How do I transfer files from old laptop to new?

I recently bought a Dell E1505 to replace my Dell Inspiron 1100. The laptop was getting worn down in general, but the reason I had to replace it now was because the power adapter (the second one I've purchased for the computer) is no longer working.

I only have about 30% battery power left in the 1100, and the adapter won't recharge the battery, so I can't use a normal system of file transfer with cables or portable drives because I still need to take the time to go through my documents, and I doubt the Inspiron will be able to stay on long enough.

I don't want to buy a third adapter just for this purpose, and I don't know anyone with a computer as old as mine, so I think I'm going to have to hook up my old hard drive (slave it?) to the new laptop, but I need step-by-step instructions for that. If anyone can provide them, or point me toward the appropriate resource, I'd really appreciate it!

 

yes, slaving your old HD would be a good way.
unforutnately I don't have a guide to give you on the process.
Another way for you to do this would be to turn your old HD into an extenal. though this method will take some money to pull off, not expensive, but it's not free.

 

An external bay might be best. Not sure how you would slave it.

 

an external enclosure will probably cost you less than a power adapter for your old laptop, and you could use your external hard drive as storage from now on.

 

crazy idea... but i know my power supply for my E1705 work on my girlfriends old 600m... maybe try to charge the old laptops battery and copy it over while its full?

 

if the old drive connects into your new mother board.....slip it in....if it (MS--ugh) doesn't wanna boot up... then slide in a freespire iso..( LIVE MODE)..boot from cd....keep the old one in....log into a file manager on net....(yahoo--geocities) ...upload your wanted files.....slide your new hdd back in....down load your wanted files.....'nother one iz VMN Storage....(ftp might be quicker)....

 

I've been looking for an answer to your question myself. The screen on my laptop died last month. Since I was ready to buy a new one anyway this was the perfect excuse to do so ;-).

So, now I'm in the same position you find yourself in. I've heard about using old hard drives as backup drives, so I hoped to find an easy way to copy files off of my old drive as well. I've been all over the internet trying to find a solution and/or details and I ran into your post here (among many, many, many more!!!) and then googling further I found this page:

http://lifehacker.com/software/hard-drives/alpha-geek-turn-an-old-hard-drive-into-an-external-drive-253847.php

I have not done this yet but it looks easy enough. I remembered your post and thought this might be exactly what you are looking for.

Good luck,


FlyHigh


attach old hard drive to new laptop

 

PS: There are some great suggestions in the comment section to that article as well!!!



attach old hard drive to new laptop

 

The external enclosure is the best (and safest) way.

 

I strongly support the external enclosure method and have been using them for 12? years (I have one which worked through the parallel port!).

Just check whether the HDD needs PATA or SATA before buying the enclosure. PATA versions are from about $10 upwards.

John