (start > run and type in cmd then press enter and then in the command prompt type ipconfig and press enter, make a note of the computers IP address.

Goto another computer connected via the same router, open a windows explorer window and into the address bar type \\<ip address you just made a note of) (so \\192.168.1.3 for example) and press enter, you should now get a window open that will show the shared folder you just created on the first computer which you can copy anything you want into and it will be copied to the other computer.

Make sure you only use the shared folder as temporary storage as it's an open share and anyone on your network will be able to access it.

(this is a "simple and dirty"way to share files between computers with no real security on it so I would not do this if you use public networks)

[venator]

There's a cracking program , free for personal use, called Team Viewer 6.

It gives an easy and secure connection between 2 computers, remote operation in either direction, and file transfer.

I help out a buddy who's always having computer problems, and used to have to waste half a day going over, but now I can sort it remotely, transfer files and even use his machine to download files he needs.

[venator]

It's a free download on Cnet

[delmac85]

thanks venator, just downloaded teamviewer i'll give it a try.

[SeaJayPea]

Thanks Chuck. I'll give it a go.

[SeaJayPea]

Chuck, that works brilliantly. Thanks so much. I'd recommend it Delmac.

Cheers

[ChuckFickens]

If you want to use it permanently then you'd be better off setting the machine with the share as a static IP address (so it doesn't change ever).... simply pick one fairly high in the range (so if it's 192.168.0.3 pick something like 192.168.0.150) and then you can either create a shortcut to the share on he desktop of the other machine, or map a network drive to it so it appears as another drive in my computer.

It is possible to use the computer name instead of the IP address, but then you have to make sure both machines are in the same workgroup and TBH I find doing it by IP more reliable in a home environment

[delmac85]

Thanks for all the help, I'll print all the suggestions off and have a go at them.