Directly connect Win98 to WinXP Pro

I need to transfer massive amounts of data (~4G) from one computer to the other. They are all just files, nothing like program files or executables that require registry entries to work.

I saw this thread...

http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11487&highlight=directly+and+connect

...but zip files will not do. Could someone please explain either the null modem process or where I can get a laplink cable (is that a cross-over cable)?

The Win98 is first edition, XP is Pro, both are laptops.

 

Opps! I just noticed they are laptops!

If new laptops that have NIC's then all you need is a Radio Shack crossover cable NIC to NIC.

If no NIC's or only 1 NIC then I like the USB to USB NIC solution!

How ever you attach did you know you could do the below?

If this is your old win98 and you have applications etc that you have not installed on the new, then once it is connected use the XP "Files and Settings Transfer Wizard ".

Not only will it get the data that you speak of. But will also transfer complete applications from the old to the new install properly ready to run. You chose what to transfer.

For example if you told the File and settings wizard to move Office 2000, when it finshed office is ready to run on the XP. I would reccomend that you then do an Office update etc.

Can do it with internet ISP settings etc.

Mike

 

Hi myflynn

I'm sorry I not contributing directly to this thread... my question is... If w95/98/me/2k are link to a XP and having problems getting drivers / printers reconized by the XP, but work on the early OS's... would this Transfer Wizard accomplish this?
Thanks

 

Steve - Thanks for the link. I will have to use that if I can't find a more cost-effective route.

mflynn - Again, I have no intention of pulling working versions of apps over to my XP box. I just need a simple file xfer solution. I have heard that by using that utility, it may corrupt XP data.

Dennis L - I don't think the xfer wizard would get the drivers unless the util performs such checks against the registry or other system areas. Worst comes to worst, you can always d/l the necessary drivers from their parent sites.

At home, I have a hub and a router, could any one of these assist me? I would setup my XP as the host and try to get the 98 box to recognize it....and I say this, but I have no idea how to get the 98 box to recognize it on the network. I like the USB idea, but does anyone know if USB cross-over cable exists and could I use it w/o requiring s/w to xfer files?

 

Hello Dennis

I think that before you use the Xfer wizard that the general System should be stable and running properly.

Whenever I do things on my cleints computers I always check that the system is in normal condition before installing software or Hardware or updating same.

This includes any errors in device manager, spy/adware or viri or any undefined problems such as pagefaults or invalid functions. I also personally end all startups including firewalls and virus scanners while doing this.

Since I am usually far from home I handle these things one way or another before I install new sw or hw. I don't want to go back.

Many many problems people have installing anything is because of ignoring some problem that they can or are liveing with. But this causes a problem sometimes when trying to install something else sw or hw or a windows update.

So if your system is in order. You have a better chance of success.

If you can not install it manually because of a driver issue then NO the xfer wizard can not do it either.

It can and will however try and it will put it all in place, the registry settings, the add/remove entries, start menu and startup etc.

It still may not run untill you update the driver etc. But if it puts it there and it don't work then it is a normal uninstll.

FINALLY THE KICKER.

Almost eveything I said about the XP applies to the computer it is coming from.

At least there should be no Viri or spy/adware and the specific application should be in order. You would not want to move an app that had problems. Better to rienstall from scratch.

Hopefully this answered your questions and gave some insight!

Mike

 

Hi PDubs

I currently have a XP networked with a w95. Using a LinkSys Cable/DSL router which allows both computers access to the net. The router allows a network connection, which was established using XP "NetWork Wizard ". I use soley for maintaining / backing files / Xtrf files from the w95. My only negative comment.... Slow transfer. Since my needs are low, speed is not a issue.

 

Pdubs

As for xfer wiz curupting XP. See my post about being in order!

The Xfer Wiz has as good a track record as anything else. Things have happend but I am not afraid of it. And it has always worked for me.

And oh yes it does transfer registry settings and drivers, has to in order to work properly.

It is called "software and settings wizard" I think I would not even consider using it to xfer "HW ". But the few incedents I have heard about have been HW related.

Why YES of course the hub would work!!!! If there are 2 computers on it now just unplug and connect these. This is the way to go!

The USB is handy to carry somewhere else and attaches to a regular jumper.

Mike

 

Dennis

I don't know what you mean by the HUB slowing xfer. It showld be doing it at 100Mm.

Now if one of the NIC's is a 10 then still slow but should be unnoticable in low use.

You must have another factor besides HUB slowing you down.

But if it works and low usage and everything else is a-ok then I would not be concerned.

Mike

 

Hi mflynn

Per Xfer wizard ... makes sense. If it doesn't work in normal install, why should it with wizard.. possible needs some of that pixy dust IBM talks about.
Per network copy/trfrs.... Have a 25MB(+) weekly backup I can do tonight and time.. will give you the results. Might just be my impatience.