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Question:
I want to copy files directly from an old PC to my newer
PC. Is there a way to connect the two in such a way that
I can copy (or drag and drop) files from a Windows 98 OS
to a Windows XP Professional OS?
Answer:
There are several options, depending on how old the
systems are and what tools are available.
Using
Windows 98 certainly suggests an old system, which may
limit the options.
If both
systems have USB ports, one favorite method is a special
USB-to-USB cable that lets you copy between the systems
as if you were moving files on the hard drive. You can
shop for them at usbcable.com; click on "Data
Transfer" on the left for these types of cables.
They run
$30 to $40
.
If the
computers are networked, you can set up file sharing and
copy the files across the network. This is pretty
straightforward between Windows 98 and XP.
If USB
ports and networks aren't an option, Windows' File and
Settings Transfer Wizard is designed for moving files
between systems. It can be a bit confusing to use and
may take a couple of attempts to get it working.
The
utility can be installed from the Windows CD or
downloaded from
Microsoft's
Web site.
Depending
on the number of files, the utility really needs a
network connection between the two computers, but you
also can transfer data on CDs. You can learn more about
this process on
Microsoft's
support page: support.microsoft.com/ kb/306186.
Microsoft
Windows 7, while it's getting good reviews, from all
accounts it's going to be a real headache to install on
an existing Windows XP computer while keeping all of
your files and settings intact.
Microsoft
suggests that the best route for XP users is to buy a
new Windows 7 computer and transfer all of your files
over directly. (Adding it to a Vista computer, on the
other hand, should be a fairly easy upgrade.)
But
Laplink, the market leader in PC migration, is offering
an alternative. It touts its PCmover utility as the only
software with the ability to upgrade from XP to Windows
7 on the same computer, without requiring you to back up
your data externally and wipe your hard drive clean.
PCmover
Home, which moves all of your selected programs, files
and settings from your old operating system to the new
one, incorporates the "Upgrade Assistant"
feature and costs about
$40
. The software is available for download at laplink.com.
If you'd
prefer to have help in the process, support.com is
offering an online migration service utilizing Laplink's
software. The remote service is
$49
if purchased with a subscription (starting at
$19.99
a month) or
$149
otherwise.
Finally,
if you do choose to buy a new computer running Windows
7, you can follow the first suggestion above and try the
Belkin Easy Transfer Cable for Windows 7, a USB cable
designed specifically for the Windows Easy Transfer
Utility in the new operating system. It's
$23
at
Amazon.com
.
———
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you can stump the geeks? Send your high-tech question to
stumpthegeeks@newsobserver.com.
Please include your name, address and daytime phone
number. Individual replies are not given.)
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