Files from Windows98SE onto WindowsXP

by DADSGETNDOWN May 14, 2006 12:58PM PDT

Hello, this is a MULTI part question.
I have Windows98SE with a old p2@400 which can't really work well to burn files onto OR make DVD'S, still works great it is a 60 GB Hard drive Partitioned into 3 equal parts, 2 of the partitions have been used to save files etc and are 100 MB close to being full.
I also have a little newer WindowsXP with an AMD 1.47Ghz cpu, with a 60GB hard dive that has been partitioned into 2, the second partition has 45.2 GB available.
I want to hook up the WIN98SE hard drive as a secondary, TEMPORARILY to copy the files I want to the WINXP so I can burn/ archive to DVD and CD.
Okay finally here's the questions.
(1)What's steps do I take in doing this?
(2)Will both computer have any problems AFTER I do this ? like will any information about one or the other computer be on either hard drive to confuse either one when I take the WIN98SE hard drive back out ? either on the drive itself or in the bios/cmos?.
(3)Do I just copy with copy (or cut) and paste or send to type steps or should I bne using some program to help me TRANSFER OR copy these files?.
All this is because some of my files are larger than cd AND so I CAN burn some DVD'S of some files because the win98se is so slow, AND THEN, finally delete the files off the WIN98SE to give me some space back You guys are GREAT I know I can expect the CORRECT , BEST method explained in computer NOOB savvy explanations

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Temporary slave...

by John.Wilkinson May 14, 2006 3:15PM PDT

1.) This isn't too difficult, though it may seem lengthy at first:
* Turn off and unplug both computers.
* Open the case for the old computer.
* Locate your hard drive.
* Unplug the power cord from the hard drive.
* Unplug the hard drive's IDE (data) cable from the hard drive.
* Unscrew the hard drive from the case and remove it.

* Open up the case of the new computer.
* Set the old hard as a slave as opposed to a master.
* Connect the old hard drive to the IDE cable's second position.
* Connect the old hard drive to the power supply.
* Plug the computer back in and turn it on.
* Transfer the data.

* Turn off and unplug the computer.
* Remove the old hard drive from the new computer.
* Reset the old hard drive to master.
* Reconnect it (IDE and power) to the old computer.
* Screw it back in.
* Close up both cases.
* Plug both computers back in.

Now, for a guide, including photos, to installing hard drives, including notes about master/slave jumper settings, click here. That will fill in the blanks I left in the above instructions.
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Once you reconnect the hard drives to their own respective computers, there should be no problems. Just make sure you plug the old hard drive back in correctly and reset the jumper settings to master.
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There's no special way of transferring the data between hard drives. Personally, to be on the safe side, I'd copy, not cut, the files and paste them over. That way if something goes wrong (not likely, but always a possibility), you still have the original copy. Once you're done, verify the files have been properly burned to DVD, then delete the copy from your old (and new) hard drive(s) if you like. Just like to note that I always keep at least two copies, just in case one fails...never hurts to be too careful.

Hope this helps,
John

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Copies and Copying

by DADSGETNDOWN May 16, 2006 8:10PM PDT

Hello, John, just as I was thinking of doing. Thanks alot. About the copies and copying, Isn't there any programs you know of that help or aide in the copying process that make it either faster, more stable or easier ?. I know sometimes copying alot of files or large files it may take quite a long time or quit responding, as for backup copies, do you mean backup DVD copies or on one of the hard drives ? as I type I am thinking DVD , Thanks Again.

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Reply to: Copies and Copying...

by John.Wilkinson May 17, 2006 4:50AM PDT

Unfortunately there isn't a program that can make the transfer of data faster or more stable since you're still dealing with Windows, the one doing the work behind the scenes. There is software that can help with downloads, but none I know of for moving data around the hard drive. When it comes to easier, there is software that would automatically backup/transfer predefined file types and folders, but it wouldn't do much in this situation, so it's not really worth it at this point.

As to backups, I prefer DVD because it provides a decent amount of storage at a reasonable price and has no moving parts like a hard drive, which is a plus. Unfortunately DVDs can be burned improperly, so it's always wise to verify the integrity of the files (open a few at random) before relying on the backup. Also, DVDs, CDs, and other media has a limited shelf life, meaning you should create a new copy every so many years. They are supposed to last about 30 years under ideal conditions, but some would recommend swapping them out every 5 years. If you'd like to read up on the proper storage of CDs/DVDs, click here for a guide from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Page 8 is a good simple reference.

Hope this helps,
John

Files from Windows98SE onto WindowsXP

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