Question for you computer guys out there

[Blupro02]

Got a quick question.....I just ordered a new system from hp for my friends work she has windows ME in it now, the new computer is coming with xp home. My question is can i just stick the old hard drive in the new computer so i do not have to transfer all the files and use it as a slave drive or it wont work and im gonna have to transfer the files over manually? Thanks in advance (help)


Raul

 

[Chiguy_2002]

You can use the old hard drive as a slave drive, though it would most likely be a slower drive. I would copy the files over from the old hard drive to the new, that also doubles as a back up. Let me know if you have any questions.

Got a quick question.....I just ordered a new system from hp for my friends work she has windows ME in it now, the new computer is coming with xp home. My question is can i just stick the old hard drive in the new computer so i do not have to transfer all the files and use it as a slave drive or it wont work and im gonna have to transfer the files over manually? Thanks in advance (help)


Raul

 

[MiaTurbo]

yes, you can put the old drive in as a slave. I do it all the time.

 

[pr5owner]

its easier if you just use your network.. if you have one... then you dont have to open up any computers, but if you dont have a network then yeah, its FASTER if you put your pri HDD (win XP) on PRI IDE and your old HDD (windows ME ) on the SEC IDE ch then you can copy at full speed

 

[Blupro02]

ok things have changed now it windows 98 to windows xp. Whats the best way to get the files i need off of 98 and put them to the xp system? I need help im losing my mind over here

 

[jersey_emt]

Just throw it into the new PC on the secondary IDE channel. Don't put it as a slave on the primary channel, copying will be much slower. Boot it up, the new drive should come up automatically under My Computer. Go through the folders, copy what you need.

 

[Blupro02]

the new computer does not have a secondary place on the cable for another hard drive...Can i just us a thumb drive to transfer files since the old computer does not have a cd burner?

 

[PerfectXtreme]

Thumb drive should work fine... however if the 98 machine doesn't have a CD burner... I'm sure it only has USB1.. which is really slow... IF it even has USB ports (if it doesn't.. then that thing is REALLLY old)...


XP can use damn near any file format. Fat32 (wind98) and NTFS... few other odd formats as well...

HOWEVER, i'd suggest NOT opening up an HP.. or any pre-built mail order computer almost ever.. unless you know what you are doing... First off.. they can tell you've opened it... in case you want to request warranty of some sorts... Second... pre-built systems are "cheap" because they use the cheapest stuff they can find... I.E. IDE cables with only 1 connection...

Jump drive should work fine.. however USB1 is slow... which is whats on the 98 machine most likely... and if its a LOT of files... could take some time... but thats the safest.. easiest way to do it probably....

One thing i'd consider if I were you guys as well... What files does she really need? Text / documents and such are usually small and should fit on 1 jump drive and be done... As for programs... you are better off downloading new versions.. or installing them fresh.. rather than just copying them over and trying to have them work...

Best to have her only copy what she really needs and wants... The more junk you pile up on the new machine.. the slower it will run... I expect my computers to have 0 wait time when loading files.. folders.. and programs... when i'm forced to use public machines where I click on start menu.. or explorer.. and i have to sit for 10-15 seconds while it loads up.. I want to break something...

 

[Chiguy_2002]

You can disconnect the CD or DVD Drive on the secondary IDE channel and put the old hard drive in place, temporarily, to copy files over, that works best, faster than primary and slave on the same IDE channel, as was stated before here.

the new computer does not have a secondary place on the cable for another hard drive...Can i just us a thumb drive to transfer files since the old computer does not have a cd burner?

Just be careful opening up computers. Dells, HPs, etc, not too hard to open if you are careful and take your time.

Thumb drive should work fine... however if the 98 machine doesn't have a CD burner... I'm sure it only has USB1.. which is really slow... IF it even has USB ports (if it doesn't.. then that thing is REALLLY old)...


XP can use damn near any file format. Fat32 (wind98) and NTFS... few other odd formats as well...

HOWEVER, i'd suggest NOT opening up an HP.. or any pre-built mail order computer almost ever.. unless you know what you are doing... First off.. they can tell you've opened it... in case you want to request warranty of some sorts... Second... pre-built systems are "cheap" because they use the cheapest stuff they can find... I.E. IDE cables with only 1 connection...

Jump drive should work fine.. however USB1 is slow... which is whats on the 98 machine most likely... and if its a LOT of files... could take some time... but thats the safest.. easiest way to do it probably....

One thing i'd consider if I were you guys as well... What files does she really need? Text / documents and such are usually small and should fit on 1 jump drive and be done... As for programs... you are better off downloading new versions.. or installing them fresh.. rather than just copying them over and trying to have them work...

Best to have her only copy what she really needs and wants... The more junk you pile up on the new machine.. the slower it will run... I expect my computers to have 0 wait time when loading files.. folders.. and programs... when i'm forced to use public machines where I click on start menu.. or explorer.. and i have to sit for 10-15 seconds while it loads up.. I want to break something...