Best way to transfer files from old computer to new?

[ghoti]

I am getting a new computer and will keep the old, as well. I want to transfer files from the old to the new. Both run XP Pro. Last time I got a new computer, I tried this using a null modem cable, but could not make it work. I also tried the method suggested in the Windows OS I was using at the time (I can't recall the particulars). I had no success and wound up burning the files onto CDs and then transfering them via the CDs onto the new computer hard drive. What a time-consuming PITA! There's gotta be an easier way!

Someone suggested taking the connector for the hard drive (a 74G Raptor) in the old computer and connecting it via a 'kit' which allows connection of an IDE/SATA device through a cable, through a USB connector to a computer. So, I could leave the old hard drive physically in the old computer and temporarily connect it through a USB port to the new computer which would presumably recognize the drive. It would then be easy to transfer files from the old drive to the 'C' drive in the new computer, and when done, reconnect the old hard drive back into the old computer.

What is this 'USB -> IDE/SATA kit' or cable that I need, and where do I get it?

Any problems or tricky parts I should anticipate?

This neophyte says thanks for any help.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Once you get your LAN setup (other thread), set up file sharing on the old computer and transfer files to your hearts content.

 

[corkyg]

For me, it would be faster and simpler to temporarily put the old HDD in the new computer as a secondary and do a direct file transfer. Then when done, put the old drive back in the old computer.

 

[Fallen Kell]

Depending on how much data you have to transfer, yes, it may be faster putting the disk in the new system. In a perfect optimal 100 baseT network, you will get approx 12 megabytes per second of data (this is assuming a MTU of 1500 bytes). With gigabit ethernet however, your bottleneck will be your disk drives and IDE/SATA controllers, as gigabit ethernet will allow around 110 megabytes per second of data, which is about 2-3x the speed that consumer hard drives can produce (however some 15k RPM SCSI320 disks can match that demand for bursts).

 

[xgsound]

Originally posted by: corkyg
For me, it would be faster and simpler to temporarily put the old HDD in the new computer as a secondary and do a direct file transfer. Then when done, put the old drive back in the old computer.

This would probably be the fastest way to transfer the whole drive, but if you're going to network anyway the files will always be avaliable, on demand, and as you need them. Ethernet is a lot faster than USB and has less overhead.

Jim