Connect old pc to New pc

hampshirebabe

Is there an easy way to connect my old tower to my new pc to look at some old files? I've only got one monitor. 

a

Think the easiest way is to plug the old one back in and copy stuff to a usb drive
the second easiest is to remove the drive and put it in a usb caddy and then insert it into PC2

the third easiest is to put some remote software on PC1 and control it from PC2. For this to work you have to have an inhouse network, which many people do have, but is often more technical.  You either want to display that PCs desktop, or copy files, or both.  Me, I would just want the files, so would put a small and free ftp server, others will want a desktop so VNC or a clone there of.
then there are these https://www.lifewire.com/free-remote-access-software-tools-2625161

mksysb

What OS is the old tower and the new machine?

hampshirebabe

The new one is Windows 10, I think the old one is xp. The old one is in a cupboard nit connected to anything. I was wondering if I could use it like an external hdd. 

poppellerant

How about something like TeamViewer or VNC? Once setup you can access the PC from your new PC and transfer any files you might need.

mksysb

hampshirebabe said:

The new one is Windows 10, I think the old one is xp. The old one is in a cupboard nit connected to anything. I was wondering if I could use it like an external hdd. 

You could put linux on it and use it as a file server.

a

you need two bits of information  The main one being is your xp disk IDE (left) or SATA (right) - Look at the cable connections)? (edit: picture vanished)

Second bit of information is it a 2.5 or 3,5 drive


And probably recommend either a sata or ide version of this (or something cheaper, depending on your answers)

Heedtheadvice

I was in a similar situation when I changed PCs and operating systems at the same time , like you from XP to Win10, but also had files on the old machine.

As there were a lot of files and I wanted to keep the XP machine working too for some time I connected them both to the router (i.e. a simple network) and set up sharing. It was quite possible as well as remote access from the 10 PC to the XP. So could run them both together using one keyboard, one monitor etc. However it is not the simplest of tasks.

If you do not want to get your old machine up and running again, possibly having to do a lot of pluggery back and forwards then I would go for a's second option. It is a purchase of a cheap caddy (of suitable disc interface type) taking out a few screws, unplugging the drive from the XP machine, a simple fit and plugging in to the caddy, plug it into a usb port...and that is primarily all you need to do.

You then have access to the old disc for files you want now or later.

If room on your Win10 PC you can copy over all the files you might ever need then repurpose the old drive to do backups - you do take backups do you not?

If you go down that route plenty poster on here will help if you need any. I would also advise, once your old drive is connected, or if you use usb or any other method, doing a 'virus' check before copying files to reduce risk of infecting your newer PC.....a sort of self isolation of parts getting tested before coming together!

getmore4less

If the monitor has multiple inputs and you just want to look at stuff run a second monitor cable so where you can put the old PC. 
OK for occasional access but not to practical longer term.