Transferring files to new laptop

I've been informed that by taking out the harddrive in my current laptop, I can connect it to my new one and transfer the files.

I mainly want to do this so i can transfer pictures and music on ITunes.

What I want to know is, what cables will I need to connect and transfer the files. And is there a better way to transfer the files? Considering my old laptop overheats and shuts down quickly whenever its asked to do much

 

You need something like this

Newegg.com - Vantec 2.5"/3.5"/5.25" SATA/IDE to USB 2.0 Adapter - Model CB-ISATAU2

This will accommodate both sata and ide interface.

 

ok, thanks

 

That will work for ya. Good and handy item to have.

Another option is to just buy an external 2.5" enclosure and convert your old drive to a pocket drive.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256070

 

If you already have an external hard drive create an image to it with a free program like Free Backup Software: Paragon Backup & Recovery Free Edition - Overview. Then install paragon on the new one and access the files from the external hard drive. That way if the old hard drive fails you have a complete copy.

 

If he had an external, he could just copy the fileshe needs to it then copy them back to the new computer. No need to make an image unless it is to backup the entire system. Just giving a shot of canned air in your old laptop's heatsink might prevent it from overheating if that's what's preventing you from doing the transfer in a more "traditional" way.

The third option is to get an adapter or dock for the drives instead of an enclosure, but that will cost the same as an enclosure so unless you were planning to transfer data from drives with different interfaces/sizes, there is no need to get one.