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General discussion

Upgrade from Desktop (XP) to Laptop (Vista)

by Sexydredlocs May 21, 2007 4:38PM PDT

Hello again, I know you guys are probably sick of seeing me here, but what can I say issues a plenty I have this week! LOL

So after reading one of the recent forum posting on someone replacing their desktop with a laptop I took the leap after reading the many informative postings. But since I am a newbie to this whole wireless thing I am trying to figure out what if anything should be the additional pieces to my desktop replacement.

Here are the specs to the laptop and my home set up:

Computer:

1. I purchased a Inspiron E1705 with vista.
-----she has a intel core duo 2 T7400, 2GB shared dual, 256MB NVIDIA GeForce GO 7900, 250GB/5400RPM HD, RW DVD/CD drive, an Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N, 80 Whr 9 cell battery and a Dell 355 bluetooth Module (2.0+EDR) capability.

I currently have a linksys wireless G broadband router that is currently linked to my old pc and cable modem (Once my transfer of files, etc are complete....I will connect directly to my cable modem).

I am also purchasing a wireless/bluetooth printer.

But here is the issue(s) at hand, I would like to purchase a external harddrive for back up purposes and not overload my laptop with files I know I won't access often. So my question(s) are what should I be in the to buy (given my current laptop specs), do I need to load programs/application of any sort to run or network share with the laptop and what will I need to do snyc my external HD with the laptop to make sure that files are current and backed up at all times.

Also any additional sugguests to protect and make my newest computer acquistion for many years to come would be most appreciated.

FYI -- I have laptop lojack and Mcafee total protection.

Thanks in advance for all the advice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Discussion is locked

2 Posts

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Just A Thought... Since You Already Have Another Computer...

by Grif Thomas Former Forum moderator May 22, 2007 8:10AM PDT

...and it has a hard drive in it, if you're not going to use the other computer, then remove the hard drive from the old computer and place it in an external USB enclosure.. The USB enclosure should be able to take the old hard drive and directly connect it to the new laptop.. From the Laptop, you can then eliminate all the data from USB hard drive and use it as a backup drive.

Still, because it's an old drive, you might want to start looking for a new drive to place in the enclosure.. Enclosures are generally inexpensive and require little except a USB port on the laptop.

Hope this helps.

Grif

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Upgrade from XP Desktop to Vista Laptop

by Sexydredlocs May 23, 2007 1:21PM PDT

Thank you Grif for your assistance, I am actually going to make a decent effort to wipe the harddrive and restore the desktop to factory settings and give the pc to my mom! But thanks for the idea, I will keep that in mind for future purchases!

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