Transferring Files From External HD

Hello!

Ok... I just got a new HP Pavilion Slimline. One of those very small systems! On my old PC, I had a secondary HD installed that had nothing but my MP3 files on it... 25+ GB worth!

Here's my dilemma... I have a USB HD enclosure, but the new system refuses to recognize it. I've tried everything I can to get the external HD to work, but no luck. Also, I cannot install the HD in the new system because of the small size.

Is is possible for me to transfer my MP3 file folder from this drive to my new system without the HD being installed on the new system? I was thinking I could possibly reinstall the secondary HD back into the old PC, fire up both systems, then just transfer the MP3 folder to the new system via a USB cable. Is this feasible?

Thank you for your replies!

 

Do both machines have the same OS, if they don't, they may not recognise each other. In that case you may have to burn them in data format on DVD's, you can get about 1200 mp3's on it that way 4.7 GB, so you can transfer. If you do back them up on DVD's you'll always have them and won't have to tye up your HDD space, just incase your PC crashes or something else unthinkable

I'm sure there may be an easier way but I haven't used one personally.

 

You could use that method, or set up a network.
Routers are very inexpensive these days.
Here's one for example that would allow you to set up a network between the two computers.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Linksys-EtherFa...ryZ11183QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
You can then transfer the files through it.

 

Router will work I didn't think to ask if he had one or multiple PC's.I guess I took for granted he just was running the one PC only.

 

if you have a usb thumbdrive, that might be the easiest way? wireless will work (as mentioned) as well, if you have a network, but it might take a while to set it up (due to firewall, etc). also, cd/dvd (as mentioned). what is the os on both comps (ie - xp, or vista)? - sos

 

Just curious. What reaction are you getting from the USB enclosure? I'm assuming you have used it before and it is functional, meaning it powers on, and your cable is in good shape.

Are you only accessing the External HDD from the computer / my computer window? Does it show up under disk management when plugged in from the USB cable.

If you are wondering about a direct connect of a USB from one computer to another transfer, then yes it is possible to transfer files to the newer computer that way. Though, I am not too familiar with this method (FSTW), the Files Settings and Transfer Wizard on a Windows OS makes this possible.

You can take a look at this tutorial if it seems like a root you would like to take. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/getstarted/bott_fstw.mspx

 

forerevice is correct that a transfer is possible using the Files Settings and Transfer Wizard, but you need to use a special cable called a "crossover cable" not a USB cable.
I know of no way to use a USB cable connected between two computers to accomplish this.

sosaman's idea to use a USB "thumb drive" will also work but the capacity of these devices (as far as I know) is well below the 25GB that you need to transfer, so it would have to be done using several passes.

Setting up a network can be tricky too.
If you are concerned about the firewall preventing you from transfering the files, you can temporarily shut down the firewalls on each computer (as long as you are not connected to the internet, of course). I doubt that this would be a problem in any case, but it is good to have a fall back position.
Because you need to have both computers running at the same time, you need to have 2 monitors; 2 keyboards and 2 mice.

What puzzles me about this situation is that you say the new system refuses to recognize the external HDD, but your old system does.
Is the USB port that you trying to use able to recognize anything else (camera, thumb drive, printer etc.) that you plug into it?

 

now that i read this again. have you tried the exteranal h/d enclosure on your old comp (to see if it works)? have you checked your jumper settings on your h/d, that you put into your external h/d enclosure? - sos