Data transfer?

[Boomyal]

Win 7 has a data transfer program. It wants to know how you want to accomplish that, ie cable or network. I have wireless network capability, or I could get a transfer cable. Looking into those cables they seem to be OS specific. I wouldn't be opposed to buying a cable but if one cable won't do all, maybe I should just go with the network option.

Any opinions? I know that the cable might be quicker but I don't want to spend money on something that will not be universally applicable.

In this particular case I may be transferring data from one Win 7 laptop to another Win 7 laptop or possibly a Win 8 laptop. Not sure yet.

 

[tazrig]

Re: Data transfer?

I would say the cable is the safer bet if you are transferring a lot of data as it is a direct hard wire transfer. All you need to is for your wireless system to have one hick up and miss one bit of data in a program and... Well if you've been using windows for any length of time you know how that can end up. :blue:

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Data transfer?

I just did this for a friend who was transferring user files from the old XP system to a new Windows 7. Just set up networking and share the drives. Pretty easy.

Wireless is fine. There is error detection/correction for all data that is transferred.

If you have a lot of data, you can hook up to a router or switch on your network. Just a cat5 cable that costs a couple bucks is needed.

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: Data transfer?

The windows transfer application, can be tricky sometimes, I have successfully used it and I have had it crash quite a few times also, using he network set up is not that difficult and I have found it to be better in most cases. You can also set up the two computers to network directly and the window networking system will walk you through it, it is pretty easy to set up and once going, is a pretty fast way to transfer data, it can be set up wirelessly, or by direct cat 5 cross over cable connection. Some computers will require a cross over connection, but many of the newer models have it built into the network plug in the computer.

Many of the windows features, are set up to be idiot proof, unfortunately in doing that, often times, they can be unstable and fail depend how you try to accomplish things.

5 Ways to Connect Two Computers - wikiHow

How to Connect Two Computers Together with an Ethernet Cable

 

[agallant80]

Re: Data transfer?

How much data are you moving.

You can just use a standard cat5 cable to connect the two machines together. Windows will see that its another windows machine on the other end and automatically setup the connection. Any traffic between the two machines will be routed through the Ethernet interface. From the you can setup sharing and drag and drop, you can use robocopy or the windows utility.

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: Data transfer?

One of the easiest ways I have found if you don't want to use the network, is get a large thumb drive and move the data with that, I have a couple of 32gig t-drives that I picked up for really a low price and they work great for doing this, now if you are talking hundreds of gigs of data, then the network way is going to be easier.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Data transfer?

Just got Mrs B a new laptop because her older Dell Inspiron 1764 is showing signs of monitor issues. I picked up one of the last Dell Inspiron 15R i5's running Win 7. However I will probably be returning it to Costco, so the data transfer is off for now.

I spent two hours with Dell Support last nite. Seems the the 15R, unlike the 1764, has no provision to disable the touch pad when a wireless USB mouse is installed. Even the FN key/F3 key option to temporarily disable the mouse does not work. The Dell Technician was actually on the new computer remotely to try downloading new touchpad drivers and programs, to no avail. Even though he was unable to accomplish anything I have nothing but good opinions of Dells willingness to try. In the end, he transferred me to a Supervisor (all seeming to be Indian) and he told me that he would dig deep within Dell for a remedy and get back to me, one way or the other, within 24-48 hours. They even sent a follow up email.

When we get around to doing the transfer, I will check out the CAT5 option. I have plenty of cable laying around or I can even make one up.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Data transfer?

I spent two hours with Dell Support last nite. Seems the the 15R, unlike the 1764, has no provision to disable the touch pad when a wireless USB mouse is installed.

My GF just ordered a 15R herself. I will give that a try when I get it and let you know what I find.

How much data are you transferring?

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Data transfer?

My GF just ordered a 15R herself. I will give that a try when I get it and let you know what I find.

How much data are you transferring?

Oh, just the usual pictures and docuements, no huge amount, I would imagine. I do have the Acronis program but have not tried to install it or use it on anything. Maybe I should do that before I transfer any new files to a new computer? I hope it is intuitive 'cause I have little appetite for complexity!

...and yeah, check out the touchpad situation when you get her new one. Also, even check the F3 disaable/enable key function. It does not work on mine. They said you needed to press the FN key simultaneously.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Data transfer?

They said you needed to press the FN key simultaneously.

I can believe that. I think that is how my old laptop worked.