Moving files from old computer

zanne101

I have a Dell Dimension 4100 (circa 2000?). I just bought a used Macbook (2007).

What is the easiest/most efficient way to xfr my files? Is it using a firewire cable? Is that possible with an old Dell? I will be getting a router (any suggestions on this?), so is that the alternative way to go? Or something else?



I don't want the Dell to crash and burn while doing the xfr (which is possible). I've already gotten hit 2X with viruses this year and lost a lot of data.



Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks

dr millmoss

What version of WIndows is the old Dell running? I'd think possibly the easiest way for a large number of files would be via Windows File Sharing (SMB) over a local network. Brain dead simple, if you don't have a huge number of files, would be via sneaker net -- burn a CD on the Dell, assuming it's capable of that.

zanne101

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Millmoss


What version of WIndows is the old Dell running? I'd think possibly the easiest way for a large number of files would be via Windows File Sharing (SMB) over a local network. Brain dead simple, if you don't have a huge number of files, would be via sneaker net -- burn a CD on the Dell, assuming it's capable of that.

I'm running XP with 2003 Windows.



I need brain dead simple - but can't burn a CD, the Dell is on its last legs.



Within the Windows File Sharing, how would the Dell be connected in order to get the files over to the Macbook?



I know I'm asking dumb questions, but I have only used the Dell for basics: email, word docs, photos etc. That's why I'm going back to an Apple - can't tolerate MS for anything and didn't ever get immersed in it. But if I have to, I'll email every last one of my files so I can get rid of this old piece of junk. \

dr millmoss

Somebody else is probably better qualified to describe the exact procedure, but if you've got both computers on a local network (connected to the same router) and turn file sharing on for the Windows PC and SMB file sharing on the Mac (under the Sharing preferences) then you should be nearly there. Anyone else care to elaborate?



I believe Apple actually describe this procedure somewhere on their web site.

zanne101

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Millmoss


Somebody else is probably better qualified to describe the exact procedure, but if you've got both computers on a local network (connected to the same router) and turn file sharing on for the Windows PC and SMB file sharing on the Mac (under the Sharing preferences) then you should be nearly there. Anyone else care to elaborate?



I believe Apple actually describe this procedure somewhere on their web site.

I went onto the Apple site and what I understood is that they want me to have Office or Windows for Mac before I do this certain procedure. I don't intend to have anything MS on my Mac. I'm one of those rabid MS haters. Most of what I'll be doing will be light design work/layout etc and photo work. So I have no need for anything MS to convert docs in the future.



I also was led to believe that if I have iLife (maybe it's iWork?) and/or Neo Office, I can use all the files I pull off my old computer and that will open any MS docs sent to me. ????



Well, I will figure this out eventually and get re-educated at the same time. My Macbook is arriving tomorrow so I'll see what I can do with it.



Thanks for the input.

dr millmoss

You don't need either one. Here are Apple's instructions:



http://www.apple.com/support/switch101/migrate/

rokcet scientist

Quote:

Originally Posted by zanne101


I went onto the Apple site and what I understood is that they want me to have Office or Windows for Mac before I do this certain procedure. I don't intend to have anything MS on my Mac. I'm one of those rabid MS haters. Most of what I'll be doing will be light design work/layout etc and photo work. So I have no need for anything MS to convert docs in the future.

Well, not for starters anyway.

Quote:

I also was led to believe that if I have iLife (maybe it's iWork?) and/or Neo Office, I can use all the files I pull off my old computer and that will open any MS docs sent to me. ????

That would be iWork 09 (2009), with Pages, Numbers, and Keynote. $79. About half the price of Micro$haft Office for Mac. 2008! A year old...

M$ Word files can be opened and saved in Pages. M$ Excel files can be opened and saved in Numbers. And M$ PowerPoint files can be opened and saved in Keynote.

Quote:

Well, I will figure this out eventually and get re-educated at the same time. My Macbook is arriving tomorrow so I'll see what I can do with it.

One more sneaker net option could be a sizable USB stick. Say 16GB. That you can use and re-use again and again. Even if you don't use that Dell anymore. Or if you've got (or could borrow) an iPod Classic then you've effectively got a huge portable external HD you could use to transfer files from the Dell to the MacBook with.

zanne101

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Millmoss


You don't need either one. Here are Apple's instructions:



http://www.apple.com/support/switch101/migrate/

I definitely will try this. I went on the Apple site earlier and ended up with some other info on a different page. Don't know how I got there. I have been working with MS too long. My brain is used to having to do 10 steps for everything.



Of course, if I didn't try to gather info when I was dead tired, I might do a lot better. I'm sure a good night's sleep will make a world of difference.



Thanks for pushing me in the right direction.

rokcet scientist

Slept well? Got your MacBook? Howzit goin'?

zanne101

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rokcet Scientist


Slept well? Got your MacBook? Howzit goin'?

Well, got the Macbook. Of course, I had to reset my modem and Vonage unit. The whole thing went nuts and since my phone is on the Vonage, I couldn't call anyone. But I reloaded the Verison disk and finally got everything running again.



I think I'm going to try the ethernet to ethernet connection and see what happens. I do have a 32G thumb drive, but it has a backup I did on the old Dell about 6 months ago, but of course, I can't just open it and move files because MS doesn't recognize its own backup. Surprise!



I'm getting the hang of this. The difference is amazing. I downloaded NeoOffice to be able to open Windows docs (nothing very important) until I get iWork. Have to get a used router first - budget is tight right now.



The next puzzle will be hooking up my old HP printer. Haven't even thought that through.



I was an Apple person back when the little Macintosh came out, but until I acquired the old Dell last year, didn't even have a computer for almost 20 years.



So, thanks to all. I'm sure I'll have more questions down the line, but I think I'm good for now - unless my idea of ethernet to ethernet connection is lame

dr millmoss

You should not have a problem with the printer unless it's got a parallel port.

zanne101

Well, I got most of my files moved over using a flash drive. You're right, it's brain-dead simple. I was leery of doing the ethernet to ethernet connection because I was not sure what the Dell had on it that might mess up my Mac - it has crashed several times this year and always has little glitches intermittently. I have been too long on MS products! What took the MS software 15 mins to move onto the flash drive only took a couple of minutes to move onto the Macbook. A couple times I thought I had forgotten to click on the files - it was so fast. Of course, the Dell is now acting really weird. I still have a few files left on it, but I retrieved the important ones. It's almost like the nasty old Dell can tell I'm getting rid of it and is giving me grief while it still can



And the HP printer worked fine as soon as I connected it. Snow Leopard is working great.



So everything is as advertised. Just wish I had done this 2 years ago - would've saved me a lot of grief. LOVE MY MACBOOK!



Thanks to all for the support.