Transfer between computers

[Sonyme]

I have recently replaced my computer but all wanted applications and data fikes were not transfered or saved to memory sticks.
The old computer is now just a tower - no keyboard, monitor or mouse.
If I connect the two towers via usb cable would I be able to transfer files to new machine.? If not possible this way what other method would I have to use?

[vehelpfulguy]

You will not be able to transfer applications across. Just copying the directories for those application is not enough.

Nowadays when installing Windows applications they update a number of Windows system files, such as the registry, so without those updates your applications will not work on the new PC.

You need to install each application one at time on the new PC.

[vehelpfulguy]

Following on from my answer above, saying you cannot copy across applications, you are left with the need to copy across your personal data files.

Here is what I would do.

Connect a monitor, mouse and keyboard to your OLD tower and boot it up (maybe you could use these devices from the new computer).

Copy your data files to a recordable CD or DVD, or to a memory stick.

Move the monitor, mouse, keyboard back to your new PC, and use the CD/DVD or memory stick to copy the data to the new PC.

That is one option, there are others.

[Ethel]

Just a thought as I have never done it.

Would it be possible to put the hard drive from the old pc into a caddy and use it as an external hard drive?

[Sonyme]

Thanks for your suggestions I will try that method.
I don't have one application installation disc( lent it to someone whoo lent it on and no one admits to having it now) and I can't seem to be able to buy it anywhere, so presume that that one is lost, But all my data files (mainly escel & WP and photos should be ok.

[vehelpfulguy]

Warning: I understand that if you try to connect two computers with a "normal" USB cable it can damage the computers.

Do not connect your 2 computers together this way.

There are "speicial" USB cables for doing this that have some electronics in the middle that prevent damage.

Read the opening few paragrpahs of this article.

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/248

[whiffey]

What I would do is remove the drive from the old pc and install it (maybe temporarily) in the new one. It is very easy, you will find a spare ribbon connector and power supply. Just remember to change the switches on the old drive to convert it from master to slave - usually clearly marked, otherwise googling the disk model will turn up the information. When you power up you will typically have an F: drive with all your old stuff on and you can copy at leisure. Some of your old applications will run from the F: drive, others won't, e.g. if they have written to the registry.

For simple file copying this is perfect.

You don't even have to fix the drive tidily. I still have a disk drive floating loose in my pc, it's been there for months no problems.

[vehelpfulguy]

If you do boot up your old PC, while you are there maybe copy your browser favorites to CD/DVD or memory stick as well.

Also make a note of any e-mail settings that you may want to setup on the new computer.

[ACtheTROLL]

you have lots of options ...
ethel's usb enclosure would be one ... but you could just install the old drive in your new machine - depends what the destiny of the old machine is.

you can get a usb thingy from maplins to transfer files ... but I've always found them fussy.

if you have network cards ... you can network the machines - either via a router or crossover cable.

and vhg is almost right .... some progs will move ... some won't - it tends to be the big 'uns that hook into the whole machine .... HOWEVER

you could buy software such as http://www.laplink.com/pcmover
which makes things easy - and does software as well as data

[vehelpfulguy]

Some here have suggested removing the hard drive and putting it in the new PC.

This is fine for those of us who are happy opening up a PC case and adding or removing hardware, but many people aren't.

Also, you can get into a whole problem area if the old computer was IDE and the new one is SATA.

For people who are not used to this it is very complex to explain in a forum like this, things like master/slave, IDE cables, SATA cables, molex connectors, going into the BIOS etc.

You could also finish up booting from the "wrong" hard disk in the new PC and causing all sorts of problems.

When answering this type of question I always try to give the simplest answer, unless I get the idea the person is a PC technical expert.

[ACtheTROLL]

always keep your options open - what sounds hard ... may be the start of a new techie being born ... or might just be a phonecall to a friend who can ... or even ... just realising it's not worth the effort

but if you only have one option ... you have no option but ...

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=4 8965&doy=27m6&C=SO&U=strat15

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=2 22116&doy=27m6&C=SO&U=strat15

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=2 22115&doy=27m6&C=SO&U=strat15

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?criteria=u sb%20transfer&menu=0&WorldSearch=Y&doy=27m6&C= SO&U=strat15&ShowPics=undefined&MinPrice=0&Max Price=9999

oh and if it's 2000, XP or Vista the boot.ini file decides the boot order ... not the Mobo - so no worry there ;)

whiffey - you do worry me ... the surge from a shorted HDD could fry your processor .... I use a working open HDD covered in perspex (from a cd case) so that my muppets can actually see what's happening ... my first dem with the "dangler" shorted the drive ... fried the CPU - the second has perspex top and bottom - survived 3 years now ... no problems

put the drive in a plastic bag ... or gaffer tape over the underside to insulate the "gubbins"

[Sonyme]

Thanks to you all for suggestions. Sorry I haven't responded sooner but had a hairdresser appt, and while out I called in at a PC shop (not Currys) and asked about ethel's caddy suggestion and was aske d is it SATA or IDE , I passed ans d came back home none the wiser.
I have now decided to get the shop that supplied the new machine to make an on site visit and they say they can put all I want onto CDs' with no problems. Seems to be the best way out Once again thanks to you all