Transferring files from old computer to new

[Tripper11]

I have a new computer and I just want be able to connect it to my old computer via ethernet cable and be able to transfer files as I see fit.

I've read a couple articles such as this one (http://techtips.salon.com/transfer-files-old-computer-new-computer-ethernet-cable-21381.html) which seems simple enough.

My only question is, I have a couple extra ethernet cables lying around, but the articles I have read refer to them as "crossover cables"
Is there a difference, or will the regular ethernet cable I have work?

[Duer 157099]

1. See if this helps

https://www.brucetambling.com/wiki/Studio1100:Cat_5_crossover

[PoliticAverse]

2. If you have an ethernet switch that is able to work with either crossover or straight cables...

you can just connect each computer to the switch using whatever cable type you have.

Also some router/switch combinations can do that.

Sometimes it's just easier to use a USB flash drive for the transfer.

[HopeHoops]

7. That's usually what I do. Flash drives rock.

[Craig_Langford]

3. The article seems to say this only works on macs.

you've got a mac and not a PC right?
If you don't have a lot of files say under 8G you can just burn them to DVD's and then copy them over. This usually works for most of my work computers. But be sure to scan for viruses before you copy your files.

[Tripper11]

4. No, article has both options

mac & pc

Windows
Step 1
Plug the ends of the crossover cable into the Ethernet ports on your old and new computers.

Step 2
Type "Network and Sharing Center" in the search dialog box of both computers' Start menus. Click on the Network and Sharing Center icon, wait for a new window to open and ensure both computers have "File Sharing" and "Network Discovery" turned on. Click "OK" on the new computer and close that window only; leave the old computer's Network and Sharing Center open.

Step 3
Click "View Computers and Devices" on the old computer, which is located on the left side of the Network and Sharing Center window. Double-click on the new computer's hard drive icon, which will be listed, and open the folder where you want to place the files from the old computer's hard drive.

Step 4
Find the files on the old computer's hard drive that you'd like to transfer, copy them and paste them into the folder you have open on the new computer's hard drive.

[TreasonousBastard]

5. Crossover cables should be clearly marked on the package and...

can be dirt cheap. I have a couple I got at the Dollar Store that work.

However, if your usual sources for computer stuff want 30 bucks for a cable you're going to use once every 10 years, a USB drive is cheaper and more useful, albeit a bit slower for this task.

[HopeHoops]

8. Dollar store cables might "work", but they aren't worth the risk. The cable lengths aren't right.

There's a strict standard for the tolerance between lengths on Cat cable wires and there's also a reason there are cables in the dollar store - they don't meet the standards. They might "work", but I wouldn't trust them. I trust the ones I make myself more, and I use quality equipment and materials to make them. I built parallel cables in the early 80's for weird shit that needed bridges from 8, 11, and 20, and all kinds of other weird combinations. I even made a break-out box because I could get funding to buy the parts but not to purchase one. It would have been cheaper to buy one, but hey, that's business for you.

[TreasonousBastard]

9. I've made my own cables, too, but for a buck or two I...

gave the cheap crap a shot. For a quick file transfer they did the job.

(No, I'd never use this crap in a serious installation)

[HopeHoops]

6. A crossover cable has the send/receive lines "crossed over". That's important.

Some routers auto-sense and don't care what kind of cable you use, but if it is computer-to-computer, you MUST use a cross-over. You can tell by looking at the ends. The lines on a standard cable are the same. On a cross-over, 2&3 and 4&5 are reversed on the other side.

On Edit: Sometimes cross-over cables are called "uplink" cables because they are usually used to hook a router onto another one in the chain.

[Tripper11]

10. I bought a crossover cable anyway

Went to monoprice.com and got one. They be cheap as hell and never let me down yet for cables and shipping.

[HopeHoops]

11. Hint - use a Sharpie to put an "X" on each end of the crossover cable.

You can easily tell by holding both connectors together and looking at wire colors, but when you're under a desk with a flashlight it's a lot easier to spot the "X" than the wire colors. I've used that trick for as long as I've been working with Ethernet cables (a long time). It's saved my ass more times than I can count.

[wandy]

13. +1000 on that little bit of advice!

[CK_John]

12. here is a link to a crossover adapter, which you put on the end of a regular cat cable

to make a crossover cable. Link shows device.

http://www.showmecables.com/product/Crossover-Ethernet-Adapter.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=merchant&utm_campaign=556-X&gclid=CO-SztWbhLECFQFx4AodfBURcg