Best way to transfer data between old/new computer

pippa93

Hi,
I have just bought a new desktop computer from dell (an inspiron 545MT running windows 7 64-bit,) and want to transfer data between my old dell desktop (another inspiron, but 5yr old on XP) and the new computer.

The new computer uses the screen of the old one, I only have one screen, so setting up networking and copying any files that way would be hard. I do have another laptop that could be used if that helps.

I need to transfer about 4GB of pictures and 3GB of music as well as other files, and presume this would take an age on USB memory sticks (as well as the time for setting up the screen)

Is setting up the old hard disk in the former computer as a secondary one in the new one an option? (but I'll have to format the old disk.)

Can anyone help?
thanks,
Pippa

EDIT: forgot to mention I have a wireless network and a netgear router

pcombo

You could use the hard drive in the current computer and put into the new one as a slave that way you can just copy all the files on to the new computer and is probably the fastest way.

theonlywayisup

Hi, I asked just this question a few weeks ago.....the easiest way I found was via the WINDOWS EASY TRANSFER. Just ensure both PC's are networked and start the WET on both PC's. It asks a couple of questions and then away you go.

pippa93

I thought it just involved a cable, but it apparently involves opening up the back of the computer to set it up as a 'slave' disc?

I'm fairly confident with PCs but opening up the back is a little far for me I think!

davb

Depends on budget, but an external USB hard drive may be a good investment. You can use it firstly to transfer the files, then afterwards as a backup device - it sounds like you don't have anything to backup onto at the moment.

BillScarab

pippa93 wrote: »

Hi,
I have just bought a new desktop computer from dell (an inspiron 545MT running windows 7 64-bit,) and want to transfer data between my old dell desktop (another inspiron, but 5yr old on XP) and the new computer.

The new computer uses the screen of the old one, I only have one screen, so setting up networking and copying any files that way would be hard. I do have another laptop that could be used if that helps.

I need to transfer about 4GB of pictures and 3GB of music as well as other files, and presume this would take an age on USB memory sticks (as well as the time for setting up the screen)

Is setting up the old hard disk in the former computer as a secondary one in the new one an option? (but I'll have to format the old disk.)

Can anyone help?
thanks,
Pippa

EDIT: forgot to mention I have a wireless network and a netgear router

SO you have 7GB of photos and music and a some other stuff? Assuming the other stuff is not a massive amount of data I would just use a memory stick. Or if you have a DVD Burner in your old PC burn it to DVD and transfer it that way, you will aslo then have a backup.

David333

theonlywayisup wrote: »

Hi, I asked just this question a few weeks ago.....the easiest way I found was via the WINDOWS EASY TRANSFER. Just ensure both PC's are networked and start the WET on both PC's. It asks a couple of questions and then away you go.

Another vote for Easy Transfer!