On everything older than XP it's doubtful (to say the least) that you can copy data to an external hard disk or USB-stick or to an online backup service.
So my suggestion would be to buy a USB2 to IDE cable, and use that to connect all hard disks of all that old PC's (not too difficult to take them out and set to master) to a more current one. Then, once they are on that other PC, do with it what you want.
Be sure to have more than one copy on different media (or online) if you want to keep them safe.
Kees
I have bought a Mozy online backup service. Paying for two computers but only one being used now. The second, I'm not using or own yet. Do I need a new or external hd? I want it to be host for all older, and newly done from now on, docs and pics on about 8 older pc's, laptops and Desktops. ( I want to get rid of these older units once I harvest the data) All are MS OS's, but multiple types, '95, '98, 2000, xp, vista, and even one unknown OS name from back in '93 on a Compaq laptop I bought back then.
Questions: 1. what is best route to do the above? 2. Will the multiple OS's be a problem for the transfer or for Mozy? 3. IS it best to do this on an external HD of 2Terrabytes,connected to my current Vista Fujitsu laptop to allow for future years' expansion-storage? Or use a new basic Desktop or laptop with largest HD available. I'm using a Vista laptop now, but I'm ok with adding a stand alone pc for this, if it's the overall best way to do this.

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