I just got a new computer with a CD burner. I have all my stuff saved on my old computer and want to put it all on the new one and burn a backup disc.

Is there a way I can get the files from one computer to the other?

They are both connected to the same router. The old one has Windows Office 2000 and the new one has Office XP.

Thanks!

You can but you will need a specific program (probably an FTP or File Transfer Protocol) to do it. How much stuff are we talking here? Do you have a rough guess of how many MB or even GB all of the stuff you want to transfer is? I transferred alot of my stuff using ZIP disks, but that became a major PITA after a while. You could also snag all of your files if you have a network setup meaning you can read the info on your other computer from your new one and drag and drop the files to your new one.

Derek,

If they are just files and not programs, you can just change the jumper settings on the old hard drive to make it a slave. Open up the case, mount the hard drive somewhere, plug in power and connect to the hard drive cable. For some reason, I am sure that the cable has two plugs for hard drives. ;)

Also, XP has a management program to transfer such items. Use the help and support section and type 'transfer wizard' in the search box. Go from there.

- John

Tom, how do I set up a network? Is it possible with just a basic router?

John, You're saying I should install the other hard drive in the new computer? Will this work with 2 different operating systems. Also, is there any risk of losing files? I've got all my NCC club info on there and no good way to back it up.

Would it be better to install the CD burner in the old computer and make a copy of everything and then swap it back?

Derek,

The hard drive set to 'master' is what the computer boots up on typically. When you change the jumper settings on the old hard drive to 'slave', it acts like a storage device (think floppy), so the slave OP does not really matter. From there you can drop and drag files from one hard drive to the other.

On the XP you can also try "my network places' (you see it when you click the start button and look to the upper right area) and then select 'setup home or small office' on the left side under network tasks.

If your uncomfortable with digging in the insides of computers, I suggest looking into the transfer wizard supplied with XP. There is ton of info in the help area. For the XP computer, just click on the start button and move over to the help and support and do a search.

-John

I'll walk you through basic networking if you like, i can be reached on AIM "Nomad6t8" or you can send me an email. Will need info as to what kind of router you have and what not.

The direct answer to your question is yes. It is entirely doable to network your two computers so you can copy files and burn them. In fact you do not have to move the files. You could burn them from where they are. It will not be easy to talk you through it if you know nothing about it. Do you have a friend locally who could help you network your systems?

If they are on the same router then you already have a switch/hub as well. Just make both computers members of the same workgroup. At that time you can either share the folders you want to access or use an administrative share. Make sure there ip's are on the same subnet as well. EX. computer 1 192.168.1.3 computer 2 192.168.1.4 both with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0. If you router is a dhcp server then it will do the above for you. To access an administrative share type the name of the computer and the drive letter. Ex. \\computer1name\c$ this will prompt you for a user name and password. Type this in for an account on the computer1name system. If done correctly it will allow you to see everything on the c drive or whatever partition you typed. I'm assuming you are using ntfs partitions. If not just share the c drive on the old computer. You may have to add everyone access. Then just drag and drop the data to your new computer.

NTFS or not a Windows 2000 machine always creates an admin share, <diver letter>$. If you go to old machine, from explorer, right click on the c drive. from drop down select sharing, then select share drive and enter a name, like CDrive. From explorer on new pc go to my network places, should see something like 'computers close to me', select that old system should show up select the CDrive or what ever name you gave it. You'll be prompted for user/password unless you already use the same on both machines. Now you drag/drop, copy/paste from one to the other. When you're done remove the share or make sure you change the permissions so it can't be hacked into.

Don't suggest burning CDs across a network unless you use the built in XP software, which is terribly slow. New burners are pretty quick, one hickup on the network and you just made yourself a nice shiny coaster. It depends on the software you use to burn. In most cases once the burn starts you have to keep the data flowing, any break = coaster.