Transfer Data

[pavermech]

Hello everyone. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif
My question is this: My sister has purchased a new computer and needs to transfer everything from her old computer (an old Compaq 166mgz) to her new computer (a Gateway, not sure of specs, but less than 6 mo. old).
Is there a way to hook the two computers together to do this? If so, how? Gateway offered to do this, but would not give her a price, said it depended on how much data was transferred (!). Thanks for any help or comments on this. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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"Beam me up, Scotty--no intelligent life here"

[tjaymadison]

If "everything" means just data, not programs, then the simplest way may not be the 'right' way.
Depends if she will void the warranty by opening up the case.

If it's OK, reset jumper on old HD to slave if necessary and install it in
the Gateway. Use Explorer to copy just the data files only to the new HD.

If it's not, then you're pretty much left with 'sneaker net' (floppies),
Zip, LS-120 or CR-R/RW drives. Or a cable and Direct Cable Connect.

If you also mean programs, I wouldn't advise doing that.
Many problems to be overcome like broken links, etc.


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"I am not able to rightly apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question."
-- Charles Babbage, mathematician, computer pioneer, analytical engine designer (1791-1871)
-- (Question: 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?')

"Just because I don't care, doesn't mean I don't understand."
-- Homer Simpson

[pavermech]

Thanks, TJ http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif
Can you go into a little more detail on the Direct Cable Connect? I really don't want to fool around inside the case of that new comp if I don't have to. But if I did, would the new machine have a problem with the old HDD? And she does want to transfer some programs also. (She has lost the discs). What kind of problems with broken links do you think I may run into? Maybe the simplest thing might be to buy a USB card and use my USB ZIP drive? Will a computer that old support usb? What Do you think? http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif Many thanks again! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

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"Beam me up, Scotty--no intelligent life here"

[tjaymadison]

Windows Help has a much better explanation of DCC than I could ever give.

Compaq would only support USB if it can run Win98.

Can't transfer installed programs w/DCC and expect them to work afterwards.

The install makes changes to the registry, and you definitely do NOT want
to copy the registry from the old to the new. That's asking for headaches.


------------------
"I am not able to rightly apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question."
-- Charles Babbage, mathematician, computer pioneer, analytical engine designer (1791-1871)
-- (Question: 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?')

"Just because I don't care, doesn't mean I don't understand."
-- Homer Simpson

[pavermech]

Thanks again TJ! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif
I guess we'll go with the DCC and just transfer the data then. I definetly DO NOT want to take any chances! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/tongue.gif She'll just have to buy new programs and use the data.
Thanks a bunch! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

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"Beam me up, Scotty--no intelligent life here"

[tjaymadison]

Found another thing that might work for you. And -- it's FREE. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

www.whalemail.com (http://www.whalemail.com)

------------------
"I am not able to rightly apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question."
-- Charles Babbage, mathematician, computer pioneer, analytical engine designer (1791-1871)
-- (Question: 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?')

"Just because I don't care, doesn't mean I don't understand."
-- Homer Simpson