Multiple-Comp File Transfer

[sourboy]

My dad's computer is in desperate need of a reformat (HP system recovery). Prior to, we obviously are going to save any files he would like to retain - however, the CD-RW is not working.

The small files can be emailed to ourselves and saved after the reformat. The larger files (video) can't be, as they are too large to attach to a free email program or to be sent over a messenger service (yahoo/msn/aol).

Anyone have a suggestion on how to transfer these files? I thought I heard once that mIRC or ICQ had no limit on the size of file transfers. If this is true, I can just send them to my computer and burn them off from there. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Note: His computer uses Win ME, mine is Win 98, another system available for use has Win XP (Home) if that has any better options. Also, these are all legal files - for those who care about that.

Thanks!

 

[cgannon64]

An external HD is good. Something with alot of space that you can just dump all your file on and then plug it into the next computer. You should get Firewire or USB 2.0 before you do this though.

 

[sourboy]

Well it's a rare one-time thing, and if I can avoid spending money - I would prefer it.

 

[Jeratain]

USB Memory Stick.

Buy a 20gb hard drive for cheap, plug it in, put all the files onto that one, then reformat the other, and transfer the files back to the original one.

 

[nihilistic]

Obtain/borrow network cards and a CAT5 cable or wireless network cards and set up a network, set file-sharing options, and transfer. This is even easier if your motherboards had network carsds built in.

 

[funxus]

CDRW-drive is also an option if you can borrow one (although the others seem better).

 

[bobgote]

I would say get another computer networked. if this is available, it'll be your cheapest option. but as jeratain said, 20GB HDD is a possible, they'd cost next to nothing these days.

 

[sourboy]

The problematic comp has a burner, but its not working.

How would I go about setting up a network? Both comps are sharing cable internet access via a hub. The problematic comp is running Win ME. My comp (that we want the files transferred to) is running Win 98. Isn't there a way for me to go into server mode or something?

 

[nihilistic]

There is another method: the repair shop method.

Just rip the drive that you want to save data from off its motherboard and attach it to your new comp as a secondary drive.

 

[Aphex_Twin]

Or even simpler. Borrow a hard drive.

 

[Plexus]

The above options are good.

Though there's always the option of setting up your own FTP using a client like CuteFTP, then logging into that FTP server and downloading those files (requires a lightning fast connection and a decent firewall).

 

[Aphex_Twin]

I suppose the option of a multi-volume archive on many, many floppy-disks is out of the question

 

[sourboy]

Yeah, I was looking for a simple route...obviously I came to the wrong place

 

[Jeratain]

I'm sorry none of the mentioned methods aren't simple enough for you. I've gone ahead and provided a simple list of 3 simple steps for each simple method.

1. Go to store, buy hard drive.
2. Open computer, plug hard drive in using provided cables.
3. Turn computer on, transfer files.

1. Go to store, buy USB Memory Stick.
2. Plug USB Stick into USB port.
3. Transfer files.

1. Go to store, buy new burner for $20.
2. Plug in burner using provided cables.
3. Turn computer on, use provided software, and burn files to CD.

1. Turn computers on.
2. Set up networking and file sharing on both computers using the Windows Help instructions.
3. Transfer files.

1. Learn to fix things.
2. Fix things.
3. Using aforementioned steps, transfer files.

1. Get dressed.
2. Throw away computer.
3. Go to bar and get hammered.

 

[Aphex_Twin]

Originally posted by sourboy
Yeah, I was looking for a simple route...obviously I came to the wrong place

Can't you simply borrow a hard drive from a friend?

 

[sourboy]

Ok, let me rephrase. All the responses are within reason, but all of them were known prior to my posting also. Here's my, maybe unusual, rationale:

For starters, I want to not have to purchase anything - since I ultimately should be able to resolve the problem without dropping cash (cuz I could just take it in to some shop). Second, I don't want to have to swap out hardware, as 2 computers obviously are capable of transferring data via other methods (or else we wouldn't be chatting here). Third, I wanted to find a more efficient way then maybe I've been aware of in the past, as I know computers - but I also know that I'll never even know a fraction of their possibilities. Nothing wrong with learning new things....

All I'm trying to do is transfer a couple dozen files (some video clips) that would fill maybe 2/3 of a CD...if the burner was working. Something is eating away at the problem comp and corrupting files pretty bad. I don't want to add my harddrive in the chance that it may be a virus. I'm pretty confident that a system recovery (reformat) will solve the problem, but I've got a "gimp" computer to work with in the meantime. My options are rather limited.

I will file share in some way, but not sure what the best route is yet. I was just brainstorming for an easier, more efficient way. Anyway, thanks for the info. Lot of good ideas on here.

 

[t92300]

do you have a usb/or paralell/serial if so you could probably try to connect the two computers with that and transfer files with it using windows dirrect cable connection

 

[funxus]

Originally posted by t92300
do you have a usb/or paralell/serial if so you could probably try to connect the two computers with that and transfer files with it using windows dirrect cable connection

The cable still costs money... unless he can borrow it from someone.

 

[Aphex_Twin]

Well, you're going to need a burner replacement at one time or another, so why don't get one now?

 

[sourboy]

I have a parallel cable, but decided to go an alternate route.

The burner is down only because the system is corrupt. I think Win ME in particular is not picking it up as it should. After reformatting, I am 90% sure it will work properly.

The route I ended up taking was installing ICQ and sending a zip file filled with all the needed files. It took a nights sleep for it to finish, but it seems to have done the trick. Now for the reformat...something tells me it's not going to work the way it should...

Thanks again all for the input. I definately need to invest in something for future issues, a back-up drive would be nice...