Can I connect a Netbook to a very Old desktop PC to Operate it?

OnAndUp

I have a really old desktop pc (XP - bought in 2001) here that I want to see what files I have on it sort it out etc. before I trash it.

I am trying to figure out the easiest way to do this? I have a samsung Netbook and was wondering is there any way that I can connect the two so I can use the screen / keyboard of the netbook to operate the desktop?

Is there any way to do this and if so what programs / cables would I need?

Thanks!

closed

usb disk caddy, or setup file and print sharing, or vnc for remote control

or stick a usb flash drive or hard disk into the pc, and copy all the data

no cables other than an ethernet/wireless/usb depeding on your choice of methods to get at the data

OnAndUp

Thank you for you very quick reply!

I'm sorry to be thick .... but I don't understand what you mean!

Would I be able to use the netbook with it instead of a seperate screen / keyboard / mouse etc. that's what I can't get my head around I was going to copy the stuff onto a usb but not sure which is the easiest way to get it up and running again to get to that point? That's if it still works not been switched on since 05!

closed

Are you wanting to

copy the data

or

remote control it.

unless you have a spare empty 3.5" usb hard disk caddy floating about, you're going to have to switch it on with a monitor and keyboard attached at least once before you can copy data or use vnc software to remote control one machine from another

--

if you're throwing it away because it's slow, that can be fixed.

OnAndUp

Copy / delete stuff then wipe the hard drive.

poppellerant

Is there a reason you want to use the netbook to control the PC? Do you not have a spare keyboard and mouse?

You could use Teamviewer. But if the desktop is already slow, then Teamviewer will just make things slower. To get Teamviewer installed, you will need a keyboard and mouse - by the time you've installed Teamviewer, you could have probably copied your files.

If Windows is slow, then perhaps a Live CD would help you get access to your files. But you'll need to know the locations, as it you probably won't have icons such as My Documents to take you straight to your documents - the location for documents, for XP, would be something like C:\Documents and Settings\OnAndUp\My Documents.

If the machine is just slow, I'd personally give it however long it takes Windows to load then use it as it is to grab your files.

closed

if you've got an external drive big enough, just power the machine up, attach usb drive, copy data, then attach drive to netbook

if the old machine is branded, a factory restore, and free space wipe with ccleaner will leave the machine useable for the next owner, if you aren't bothered about that, just remove the hard disk and keep it

OnAndUp

Got all sorts of bits and bobs here!! Just not sure what most of them are :rotfl:
1
I do have a separate floppy disk thing that you plug in via a usb I think that's what you mean? omg floppy disk they seem like antiques now!

No need to worry about space the old PC's HD is only 20GB and defo not full. Crazy to think just got a Moto G with 16GB on a Phone - that's progress for ya!

closed

you aren't going to get very far with a floppy disc thing

you need to post what you have available, and where you want to end up really

if you just want to shift data from a to b, remote control isn't the answer

ccleaner free space wipe if to stop your data being recovered by someone else, not to free disk space up

OnAndUp

Thanks for all your help, my concentration is really bad at the mo so I really appreciate it. I know what I want to do but can't always work out the way which is extremely frustrating I will have to have a think now from the info you have given me.

The old PC is very S l o w it was in 05 so prob gonna drive my patience now but need to sort it / get rid. When I have done think I will just remove the HD and keep it for posterity lol! was my first ever PC!

closed

make and model of pc, and installed ram?

even old pc's shouldn't be slow.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2436849