ways to copy user files from CF-28 to CF-29

Now I have my CF-29 I'd like to shift all my data from the CF-28 over to the CF-29. I don't want to clone the CF-28's disk - just my own filespace. I'm installing software, etc. onto the CF-29 as needed to duplicate most of the applications I use on the CF-28.

What are the best way(s) to accomplish this? Both systems are running Win Xp pro.

Craig.

 

Over the network would be the best solution.

 

Windows File & Settings Transfer Wizard.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb457074.aspx

mnem
Juicy.

 

Hmm the methods described appear to require a 3.5" floppy drive, which none of my systems have. Is it possible to do the transfer using a USB CD or DVD writable drive instead as the method of setting up the 'wizard' disk?

I don't have a large enough USB memory stick otherwise I could simply 'dump' the entire contents of 'My documents' to the stick and copy it to the new system that way.

Craig.

 

Craig -

"The wizard provides a rich set of options that walk you through the process of migrating to a new computer.

You can:

Choose how to store files and settings that are migrated. The wizard supports copying old files and settings via:
o 3.5 inch disks or other removable media.
o A direct cable connection from your old computer to your new computer.
o A drive on a home network."

1st group of bullet points, right at the end of the Introduction.

mnem
Yes, it REALLY was there all along.

 

Indeed, but each of those methods specifies using a 3.5" floppy disk to create a 'wizard' disk, then utilising the chosen transfer method to actually move the files/settings between systems once the wizard disk created on the source system is read on the target system. That's what I was referring to. ;-)

The one method where this isn't required is for a completely fresh install of Win Xp which from reading the method refers to a fresh install on the same system.

It might be possible to take the disk in the CF-28, mount it in an external disk box that connects to a USB port on the CF-29, and copy files that way though I don't know if it will move everything in My Documents on one system to the same place on the new system reliably.

Craig.

 

You can, but you don't have to. Just as an example, I backed up all my files, pictures, videos and settings to my son's computer via my home network at the same time he was playing video games and he didn't even know it. LOL

 

Why don't you just connect the two laptops into a router and just transfer files via the network?

 

That's what I am aiming to do. Can the Windows File and Settings Transfer Wizard be used to do that WITHOUT the requirement to create (on the source system) and read (on the target system) a 'wizard disk'? The Microsoft documentation for it doesn't indicate it can.

The Windows backup utility doesn't seem to know how to do anything over a network. I have a wi-fi network here (the CF-28 has wi-fi) and I think I have an old wired network hub somewhere.

Craig.

 

Forget the wizard just get both units on the network as usual then share the drive on one unit and map the shared drive on the other then just copy and paste your files.

 

That's the simplest and quickest way to do it

 

Craig, I concur with RonnieB. Copy/paste over the network. Beats searching around for wizards to dance on teeny weeny little floppies.

Have a great weekend...
the other Ronnie in SG

 

Kewl I hadn't even thought about using network file sharing in Windows since I've never used that feature before and consider it a security risk, but using a seperate network hub with nothing else but the two systems connected won't expose the source system to any external threats...

So the next thing... Is it better to share the entire drive or just the My Documents part? Seems like sharing the whole thing might be the simplest way.

Craig.

 

Craig, I'd usually share one partition off each PC/laptop and dump it for access across the board. Easier than sharing just one folder and trying to remember which folder it was.

Copy the entire 28's "My Documents" to a logical drive (treat it as a backup) and copy/paste whatever you need over to the 29's "My Documents" and/or the 29's logical drive as well (in case the MBR gets screwed). Yeah... I'm a little paranoid at times!

Ron in SG
computers are great... only when they work!!

 

Naaah... you don't need a wizard disc; all you do is tell it to save the transfer data config file to the same network drive as you're going to use for the actual data. Once you get to the target machine, launch the wizard & point it to that network drive. If you have an existing User account on the new machine whose settings conflict, just create a new User account and use the wizard with THAT account. Once you have everything configured the way you want it, delete the old User account.

The nice thing about this utility (I consider it to be one of the FEW Wizards in XP that are actually USEFUL) is that it not only saves your My Documents folder but it also transfers your folder view settings, your desktop wallpaper and font settings, as well as your current desktop theme and IE browser configurations. It also transfers a bunch of other stuff if you ask it to (Like Outlook data files and custom Templates from Word); but that requires a bunch of reading on links that are on the page from that link I sent you.

The Windows Help & Support entry for the File & Settings Transfer Wizard is a bit less obtuse; you might want to read up on it all there instead.

mnem
Wiz.

 

What I did was connect the two systems via a seperate old network hub I had lying around (10 mbps only!) and set the CF-28 to share the entire C: drive.

On the CF-29, I went into 'my network places', which picked up the shared C: drive from the CF-28 and I just copied files and directories from my user space on one machine to the other as if the shared drive was connected directly to the CF-29.

I don't use IE or Outlook so I didn't care about anything related to those applications.

Now I have all my stuff off the CF-28 on the new system and the CF-28 will get used for something else. I might give it to my 14 y/o step-son with a fresh Win Xp install (got recovery CD's already to do that), or it'll become a Linux machine (mostly likely running Gentoo). It's got the original 80 GB HDD still which I'll probably replace with a new 160 GB Samsung drive.

Craig.

 

Craig, isn't it nice to know that a measly old hub can still serve a purpose (and you didn't throw it out). I suppose everything's good to go on the 29? Great! Now go ghost or image the 29... you'll never know when windoze goes into that occasional coma.

I did wonder though, about you not needing Outlook, but what would you use in place of that for organizing contacts and calendar appointments?

Would rather skip Outlook altogether but my Nokia E63 needs PC suite to sync with my lappy, for storable/readable data. Suggestions?

Ron in SG