• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Best way to transfer files between computers (UPDATE - Solved!!!)

S

spartacuskzm

Senior member
Well I've given up on setting up my home network. I'm either too dense, or there are too many issues with my Win98 computer - but probably the former. The network neighborhood on my 98 machine does NOT like me.

Originally I wanted to network the two computers and move some large audio, video, tax and other files from the Win98 computer to my WinXP computer. I was going to use my Linksys Etherfast 4 port router (BEFSR41) to try to accomplish this, but I ran into one roadblock after another - mainly on my Win98 settings. Both machines are connected to the internet via that router (cable modem)

The reality is that I don't really need to have them networked since right after I get them networked and transfer the files over I'm going to be giving away the Win98 computer (hence killing the network).

Thus, I am now looking for another way to connect the two (serial cable, through the NIC, etc.) where I can transfer the files from the one to the other. I'd really like something that would be simpler than the already simple network I can't get setup. The old machine does not have a CD/RW or ZIP drive, so that is unfortunately an option.

Any suggestions? Perhaps something over the internet - like FTP. Would that be possible? (By the way, I know nothing about FTP).

If there isn't a way to transfer them over the internet from one machine to the other (relatively, but not totally securely) I'm envisioning a way where the two are sittting next to each other and somehow connected up via some cables. Hopefully no networking would be required, since if I start getting into network properties and all that garbage I'll likely run into the same issues I already faced.

Thanks for any suggestions.
 
If this is a one time deal, then maybe you could just pop the HD out from one of them and hook it up as a second HD in the other machine.
 
PS - The second after I get this figured out I'll focus ALL OF MY ENERGIES on getting all the computers I can going on SETI. Yes, this is a thinly veiled cry for help from you smart SETI guys 😉
 
Well, as far as the internet goes for transferring files, there are a few free servers that allow you to post files. You said that both systems have access right? Most of these servers only allow less than 100mb though, so that may not be an option. www.0catch.com is one of them.

Other than that, I can only think of a few other options besides a network setup.


Maybe hooking them together with a laplink cable? There are serial and parrellel versions. But if you can do that, you might as well hook them up through the nics with cat5 cable.
 
sparta;


If this is like you say a 1 time only deal and you can't figure out the networking part, just pull the hard drive of the 98 machine put it in the new machine making sure this one is setup as slave and boot up, copy your files, and put the hard drive back. I bet this will take less time then the network since its given you problems.


If you don't like that here's another way but WAY longer to actually transfer files, us an instant messenger like aim, to transfer the files between the two computers. You will however be limited to your upload speed and if your files are huge, well it will take time.

phoenix
 
Could somebody expand on how this serial connection thing works? How I look for, find and send the files from one to the other? If not, dropping the HD sounds like what I'll do.


Thanks.
 
IMHO the serial connection isn't as easy as a simple network:

1) install a NIC in each computer
2) Buy a crossover cable and plug it into each of the NICs
3) Make sure NetBUI in installed on both machines -- it's a networking protocol that doesn't take any setup -- turn it on, reboot, and the machines should see each other.

 
When I looked in "Protocols" on my XP machine last night I didn't see NetBUI listed. I think I remember seeing somebody else say that they didn't have it for XP. If they do have it for XP, how do I get it on there. Also, is the existing cable connecting my computer to the router a crossover cable (I don't think so, but I want to confirm this).

Thanks.
 
As long as both computers are connected to your router, simply install Netbeui on both computers (add Protocol, Microsoft, Netbeui), put both computers into the same workgroup, if they're not already, and make sure that each computer has a different name. Make sure that Client for MS Networking and File Sharing is bound to Netbeui, and that you enable sharing on the drives you want to share. That's all you need to do.
 
Obenton -
1.) So I can add NetBUI to XP just as you explained?
2.) I have the 98 machine setup to logon to Client for Microsoft Networking (or something like that). But there is a third box where it asks for Domain. What do I put there? The only thing I could think of was the Workgroup Name (Home), but that clearly didn't work. I guess I would like to do the Network if possible, but I'm so sick of that 98 machine :|
3.) How do I ensure that they are bound? I did some screwing around with settings last night and I killed my internet connection and had to use Configsafe to restore it (yes, I'm a total Noooobeeee).

Thanks

 
Serial Connection:

Get a serial cable from a local store.
Connect the PCs with the cable.
Boot your PC and install the Direct Connection software from the control panel -> components if it isn't already installed.
Run Windows Explorer to copy files.
 
McGrim,
That seems too easy. Don't worry though, in the process of following your four-step instructions I'll likely:

1.) Blow up both computers.
2.) Cause a blackout in Orange County.
3.) Set the cat on fire.
4.) Get a flat tire.
5.) Make my girlfriend breakup with me.

Wish me luck.
 
In the time you've spent trying to understand Direct Connection, you could've moved the hard drive over and copied off the files, as Dufusyte recommended. Not that Direct Connection is bad, and hey, if you just want to try it in order to learn, cool. But for a one-shot file transfer, just pull the drive. If you don't how to do it - take out the drive, look on the back for the jumper and the diagram that explains what the settings are. The drive is probably set for "Master," possibly "Cable Select." Set it up instead for "Slave." Attach to second IDE connector on a cable (either one) in other 'puter. Attach power. Power up. Copy. Easy.
 
Cleverhandle, you're absolutely right. I'm back to the point where I want to do it (the network/near-network) just for the sake of doing so. However, the HD swap sounds like it will be a very real possibility if I run into many problems when I get home tonight and try this.

 
If you want your LAN to work:

Remove your LAN cards
Uninstall everything that has to do with networking (device drivers and software) and restart windows
Now install TCP/IP and File/Printer Sharing
Plug the LAN cards in the PCs
Install drivers and restart
Connect the two PCs using a CROSSOVER cable.

No need for ANYTHING else. By doing this you should be able to share files between your 2 PCs just fine!
 
If you have a digital camera with a usb connection, and usb ports on both computers, just transfer your files to your digital camera, plug it in the other computer and voila.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top