Transfer from old PC with windows 98

Shytalker

Windows 98 USB memory sticks need specific driver software to be installed but Windows XP and Vista have their own built-in drivers. Staples should have sold one suitable for Windows 98 with a supplied driver disc. As they didn't, take it back and ask for one that has - or a refund.

Before you do, go to the memory stick manufacturer's website and search for a suitable Windows 98 driver to download and install. If not, you will need to look for a stick which has a Windows 98 driver supplied. A bit unlikely as Windows 98 support is rather out of date now.

Plan B is to buy a cheap CD or DVD writer with 'PATA' or 'IDE' socket. These are less than £20 and connect to a spare IDE plug inside the box. You will probably be able to use it in your new PC afterwards. Don't buy one with a 'SATA' plug, its connections are too modern for the old box. You will need to download a free 'burner' programme like 'Deepburner' (which works with Windows 98). See http://www.deepburner.com

There are usually two 40-pin plugs on a ribbon cable, one of which is plugged into the hard disc drive. If you don't know what it looks like, you probably don't have the expertise to do this and need a computer-literate friend or to abandon Plan B.

Links on the back of the CD/DVD writer should be set to 'CS' or 'slave' (one of these settings might not work but won't damage anything if you get it wrong). Plug the spare IDE plug into the CD/DVD writer.

Now you are ready to save to disc. If you are only saving pictures, you can select the 'my pictures' folder when you run Deepburner. Otherwise, you can save ALL your documents and settings, including pictures! I'm not sure if Windows 98 includes a 'migration tool' somewhere but download it from http://www.microsoft.com - Microsoft. Use their search for 'Windows User State Migration Tool' (USMT). It is compatible with most flavours of Windows from '95 up (not Vista) and saves everything to a big file which you then burn to disc.

Your new computer already has a migration tool installed. In XP it is in 'accessories > system tools > Files and Settings Transfer Wizard', which lets you pull in all your docs and settings from the big file saved from the old PC.

See, easy isn't it. Pardon me for making a few assumptions such as Internet access. I hope this was helpful to you.

Donnie

Another option is to fit a suitable PCI card such as this one, this one or this one.

That way you can still have a useful computer.

spud17

Shytalker wrote: »

Windows 98 USB memory sticks need specific driver software to be installed but Windows XP and Vista have their own built-in drivers. Staples should have sold one suitable for Windows 98 with a supplied driver disc. As they didn't, take it back and ask for one that has - or a refund.

Before you do, go to the memory stick manufacturer's website and search for a suitable Windows 98 driver to download and install. If not, you will need to look for a stick which has a Windows 98 driver supplied. A bit unlikely as Windows 98 support is rather out of date now.

For shorter version see post #3

maimee_magic

Just to let anyone who may be interested know I've just found a Maxell pen drive on Argos that's compatible with windows 98SE.Have ordered one and will post how I've got on when I use it.

Donnie

Personally, I would have gone for the option of the PCI card as it was only 4.60, as that would allow you to continue to use the PC if needed.

Fitting would take ten minutes.

maimee_magic

Great news. The maxell stick worked after downloading a driver on my laptop, burned it onto a CD and loaded it onto my old PC. All photos now happily sitting on my laptop. Thanks for everyone's input.

superscaper

maimee_magic wrote: »

Great news. The maxell stick worked after downloading a driver on my laptop, burned it onto a CD and loaded it onto my old PC. All photos now happily sitting on my laptop. Thanks for everyone's input.

I hope you've given thought to backing up. What if your laptop hard drive failed for example?