Old machine New machine, moving data from one to other

I have an older IBM unit and now a new Asus unit.

I would like to take programs and what not from the older unit, with a dying hard drive, to the newer unit.

Best method?
Ethernet transfer?
Files and folders transfer has serial cable option, I am looking to move several 100's GB of things.
Windows Backup? Or MG Backup?

 

i found a serial cable, not a db-9 to db-9 at tigerdirect.com. it's a "Diablotek CA-1638 USB 2.0 to 9-Pin RS232 DB9 Serial Adapter".

I did find a db-9 Female to db-9 female somewhere else, cablesforless.com. It's a "6 Foot Serial DB9 Female to Female".

 

thanks ... will be working things through

have a network thread if anyone reads this and wishes to view it...

 

You will probably find that a network cable (crossover if you do not use a switch) is your best option as most other solutions are likely to be very slow. Even a 100Mbps network may in some conditions be faster than USB.

 

I have a newer 'n' wi-fi router with four LAN ports and think this may work nicely... just reaching over the network without getting inside the unit... any thoughts or goals to shoot for? things to consider... hindsight even? thanks collins