Calling all Techies...

[skt494]

Looking for some software/techinical advice. My DH and I are considering getting a second computer, and because he's the one getting the fancy camera (boo hoo I want it too!) we're thinking the new computer will be the one I use. I'm resisting some because I'm worried about the hassle of transfering all my pictures and scraping files. Since starting on this Digital Scraping Journey, I've accumulated a huge mass of information all carefully organized and stored on my computer! Although I've backed up everything... in my ignorance I cannot for the life me imagine, having to copy all those CD's into a new computer's hard drive (and I'm not even talking about my pictures yet!)

There just has to be a faster way. Is there some software out there that will hook up the 2 computers and transfer all my files??? If so can you recommend some? Thanks to anyone that can offer some advise!

[anne357]

How about putting all of your scrapbooking stuff and your pictures on an external HD, then you could use either computer to do your scrapbooking. Sorry I don't know much more about this...maybe someone else will come along and offer more help.

[Kristen]

Yes, there is software that will expedite the change-over. However, I've never used any so can't offer specific suggestions. If you have a computer store anywhere near, go in and tell an associate what you want to do and s/he should be able to help you.

[premier]

All you need is an external hard drive and then just copy and paste. It will transfer it all.

[Amanda]

I love having my external! I keep everything on it and then I can work on any one of the computers in our house.

[sunshine06]

Ditto on everyone's comments on the external HD!

[martin99]

You can connect your new computer to your old computer through cable connection - here's the microsoft info (it's for XP operating system, but if you have an older version, just type in a search for the appropriate operating system, indicating "direct cable connection".

The gist is you're able to access your "old" hard drive files and copy them over to the "new" hard drive without buying another hard drive or loading a bunch of backups.


http://support.microsoft.com/kb/814981/

[cooksalot]

The external HD is what I did. Works like a charm. :D

[LokiZ]

This is what I use and would suggest...

a four port router is relatively inexpensive. As low and $24 on the net. If your pc's do not have eithernet connections you can either get a router that comes with the two cards or buy them seperately.

I use a netgear brand wired opposed to wireless 4 port router.

why a router?

if you leave it hooked up between computers you can continually share hard drives (while they are on)

You can share hardware between the two pc's such as printers.

You can share internet connections between the two (mostly for those with cable or dsl but does work with dial up as well.)

If you get together to scrap just think how fun it would be to share your kits with others just by sharing the directories between pc's (you can get 8 port routers as well to allow more people to share at once.)

This is much quicker, more stable, and more usable then the cable connect method described by MicroSoft once setup.

If you get a laptop as well then all three of your pc's would hook together for sharing.

...sure you would have to learn a little bit about networking, but what is the harm in learning.

[cooksalot]

Loki don't forget that it should be a powered hub for faster performance. I swear my printer is working faster now with the hub. :D And yes my external is connected through the hub. Loki thought of something I didn't even think of mentioning.

[LokiZ]

Yes it should be a powered hub, I didn't mention it as I have never used the non-powered type. Thanks. They are fast aren't they :D

[cooksalot]

Can we say ZOOOOM! :D

[inspireme]

I highly recommend switching to a Mac. If you live near an Apple Store, you can take your current computer in to the store and they will transfer everything for you for FREE. I love my Mac. I just bought a new one a few weeks ago. I took a firewire cable and connect them and the software copied it all over for me. It knew what to copy and what not to.