Fastest way to transfer files between two computers

I need to move files between XP and Vista and I was planning on using a cross over cable with the two networked together, but I'm not exactly sure what sort of speeds I will get there, can anyone give me an idea? Firewire(IEEE 1394) can be 400 or 800 mpbs I believe, usb 2.0 is 480 mpbs. There is the easy transfer cable (usb 2.0 and mostly from belkin) that seems okay but I read horrible reviews about it; and I don't have access to firewire on the XP computer.

 

Crossover should be fastest. Even if you don't have Gig-E, an ethernet cable will be able to sustain high speeds, vs USB and Firewire for which 480 Mbps is just a theoretical limit.

 

crossover? just connect them together with an ethernet cord and create a network

 

Could you post a link with a tutorial please ( backing up to send computer to dell)

 

Link with tutorial?



Really not that hard. You want to use a crossover, even though a regular ethernet may work, just to save yourself some hassles if it doesn't.

 

Take the HDD out of one and put it in the other

I have done it before, since chances are I am transferring files because I am building a computer so the HDD is already out of the machine or rather not in the new one yet.

 

That is obvious but what about the network? vista + XP

 

should read this one first: http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=2977016&SiteID=17

and then: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037.aspx

that may cover what you need

 

thanks lithus... i'll use that in my thesis

 

You better cite it. Don't fail because of plagiarism.

 

It looks like a telephone line from Company 1 to Company 2 using the windows

 

If u want FASTEST setup which is also easiest ..

just download IP messenger HERE


It works on LAN...

works on Wireless as well as Wired LAN.

just install it on both comps & it will automatically Detect all comps in your network,..

and u can Transfer Files even at 50 feet distance.


Speed depends on your LAN speed.. u ll easily get 20 mbps.



Let me know .

 

A crossover cable is by far the fastest way to go. Now you do need to buy a crossover cable. Unless your NIC supports Auto MIDX (possible but it can be fickle in my experience) you can then use a regular ethernet cable (AKA straight through).

When you plug it in, then you go to your XP machine and setup the file share. If you have XP pro, make sure simple file share is on, and just right click the folder your files are in and click properties. Click share.

If you have XP home (shudder)..... you'll have to change your workgroup to Workgroup.

On Vista, Network discovery and file sharing is turned off by default, so go to your Network and sharing center and turn those on. Then go to explorer and click your network icon and you should see your XP computer and your folder should be there.

That should cover most of it. whew. I should just type up a guide. First though, gotta get through my american lit final.... Those hot English majors are distracting me though.

 

Just setup a "home network" and make folders shareable, that's the fastest way to do it, and is the fastest way to trasfert data as well.

 

thanks for that surfasb, my XP computer is home so the workgroup tip is really important. I ordered a 5e crossover from newegg because I read it supports the same speed as 6. It's funny though you seem to get screwed either way, pay 3 dollars for the cable and then pay 6 for shipping it. Then I decided I'll just drive out to best buy or circuit city but after checking online their available cables were all $20+.

also nocturnal thanks for your suggestion, I will take a look at it but I may just setup the network manually , I like to mess around with that sort of stuff

 

With computers become more and more mainstream, all this technical mumbo jumbo is becoming a pain the rear. Seriously, when I turn on my AC in my car, I don't first have to engage the compressor, then engage god knows what and then transfer power from god knows here to get who knows what on the AC to blow out some friggin air. I just hit the AC button and it blows out cold friggin air.

It's the curse of computers. There are sooooo many parts to it that it starts to become a pain in the rear to get anything done sometimes.......

I'm on a rant because I had to figure out a way to explaiin to a senior partner here at work the reason how to connect to connect to the office server from his home. I ended up just typing all the instruction on a word document and fowarded to him. It was like 2 pages long. Click here. Type this in. Click the icon that looks like [insert jpeg]. I should of just took his laptop and relabeled each icon. CLICK ME FIRST, CLICK ME SECOND.

 

I agree, laptops are not a comodity like cars yet, it's coming though.