how do I transfer data from an old desktop PC (Compaq, Windows 98) to a new one (Dell notebook, Vista Home)?

Question

I've never transferred data before between computers and just want to make it a "pour it from one pitcher to another" type of operation. I intend to use most of the programs I have on the W98 machine (graphics, MW, etc.), because I have document templates I've created in those programs I still want to use on new projects because of the ease of use and familiarity. Step-by-step instructions (1., 2., 3.,) would be very helpful, as I tend to follow directions pretty well if they're specific and in language a non-techie can understand. Thanks.

Answer 1

Are both pcs on the same network (LAN)? If so your job is a lot easier.

If they are not on a network do you have a network card in the old pc? If not you will need to get one and install it. These are also called network interface cards or NIC. You will need a CROSS cat 5 cable (not straight). Link both pcs with the cross cable. Open network connections; set IP address of old pc to 192.168.2.2, subnet 255.255.255.0, default gateway 192.168.2.2 and do not worry about DNS; on new pc set IP address to 192.168.2.3, subnet 255.255.255.0, default gateway 192.168.2.2 and do not worry about DNS.

At this point both pcs should be able to communicate if they are not using a LAN.

Now, regardless of how you are connected, go to the old pc. Open Windows Explorer (right click start, select explore). This is your file manager. Right click each folder you wish to transfer and move it to the Shared Folder. Each is moved individually. Now right click the shared Folder and set it up for network sharing. Do the same for all sub folders. This allows you to see these folders on the old pc from the new pc.

Now go to the new pc, open Windows Explorer like you did with the old one. Go to My network places on the left column near the bottom, click the + sign, click + on Entire network and then + on Microsoft Windows network. You should see the shared folders of the old pc. It may take a few minutes to see it. Now highlight folders of interest, right click, and do a copy and paste into the new pc at the desired location

Answer 2

Transferring data onto a Windows Vista system is not as simple as drag and drop from a USB drive or a Data CD. Because you are switching to a different operating system, some things will not open on Vista if it came from an earlier Windows operating system. I switched from Windows XP to Windows Vista and none of my word documents or anything would open - it would all turn into symbols instead of words. Windows Vista is very different from any of their other systems. Definitely check the Windows Vista site for guidance.

Answer 3

you just get a usb drive and put it in your old computer, and whatever you want you just get it and drop it in the file that opens up when you plug in the usb drive.

Answer 4

http://windowsvistablog.com/blogs/windowsvista/archive/2007/02/15/using-windows-easy-transfer.aspx