Could I backup my files on my old laptop to my new laptop myself how would I do that?

Question

the geek squad didn't even backup my data. my compaq laptop's connector pin is broke and it needs to be fixed. so I bought a new computer. I needed my files from the compaq to be uploaded on the new one (toshiba satellite).

what materials do I need to do it myself? is it hard?

geek squad charged me $99 and I don't want to go back up there for them to waste my time. they could've done it the first time.

the connector pin is the pin where you plug in your AC adapter to charge your battery.

Answer 1

Just network the two computers together.

Answer 2

You would have to have both Hard drives installed one laptop. So Leave the Vista one where it is at. and then hook up the Xp hard drive. (I think there is a USB cable you can buy to hook up the hard drive through a USB port, I have only heard of this and never done it). Your problems is that the old Hard drive needs power to get any files off it. Sense the old laptop isn't going to be able to power it, you would have to hook it up to the new hard drive and grab the files. it could be done, but might not work.

Answer 3

for an easy way, you can set up both computers on your local network and than drag and drop files between the shared doc folders. "put all the files you want in your shared doc folder, and than on the network, look for your computer and copy all the files to your new pc. Depending on how big of the files you have, it may take a few hours"

for a more technical way, purchase a 8 dollar crossover cable and connect both pc's together. Set up a crossover connection between the two computers (you may need to find someone to help you set up the ip adresses if you are not familair with a crossover setup) and open windows and find the tranfer files option. if using xp its in start>allprograms>accessoreis>system tools>files and settingstransfer wizard.

follow the instructions and let it run.

It will only cost you a few hours out of your life and less than 10 bucks.

The only thing that will be difficult on your part is setting up a crossover connection. I would find a friend that is good with computers and basic networking skills. if you want the way to set it up. continue reading. it may get complicated.

first attach the crossover cable between the lan connection of both pc's....

pc one (old pc)

1.right click on "my network places" and go to properties
2. right click on "local area connection"
3. click on properties
4. when the dialog box appears, look for internet protocol (tcp/ip)
select that option (usually the last one) and clcik the properties button.
5. a new dialog box will appear.
6. it will be defaulted to "optain ip automticaly" (you will need to re-enable this after you are done with the crossover connection)
7.clickon use folloing ip address.
8. here is the fun part
9. make this pc ip address 192.68.1.100
10. click in the subnet box and it will automaitcally put in 255.255.255.0

now save everything. just hit ok.

now second pc(new one)
do the exact same steps above, but for the ip adress put 192.168.1.101

as you can see it is one off of the original pc. 100 and 101.

again click on the subnet box and it will automaticaly put in 255.255.255.0

save everything.. (press ok)

now if everything is good, yout two pc's should be talking to each other. run the tranfer wizard stated above, or click on network places and click on networked pc's and you should see the other pc on the pc your using now. open that pc and you will see a shared doc folder. start tranfering your stuff. or again run the tranfer wizard in the main pc (old pc).


remember, to go back and set your pc to obtain ip automticaly or you will never log on the internet again... =)

Answer 4

You could buy an external hard drive, which wouldn't be a bad idea anyway. It is on my wish list. For the time being, I backup my files on several flashdrives which I get on weekend specials - like a 2G Ativa for $9.99 after rebates. With flashdrives, you would not only have backup, the files are easily transporable.

If you don't want to invest in external storage, you can get a Belkin transfer cable.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_/102-0623893-1096165?initialSearch=1&url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Belkin+transfer+cable

Answer 5

I am unfamiliar with this pin you talk of.

if it was me...I'd burn files onto a cd and put it on the other machine.
I'm not sure what you're trying to ask.

next time---don't use geek squad. learn how to do things yourself---and save the money...and get the job done right the first time.

Answer 6

Hi i know in the uk you can buy 50gb memory stick about the size of a brick and plug them into your new laptop and download it all th your new laptop it isnt that hard because it should come with a step by step guide ok

good luck hope this helps :)

you can also buy 10gb 15gb 25gb 30gb 45gb and 50gb sticks

Answer 7

You can migrate your data from one location to another using True Image by Acronis. However both your drives must have the same interface in order to accomplish this task.
http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage/

Answer 8

When I got a new computer, I bought a piece of software that makes it really easy to transfer everything. Can't remember the name of it, but it was only like $50, and worth it.

Answer 9

Cross over cable from radio shack

Ps. Make sure the get the Vista compatible Crossover cable and yes it comes w/ software. I'm guessing your new system has Vista on it.

Answer 10

I would buy a simple thumb drive and copy your files. They usually run less the $20

Answer 11

I think all u may need is some type of transfer cable not to sure though but try researching transfer cables and see what u find.