Which method is used to transfer information from one computer to another?

Below is a listing of all the different ways to copy information from one computer to another computer. Review each of the below solutions to decide what works best for you.

Note

When copying information, only copy the data files. For example, do not copy the Microsoft Word program. Only copy Microsoft Word documents and then install Microsoft Word on the new computer.

Tip

Microsoft Windows users can find most of their data files, pictures, and documents in the Documents or My Documents folder.

Network

If you have a network or plan on setting up a network, consider transferring and sharing files between computers on the local area network. A network is the fastest means of transferring files between your computers, and once set up, it lets you continue to share files.

  • How to set up a home network.
  • How to share a folder or directory in Windows.
  • Network and network card help and support.

Over the cloud

Which method is used to transfer information from one computer to another?

Online cloud services make it easy to move and share data between multiple computers and other devices. Our favorite online cloud services are Google Drive and Dropbox. Once in the cloud, any device with Internet access can access the data.

USB

USB ports and devices (e.g., thumb drive), are a fast and easy way to transfer files from one computer to another using either of the below USB options.

Method one

Which method is used to transfer information from one computer to another?

USB hard drives and USB thumb drives are an easy way to transfer data between computers and a good backup solution. Once information is copied to the device, it can be copied from the drive to another computer.

Method two

A USB to USB connector lets you transfer information from one computer to another computer over a USB cable. This solution is sometimes easier to set up than a standard Ethernet network and allows an unlimited amount of data to be shared. If both computers are Windows-based, use the built-in Windows Easy Transfer program to perform the data transfer (called Files and Settings Transfer Wizard in Windows XP). You need an Easy Transfer USB cable for this process to work effectively.

USB to USB connectors are available online and at some major computer retail stores.

  • Open search for Belkin Easy USB transfer cable.
  • USB help and support.

Internet and e-mail

Which method is used to transfer information from one computer to another?

Today, many online services allow you to move and copy files from one computer to another computer. Alternatively, if you have only a few files you want to copy, you may want to consider sending the files through e-mail.

Note

Many e-mail providers limit the size of a file that can be attached and sent through e-mail. Check with your e-mail provider to determine the maximum file size attachment allowed in your e-mail messages.

  • How to send an attachment or photo through e-mail.
  • Where to post my pictures, movies, or other files online for free.

CD and DVD

If you do not have any USB drives, burning your information to a CD or DVD is another good solution.

  • How to burn or create a CD or DVD on a computer.
  • CD-R and CD-RW help and support.

Floppy diskette

For older computers that do not have a disc burner, USB, or the Internet, copying files to a floppy disk may be your only alternative. However, if you need to copy large amounts of data from one computer to another, try an alternate solution since a floppy disk does not hold much information.

  • How to copy a large file or directory to a floppy diskette.
  • Floppy drive help and support.

Direct serial connect

Direct serial connection is a method of connecting older computers using the serial port and a serial cable. Although a much slower solution of connecting computers to each other, this may be the only solution for computers without Internet access, drives, or USB.

  • How to set up a direct cable connection in Windows 95 and 98.
  • How to run HyperTerminal for file transfers.

Hard drive transfer

Which method is used to transfer information from one computer to another?

To transfer files from a computer that no longer works, the hard drive can be removed from and placed into a functional computer to transfer the information.

For example, you could remove the hard drive from a laptop and connect it directly to another computer. To do this, you would need a hard drive enclosure kit that is designed for laptop hard drives. This enclosure kit turns the hard drive into an external hard drive, and lets you connect it to any computer using the included USB cable.

Transferring files from PC to PC can be done quickly and securely without losing any data in the process.

Transferring files from PC to PC can be done quickly and securely without losing any data in the process.

There's nothing more exciting than getting a powerful new computer that lets you zip through tasks, run new applications, and play games at astounding speed. However, there's nothing more daunting than realizing you have to move all your music, pictures, documents, and other files from your old computer to the new computer.

Fortunately, you don't have to beg and bribe your friends to help with this moving day. There are a variety of ways to easily and safely share files and even move programs from your old computer to your new one while keeping your data safe.

DIY Approach: Manually Transfer Files

If you're a hands-on sort, one of the simplest ways to get your new computer loaded with all your files is to manually move them. There are a couple of ways to do this.

For starters, plug your old computer into a USB flash drive or external hard drive, which typically can cost from $30 to several hundred dollars depending on the storage amount, speed, and functionality you need. Simply copy your files onto the external drive, eject the storage device, plug the storage device into the new computer, and then reverse the process to load the files onto it. Tip: Some computers have eSATA ports that are specifically designed for external hard drives and move data even faster than USB ports.

If you don't want to purchase an external hard drive, you can also move and store your files into the cloud—using an Internet-based storage service such as Microsoft OneDrive*, Google Drive*, or Dropbox*. Again, just drop and drag your files from your old computer to the cloud service, and then drag-and-drop the files onto your new computer. These services are often free for a small amount of storage, and then charge a monthly subscription as your storage needs increase.

Speed Things Along: Use a Transfer Cable

If you find using cloud storage to be a time drag, or if you want to avoid a monthly subscription to cloud services, an alternative option is to move your files with a transfer cable. The cable plugs into a port on both your new computer and old computer. Typically, cables come with software that automates the transfer of files when upgrading from an older Windows* 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, or XP computer to a newer computer. A transfer cable works faster than an external hard drive, since the old computer connects directly to the new one while eliminating the middleman (the external drive).

Hire a (PC) Mover: Use Do-it-All Software

Earlier versions of Windows provided a service called Easy Transfer* that allowed users to easily move files between computers. Unfortunately, that was scrapped with Windows* 10. Have no fear, though: Microsoft's partnered up with vendor Laplink PC Mover* to duplicate the functionality offered by Easy Transfer. The vendor's PCMover Express* transfers data and settings from computers running Windows* XP to computers running Windows* 8.1 or later. The service costs about $15. PC Mover Professional costs more, but it also allows you to move your applications. If you have problems, both services offer 24-7 assistance.

This approach requires a fee, but it automates the processes and can guide you to ensure you don’t overlook files that might be placed in an unfamiliar place on your old computer.

Sundry Operating Systems: Transfer Files from Mac to PC or PC to Mac

You can manually transfer files between Mac and PCs in the same way that you move them between PCs with external drives, cloud services, or home networks. Or you can let the computer itself do the job of personal assistant in charge of moving and file sharing: The Mac OS X Lion and later operating system provides a nifty tool called Migration Assistant that transfers your contacts, calendars, email accounts, and more from a PC and puts these files in the appropriate places on your new Mac.

Clean Sweep: Keep Your Old Data Out of the Wrong Hands

After you move your files, you should keep your old computer for at least a couple of weeks in case you overlooked any files. However, if you sell, discard, or give away your old computer, make sure all your data, and personal information are removed. Simply transferring the files doesn't do that. Even deleting the files or reformatting the disk can still allow experts to retrieve information you don't want them to have, such as your bank information or old emails. Fortunately, free data destruction programs, like Darik's Boot And Nuke (DBAN), can erase everything on your old computer, ensuring you leave no (data) trace behind.

Stay Protected: Back Up the New Stuff

Now that you've gotten used to moving files off your old PC, it's a good time to make sure you have an ongoing backup system in place in case you have to restore those files again. Windows* 8 and above provides a handy feature called File History that allows you to automatically and routinely back up files to an external hard drive. This feature ensures your data won’t be history if the worst happens.

If you own a Mac, you have a variety of choices and platforms for backing up your data, from the iCloud to programs like Time Machine, depending on what version of OS X you’re running.

Remember: While there are plenty of easy ways to move and share data, you can only move the data you can access, so make sure your documents, photos, and other precious data remain protected even if your computer becomes lost or damaged. It’s easy to do automatically, and it ensures your next (computer) moving day will go more smoothly.