Hooking two computer up for maintenance.

[CedarTeeth135]

Hey guys.

I got this old computer I'm working on for a friend. I've done this type of stuff before but I'm interested in developing a method to cleaning up dirty computers as a job for around the neighborhood. Anyways, I've been trying to connect this computer with a direct connection through the LPT1 port, but its not working as of now. Couple of questions. Is direct connect with LPT what i want to do? If not, what is the best way to connect my computer to another, without using cat5. (No network card) I'm just looking for the best way to connect my computer to another so as to clean the other. I"d also like to have the other computer use my internet connection so i can download updates and such. I hope some of this makes sence. Thanx in advance.

 

[BHeemsoth]

my guess is you want to remove adware/spyware/virii. correct?

if so you really need a KVM to see the results of your work.

 

[stevty2889]

You could probably connect them with USB, or you could always get a couple of Wireless USB NIC's and plug one in to the computer you want to connect to. As for using the LTP1 port, even if you get it to connect it will be horridly slow. Are you using a bi-directional cable? And the port would probably need to be set to ECP or EPP in the bios. Either way, it's extemely inefficient

 

[JimPhelpsMI]

Hi, If the old computer is old enough the parallel port will not have bi-directional capabilities. You would need a 4 bit parallel cable where the output bits are crossed to the command inputs similar to a nul modem cable. If you don't have such a cable then use the serial ports and a Nul Modem cable. If the parallel ports are bi-directional a straight through parallel cable will work. A cable for a scanner or tape drive should be OK. Direct connect does work. I've used it many times in the past both parallel and serial. Jim

 

[CedarTeeth135]

Okay, not serial. ANd about the KVM switch, i just hooked another monitor setup. I figured LPT wasn't the way. i'll try USB. hmm. I just want to be able to see the C drive on my computer, so I can run software through mine, rather than reformating or installing my programs on the other computer.

 

[CedarTeeth135]

I just had a thought. Would it make sence to take out the old harddrive and put it in my computer. Then run diagnosis on it?

 

[2thAche]

Get a USB 2.0 wall-powered enclosure that accepts IDE drives. Then you take out the person's drive and just mount it and power on. Newegg has them for like $20. You can find a dozen uses for these things.

 

[BHeemsoth]

Originally posted by: CedarTeeth135
I just had a thought. Would it make sence to take out the old harddrive and put it in my computer. Then run diagnosis on it?

this goes along with what i said earlier.


How do you know you have effectively cleaned a hard drive of spyware/virii/malware if you cannot boot off of the disk?

You cannot expect to charge people money to fix a computer when you will not even boot up to make sure it works well. You cannot rely on tools alone.

Just load up a USB key with your tools and plug it into the computer, or map the hard disk on your computer to the one you are working on.

 

[shoRunner]

are you sure your qualified to "clean" peoples computers...if the computer isn't booting into windows 99% of the time removing spyware/viruses isn't gonna allow you to boot. some sort of o/s repair will be needed. best and easiest way to access a drive from another computer is to just hook it up on a free ide in your computer or get a ide-> usb converter.

 

[kuljc]

Originally posted by: rpbri2886

Originally posted by: CedarTeeth135
I just had a thought. Would it make sence to take out the old harddrive and put it in my computer. Then run diagnosis on it?

this goes along with what i said earlier.


How do you know you have effectively cleaned a hard drive of spyware/virii/malware if you cannot boot off of the disk?

You cannot expect to charge people money to fix a computer when you will not even boot up to make sure it works well. You cannot rely on tools alone.

Just load up a USB key with your tools and plug it into the computer, or map the hard disk on your computer to the one you are working on.

this is what you should really be doing. It's not hard AT ALL to install some programs onto a computer 10 minutes max. After that it's just leaving it there to sit and run the program.

and this is really the only way to make 100% sure you've cleaned the computer.

 

[JackMDS]

May be this can Help.

Link to: How I connect two computers to exchange files?

:sun:

 

[tm37]

I Have a Nic card for just this reaosn.

You don't have a NIC? I drop it in and do my thing and then Pull it out.

I have been toying with buying a USB NIC just for situations like this.

Of course I have a deticated work station and bench complete with both phone line and Cat5 connections so I have a pretty elabrorite set-up.

I would just buy a $15 Nic and drop it in when Needed.

I have actually done well in SELLING people NIC's installed when they need maintence. I buy them when they are less than $10 and Sell them for $20 installed. People are willing to pay the $20 and It takes minutes.