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    Any USB for Easy Transfer

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by PDACPA, Feb 11, 2008.

  1. PDACPA

    PDACPA Newbie

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    I just picked up a Dell Vostro 1700 running Windows Vista Business. I want to transfer information from my old Dell Inspiron running Windows XP Pro. I went to use the EASY TRANSFER and it says I need a special cable. I have a USB cable (USB on both ends) that extends my monitor USB ports to my desktop tower.

    Can I use a regular USB cable or is there something truly "special" about the Easy transfer cable.

    IT did mention some software to load on the XP machine, so if the USB cable is ok, can I get that software online?

    Thanks.
    (I plan on doing a review for the Vostro as so far its been a nice machine to use).
     
    PDACPA, Feb 11, 2008
    #1
  2. NotebookYoozer

    NotebookYoozer Notebook Evangelist

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    you don't have a network/router?
     
    NotebookYoozer, Feb 11, 2008
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  3. PDACPA

    PDACPA Newbie

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    I do. Dlink DGl 4500. What would I do? Setup a sharing on each and transfer?
     
    PDACPA, Feb 11, 2008
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  4. swarmer

    swarmer beep beep

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    Yeah. Actually you only need to set up sharing on one of them. (I suggest the source machine.) Then connect from the other machine and copy the files over.

    Actually, you don't even need a router... you can connect the two computers directly with an ethernet cable and set up a peer-to-peer network. However, since you have a router and a network already, it's easier to just use your existing network.

    As for Easy Transfer... I haven't used it, but I believe that it is a special cable, and it will transfer installed programs and settings, desktop setup, etc. as well as data files... but if you really just care about getting your files over and don't mind reinstalling your programs, then just use file sharing as I suggested above.
     
    swarmer, Feb 11, 2008
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  5. crash

    crash NBR Assassin

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    I think you need a crossover cable for that.
     
    crash, Feb 11, 2008
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  6. swarmer

    swarmer beep beep

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    Nope... I've done it with a regular ethernet cable
    ...or at least I thought it was... hmmmm... maybe you're right, I'm not sure.
    Well Wikipedia says that "many NICs... automatically apply an internal crossover when necessary." So... it may work with a regular cable (which is what I think I did).
     
    swarmer, Feb 11, 2008
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  7. crash

    crash NBR Assassin

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    Oh ok. I tried that once on an older computer (back when I knew much less about computers) and it didn't work. However, apparently computers have become better and NIC cards now can do the crossover for us :)
     
    crash, Feb 11, 2008
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  8. Nocturnal310

    Nocturnal310 Notebook Virtuoso

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    Belkin Easy Transfer Cable... Expensive since they have monopoly
     
    Nocturnal310, Feb 12, 2008
    #8