I have a new computer and was planning to transfer data from my old to my new using the Windows XP Transfer Wizard. This involves connecting the two computers via their Serial ports. To my astonishment I discovered that my old computer does not have a Serial port. It originally had one but the new motherboard I had installed some time ago (AsRock K7VM2 Series) does not provide one. I have a Parallel port, a Game port, a VGA port, USB ports and a RJ-45 port, but no Serial Port. Anyone know another way of connecting the computers for transfer?
Thanks, folks.
Obviously I shall have to learn more about crossover cables. I have no idea, for example, what a network card is.
Meanwhile, I notice that Maplin do a USB to Serial adaptor, so providing a Serial port that way. Presumably if I got one of these I could use my original system.
I am avoiding at all costs having to save stuff to CDs. It's incredibly tedious. Also, contents of Inbox and Sent Items re-emerge in some sort of incomprehensible code.
Thanks again.
use the crossover cable, i havnt checked but I will bet the usb to serial adapter is a good deal more expensive. Serial ports are no longer put on new pcs as they are considered out dated technology, hence any sellers of adapters will want to cash in.
Why not use a Flash Drive (Memory Stick thingy)? Acting like a super-portable hard drive, I find it's often quicker using one of these for transferring large files between computers than connection via my home network.
These days you can get a 4gb one for under �20 - (cheaper than some cross-over cables) like here.
A network card handles network communications between computers. If you have an rj45 port, then that connects the cable to the network card. Most motherboards have a crappy little thing that isnt a card at all but is still a network interface.
this is the option i would choose.
And if you're wondering, a crossover cable is just like a normal cable but allows 2 way communication