Computer and Software Support


How to transfer files

Note: Do not transfer program files to the new computer. Programs have to be installed using the program install software. Only transfer over files that you have created such as word files, letters, pictures, documents, music, and any other items you created. If you transfer over programs, it will corrupt the windows.

If you are trying to move files from one system to another system, below is different options

 

Save to flash drive

Pro's

Can save numerous files to the drive. The flash drives come in numerous capacities (64 meg, 128 meg, 256 meg, 512 meg, 1 gig and 2 gig drives). You can save all the files to the flash drive and then copy the files to the new drive. You use the flash drive just like you would a floppy drive. You insert the flash drive and windows will make a drive letter for the drive. The drive letter will be different on each system you plug it into depending on the configuration of the system. It will be labeled as a removable device or may have the label of the manufacturer on it. For more information on flash drives, click here.

Con's

Windows 98 does not have a driver installed for the flash drive. In order to use it in Windows 98, you will have to go to the manufacturer for the driver. Some manufacturers may not provide a driver for Windows 98. If that is the case, you will not be able to use it in Windows 98. Windows ME and newer systems have a driver built in.

Tips

Create a folder on the flash drive and copy all the files to that folder. This will make it easier to move the files to the new system. You copy one folder and it gets all the files for you.

 

Save to CD

Pro's

Can hold up to 650 megs of data for a CD and 4 gigs for a DVD (depending on the drives you have). You will have a permanent backup of your files (for the life of the CD that is).

Con's

Some systems will not read CD's from older drives. Before wiping the old hard drive, make sure you can access the files on the CD.

Tips

It is a good practice to make two disks of the data, in the event that the first one gets broke or damaged. This way you have another disk to turn to. Also after creating the disks, take the disks to a different system and see if you can see the files on it. If you can, then your files are backed up.

 

Access files via sharing folders in the network

Pro's

You can just copy and paste the files at the new system without having to go to the second system to move the files. You can also use the second systems hard drive for extra space.

Con's

You would have to have a network setup. You would have to either use a switch, or a crossover cable. You would have to know how to setup a network. For information on setting up a network, click here.

 

Use a portable zip drive

Pro's

Can save the files to the zip drive, connect it to the other system and move the files to that system.

Con's

Most people do not have a portable zip drive. They are expensive to purchase and most people would only use it once or twice, so it is not economical. 

 

Connect the hard drive internally as a slave

Pro's

Transfer the files from the second hard drive to the first hard drive.  If you keep the drive in the system, you can use it for extra space. For instructions on installing a second hard drive, click here.

Con's

Requires you to open the system and install the drive.

 

Connect the hard drive externally as a slave

Pro's

Have access to the files on the drive. Having the drive as an external drive makes it portable and can be connected to any machine. Also gives you more storage space. Does not require you to open the system. You just plug it into an available USB port.

Con's

Requires purchasing a drive cage to put the hard drive in.

Here are other pages that may help you as well.