How can I move files between computers

Old computer uses Windows 98 and has a 3.5" floppy drive which uses 1.44 MB disks. Current computer is running Windows XP as the OS and has a CD writer drive. Any idea how to transfer files from the W98 to the WXP?

 

Hello,
Easiest way would be to take out the drive from the Win98 computer and install it in the XP computer. Transfer the files needed and then either use it as a storage device or put it back in the Win98 computer. This assumes you have an IDE slot available.

Or you could remove the drive from the Win98 computer and use a USB adapter like this.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812232002

 

you could try a flash drive as long as the w98 machine has usb ports...

 

This is likely the easiest method.

Go to the "My Documents" folder and right-click on "Properties". This will give you the aprox. total size of the files that need to be transferred. If you have music, pictures, etc. stored outside of "My Documents", do the same and add up the total size of all files to be transferred.

USB flash drives are dirt cheap: I've seen 8GB drives at $10; $16GB at $20.

Added bonus: Keep a copy of the files on the flash drive and you'll have a backup in case the hard drive on the new PC ever tanks.

Hope this helps.

 

I may be wrong but I don't believe that USB adapter would work with a floppy drive because the floppy drives do not have a standard IDE 40-pin connector. Floppy drives normally use a 34-pin connector for the data cable.

Edit: Oops, I think I mis-understood your post. I was thinking you meant move the floppy drive from the Win 98 system to the Win XP system. But, now I believe you were talking about the hard drive. In that case, yes, your suggestion would work.

 

FTP if both machines are on the same network. Also can use Yahoo messenger to send files between machines. Since you never stated if they are networked, take it that you are just going to old school the transfer. BTW, you can get usb 3.5 drives, but personally, network them and go with ftp transfer, or drag and drop between folders. The choice is yours.

 

Problem is, only 98se had USB capabilities. 98 did not. Now, if they wanted to really do it the easiest way, pull the drive out of the 98 machine, place in a usb external box, and plug into the XP machine.

 

Even with 98 SE you will likely need a USB Driver to get the USB stick to be recognised. You prob wouldnt need to set up an FTP and sould prob just do file sharing over network. Not sure how this would work with 98 though as never tried it.

 

For one, you could not even do USB with 98, and second either FTP or use Yahoo to send files between computers would be a way, or as I suggested, pull the drive, place in a usb external and hook up to the XP machine. You could do CD, but would have to find a cd burner program that would work with 98, if they are still around.

 

And, don't forget this solution, also. But, if you'd like to make an external hard drive out of the old hard drive for long-term use that way, a USB external enclosure is your best option.

 

USafveteran, I already covered that in two posts.

 

So, you're saying an "external box" is the same thing as http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...na&AID=10521304&PID=4003003&SID=5kernd789d76? :confused

 

No, that is a piece of garbage that needs to never be bought. An external box is an enclosure.