What is the best way to transfer data between laptops?

Question

I have an old laptop with 180 gigs of data, games, and things I want to move to my new laptop. What is the best way for moving such large amount of data? I don't want to have to burn DVD's all up and such, so ideas are very welcome. Is it possible to transfer via bluetooth or something? (if the new computer has it...)

Answer 1

You have many options:



- The no-cost option is to have both computers connected to the same router, and use Windows Easy Transfer to assist in the process -> http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features/windows-easy-transfer.



- The second no-cost option is to enable file sharing on both, and manually copy files via the network. If possible, use an Ethernet connection instead of wireless for this purpose (transfers will go faster). You'll also need both computers connected to the same network.



- Get a USB flash drive, and transfer files - Pros- cheap, Cons - takes time if the flash drive is small.



- Obtain a USB to sata adapter, connect the old drive to the IDE end of the adapter and plug the USB end to your new laptop. Pros - Cheap option (less than $15), quick transfer. cons - Requires opening old computer to remove the drive.



- Purchase an external USB hard drive (larger than 180gb), plug it to the old computer, transfer all the files, plug the drive into the new computer and transfer the files over. - Pros - Quick, easy transfer, serves as backup drive. Cons- Not cost efficient if only used for transferring files.

Answer 2

Transfer Data Between Laptops

Answer 3

A large external hard drive can be purchased from places like Best Buy, Walmart, or online. They would be a great way to do this, and they would be handy for backing up your laptop files in case your laptop broke and you need an important file on it. If your laptops are Mac, I believe you can simply hook an ethernet cord between the two computers and transfer them that way. Windows 7 may have that feature, I'm not sure. I like external hard drives though, so that is what I recommend. The plug into your computers USB ports and act like a separate hard drive. All you have to do is drag your files onto the little icon, and you're good to go!

Answer 4

You need an external enclosure for your hard drive. These can be purchased on ebay or newegg for starting under $10. Make sure to get a 2.5". Also you will need to know if your old hard drive is SATA or IDE. Then all you do is install your old hard drive into this new enclosure and hook it up to your new computer via a usb cable. The computer will then recognize as an external device where you transfer all your files.

Answer 5

Connect the 2 laptops to your LAN and do a laptop to laptop transfer. Much quicker than external hard disk transfer. Dont even consider bluetooth as an option. It will take forever.

Answer 6

I think the best alternative would be to use an external hard drive. Especially with 180 GB of data.

Answer 7

Best way is You can use external hard disk



Toshiba Canvio Plus 320 GB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive E05A032CAU2XK (Raven Black)

*High speed USB controller and Dual Memory Channel for ultra fast data transfer speeds.

*Data transfer rates of up to 21.1MB/sec. read and up to 10MB/sec write.

*Internal dampening system for shock protection.

*Slim, Compact & Stylish Retractable design - Pocket-sized for easy transportability and no more lost caps.

*Computer backup made simple. Canvio Portable Hard Drives are preloaded with software to make backup simple.

Answer 8

maybe other files can be transfered through bluetooth or usb, you still need some professional software to transfer the games, since the games are protected by the manufactures and not so easy, if you find the bluetooth or usb don't work, try this one.

http://www.copygames.org/guides/how-to-backup-pc-games.html

Answer 9

if both laptops have bluetooth then try that

or if both have a sata port then you just hook them up and it shows both the hard drives on both computers.

otherwise just use a flash drive or external drive if the file is big

Answer 10

you ought to have the ability to apply an ethernet patch cable to connect the two computers and pass the help that way. it would be faster than a USB cable, and probably extra fee-effective, i think of.

Answer 11

bluetooth, cat5 lan cable, external hard drive or thumb drive

Answer 12

USB hard drive