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Need advice on how to backup files on old computer

polypterus

polypterus

Golden Member
My dad's got an old system with an ECS K7S5A motherboard and Windows 98se. He's finally entering the 21st century with a new computer, and I'm trying to find an easy way for him to keep his old files (easy meaning not having to even open the case). Would an external hdd or a flash drive be good? I've never used either one, but would that work? From what I can tell his USB ports are 1.1, but I'm not sure. Would those modern USB devices work w/ usb1.1 and 98se? Is there a better way? Networking is out, and he doesn't have a burner (well he does but says it doesn't work). Thanks.
 
I would not recommend you to use an external HDD with W98, because most of them are only prepared to work under Win XP, Win 2000 or Win ME. The USB support in Win98 is "nulo" (in spanish) nill, void? i don't know how to say it, sorry 😛

I guess that your father will install a new O.S, won't he? If so, i suppose it will be Win XP, so, with an USB memory you can copy all those files your father want to save, and then you will only have to copy them in your new O.S.

Answering your question, every USB device 2.0 can work with an USB 1.1 connection.
 
Windows 98 needs USB Mass Storage Device drivers, if I recall correctly. Provided it connects to the internet you should be able to download those and use a USB HD or flash drive.
 
Some flash drives and external drives come with a CD with 98SE drivers on it, if not they come with a web page where you can download the drivers. Either one should work (slowly) under 98SE with USB 1.1
 
Yeah, USB even works under Win95. Get a USB stick or an external HDD, that should do the trick.
 
I've found that a much easier (and usually faster depending on the chassis design) is to simply remove the hard drive and slave it to your PC. Then you can copy everything quickly from drive to drive.

Still, it's not easy to do for the inexperienced, so if you are trying to talk him through it on the phone, then USB is probably the way to go. Almost anyone can install a driver from a CD.

~MiSfit
 
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