Computer Help Desk

By Jason Lyle

Ok, you’re thinking about making the leap and getting that beautiful new computer system you’ve been drooling over for the past 6 months. Then it hits you, how am I going to get my files from my existing computer to my new computer.

Let’s get technical for a moment and explain how the “experts” would probably do it first. If I were to get a new computer, and I do about every 2-3 months(remember, I work in a computer store), I would do the following. I would physically take the hard drive out of my old computer tower and temporarily place it into the new computer system. Upon completing this, you would then see two hard drives in the new computer and would be able to transfer files between them via explorer. This is the easiest way to transfer all of your files.

Generally speaking, there are a lot of consumers out there that would not want to do the pre-mentioned as there is room for error and potential damage to your hard drives if done improperly. I would then suggest the following:
If you don’t have much data that needs to be transferred, you can always use floppy disks(OUCH). I know this technology is old, but it is effective if you don’t have much data. Most consumers now a days have way to much data to use this method, but remember, it is always available.

You can purchase an external Zip Drive or CD-Recorder. By purchasing an external model, you can hook it up via USB(assuming you have this technology) and copy all of your data to blank CD’s or Zip disks. You will then need to restore them via the same method on the new computer. This method should only be used if you actually want to purchase one the pre-mentioned devices as it is not cost effective to buy these for one data backup.
You can network your 2 computer systems via network cards and a wire. Your new computer should have a 10/100 network adapter in it already if you get a good one and it would cost your roughly $25-$35 to get a network card and wiring to connect the two computers. Remember, if you are new to networking, you will need to pay somebody $25-$30 to configure your network one time. This has other advantage such as file and printer sharing as well as internet connection sharing down the road. Probably not a good option unless you plan on sharing printers and internet between the computers.
LapLink and/or PC Anywhere are other options to consider and are usually going to cost you anywhere from $35-$100 depending on the setup. If you are going to pay this, you are better off buying some hardware that will have some value down the road.

There are other methods that can certainly be done relatively easily but these seem to be the most popular. Remember that any local computer store SHOULD provide you with a complete transfer of all of your data to your new computer system for no more than $30. The key to remember with data transfers is that windows based programs do not transfer(they need to be re-installed via the installation disk) but the documents and files will certainly be transferred with no problem. This means that all of those financial records, school papers, and important music files will be saved forever!!!

If you have questions about getting files transferred, please email me at sales@mycomputerdealer.com.
Have a great week and happy computing!!!!