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Resolved Question

How to transfer data from 1 computer to another and vice ver

Nov 15, 2011 10:50AM PST

I am "trading" computers with my Mom. How do I transfer all my info from my desktop to her laptop and her info from her laptop to my desktop?
I believe I have one of the "easy transfer cables" but I'm not sure how to use it if that is what I have?

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LoriBad has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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Since easy transfer cables . . .
Nov 15, 2011 12:17PM PST

can encompass hundreds of cables, not much information here. Your operating systems would help. Unless you have many Gigabytes of data, burning to optical disk is the easiest.

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operating systems
Nov 16, 2011 2:52AM PST

We both have Windows Vista. Most of what need to be transferred are pictures, word, excel files. Too much to fit on a flash drive, especially with all the pictures.

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Then look at Kees response below.
Nov 16, 2011 3:54AM PST

Probably the most effective will be a home network.

USB transfer cables (you still didn't tell which kind) can be tricky and require new software to be installed. Network cables require you to create connection sharing and can be a major PITA with Vista. And it needs to be the special "crossover cable". Your description of the easy transfer cable still doesn't tell which kind.

I recommend getting a router. They are plug and play, easy to set up, and any PC can connect. You then open File and Printer sharing on each PC and start moving your "stuff". If you have a home network this is the fastest and easiest.

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Thanks!
Nov 16, 2011 5:10AM PST

Thanks! I've got a router so I'll give that a go. Thanks so much for the help.

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Answer
Re: transfer data
Nov 15, 2011 4:23PM PST

Options are:
- a direct cable connection (that's that cable)
- via your home network
- using a USB-stick
- using an external hard disk
- by mailing it
- using web storage like Dropbox
- get the disk out and connect it via a cable or enclosure to the other PC
- burn to CD or DVD

A lot depends on how much data it is.

Kees