install old harddrive in new computer-how to?

I need data stored on an old computer to be accessible by a new computer. My initial thought was to have both attached to the router, and I could access via network neighbourhood. Problem is, there is no room for two full computer systems. I cannot have two moniters, two keyboards, two mice, etc. I need to either install the old harddrive into the new computer and access it somehow that way (old computer is win 98, new computer is xp pro) or I need to set it up so I can switch between both computers with the same moniter/mouse/keyboard.

I have never done anything like this before, and would usually just have both set up, so I could turn the old one on or off as needed. Because we can't have keyboard/moniter/mouse, I have no way to turn it off, which is what I need to have access to do.

Of course, the other option is to copy the entire harddrive to the new system if possible, since the old one is small (only 3.1 G).

 

You can use an IDE2USB kit ...

The question is for how long do you think you will need this old hard-disk.
If it's only a matter of days, only to take some data out of it, i suggest using an IDE to USB adapter (I found one on Amazon for $14. It might be cheaper than that, and it is always a good thing to be around your computer.
If it's something that should be available for a long time, will be better to insert the old hard-disk into the new computer. Take care not to void your waranty (so check the issue first). Best of all will be if you'll copy the data from the old disk to the new one (a 3.1GB disk should be more than 10 years old. If you have data on it, it's time to back it up ).
Good luck.

 

My parents want to keep the old computer around and separate from the new one, as it has all of their business stuff on it (they rent out three apartments in two houses, and all the contracts, letters, etc are on the old comp). They want the info to be not internet accessible if the comp is off and not attached to the router. They only need it on to access files when needed.

KVM switch seems like the best route to go then. That way, they can properly turn the old system on and off, and still attach it to the network to get documents when needed.

The comp is about 6 years old (the 98 system). I think it has 3.1 G but I could be wrong. I could be thinking about my old system from '97.

 

KVM rules!! Is it?

If this is the case, then KVM sounds like the best idea... The only disadvantage is the age of the hard disk.
What about burning the whole HD on a DVD (as files, not image), for instance? From what you're saying, it should be small enough for a DVD media. This way, you don't need to worry about the old computer, your (parents') archives are backed-up, the info is available all times and not from the Internet... Of course' you wil need a DVD-ROM drive on the new computer (if it already doesn't have one...)

 

that's a thought, but they want to be able to modify the documents and store new documents on the old hard drive, to keep all the business documents in one place.

I was just looking at the costs of KVM switches. I don't think they want to pay that much though.

How hard would it be to add the old harddrive to the new computer? Would it matter that it has an operating system on it? Does it matter that they have a Sata drive in the new computer?

 

Well...

First, connecting the old hard-disk to the new computer shouldn't be an issue, giving that the new computer's motherboard has an IDE connector. And don't forget to check the waranty issue (usually, vendors don't like the idea of someone else opening their computers, so you may loose your waranty - I mean, the computer's .
Second, it doesn't matter what is on the old disk, as long as you don't expect to boot from that Operating System. It it a good idea to scan it for viruses the first thing you do after you connect it to the new computer.
Third, what about their concern regarding the business' documents being on the computer connected to the Internet? Are they afraid of loosing the data, or it being available to others?

 

Hi raingirlIT,

You can bypass any openning the case/warrenty issues with an external hard drive enclosure: http://www.surpluscomputers.net/store/main.aspx?p=ItemDetail&item=ACC10810 I've dealt with this Co. for more than 2 years and no problems. Or check the one at Amazon that sorinso referenced. Whatever brand you use, it must be self powered.

No, as sorinso wrote, its just another set of files, you can delete the OS files.

Regards - Charles

 

yes, the external harddrive case is perfect. I think that is what is really needed. She can attach it via USB when she wants something, then unattach it when not in use. No need to worry about having to turn on the old computer, etc, to access files.

I just did some browsing of canadian online sellers of computer products (www.canadacomputers.com) and don't see any that are self powered. All take their power from the USB. am I misunderstanding you?

 

Mounting the old drive in an USB 2.0 External Enclosure is an excellent solution. If your parents have concerns about business information being Internet accessible do one of the following ...
Turn modem off.
Choose Off Line mode if option is available on modem.
Pull cable from computer NIC.
NOW connect USB drive to computer.
When business work is done, disconnect USB connection, reconnect Internet. Internet bad guys can not get what is not there.

 

Hi raingirlIT,

No, you're not misunderstanding me, self powered means it has its own plug into the wall socket. Taking the power from the USB would tax the system and when not used, would have to be disconnected from the system.

The one I referenced is self powered. It has an on/off switch, no need to disconnect it from the computer, when powered off, it is invisable to the system.

Regards - Charles