Computer Help and Support

UTUSN

(72,433 posts) Wed Nov 15, 2017, 07:34 PM Nov 2017

How to? Transfer to new laptop, cable

Have managed to install Trend, have decided on total gmail instead of Microsoft mail, only left with docs & pics. Was told to use thumb drive. Then cable with both plugs being USB. So no usb doubles in store, told HDMI doubles will work.

So basic question, when connected, basic steps: Select, Copy, Send? - HOW?

7 replies

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How to? Transfer to new laptop, cable (Original Post) UTUSN Nov 2017 OP

Depends on how much data you have Egnever Nov 2017 #1

External or thumb drive. Dr Hobbitstein Nov 2017 #2

You could just use an Ethernet cable. Kleveland Nov 2017 #3

Thanks but way above my paygrade. Been internetting, now worried about cables UTUSN Nov 2017 #4

When a computer dies it's good to have backup. hunter Nov 2017 #5

Thanks. Update, I don't have lots to transfer, did the pics & docs UTUSN Nov 2017 #6

Simple drag and drop. ManiacJoe Nov 2017 #7

Egnever

(21,506 posts)

1. Depends on how much data you have

Reply to UTUSN (Original post)

Wed Nov 15, 2017, 07:37 PM

Nov 2017

Easiest way is an external drive.

Dr Hobbitstein

(6,568 posts)

2. External or thumb drive.

Reply to UTUSN (Original post)

Wed Nov 15, 2017, 07:39 PM

Nov 2017

Copy all docs/pics from old computer to thumb/external drive.
Then plug that drive into new computer and copy it from the drive to the computer.

You can get 128+GB thumbdrives for cheap. You can also get large capacity external USB drives for cheap.

Kleveland

(1,257 posts)

3. You could just use an Ethernet cable.

Reply to UTUSN (Original post)

Wed Nov 15, 2017, 08:27 PM

Nov 2017

Depending on your Ethernet port, you might need a crossover cable, and then you need to know something about static IP setup, and possibly sharing etc. You could use a switch, then no need for crossover cable. GBit ports also do not need a crossover. Or connect to a router with both computers and let that do DHCP IP addressing. Again, using file sharing as done in a networked situation.

External hard drive is likely the best an easiest.

I don't consider USB thumb drives as reliable when compared to hard drives, nor as fast.

UTUSN

(72,433 posts)

4. Thanks but way above my paygrade. Been internetting, now worried about cables

Reply to Kleveland (Reply #3)

Wed Nov 15, 2017, 08:39 PM

Nov 2017

Damage

hunter

(38,951 posts)

5. When a computer dies it's good to have backup.

Reply to UTUSN (Original post)

Mon Nov 20, 2017, 06:14 PM

Nov 2017

The money spent on an external drive (hard drive or thumb drive) to transfer files to a new computer isn't wasted. I have multiple external backup drives.

Linux makes it easy to clone an older machine to a new one, for me anyways. I install Linux on the new machine, including all the programs I use (which are free), and then I just drag and drop the contents of my home folder from a backup drive.

I keep them all in synch with my main computer. There are Windows programs that do the same thing, but I don't have one to recommend.

I've got files I first created in the 'seventies, and emulators for all the computers I've ever owned, and many computers I've worked with.

It's magic.

UTUSN

(72,433 posts)

6. Thanks. Update, I don't have lots to transfer, did the pics & docs

Reply to hunter (Reply #5)

Mon Nov 20, 2017, 06:54 PM

Nov 2017

on thumb drive. The one thing left i wanted was WinLiveMail that is discontinued, transfering a program. Am thinking of Forwarding every single saved email to gmail

ManiacJoe

(10,136 posts)

7. Simple drag and drop.

Reply to UTUSN (Original post)

Mon Nov 20, 2017, 09:47 PM

Nov 2017

Connect both computers to the same router (wired or wireless).
Share the source folders you want to copy from on the old computer.
On the new computer, drag and drop the files you want into the new computer's folders.

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