O.T. Upgrading System

David H. Lipman wrote:
From:


Lots of information for me to go through. From the sound of it Macrium
Reflect Free sounds
like a good thing to have although doesn't Microsoft provide a Master
Backup CD? I would
prefer a separate dedicated HD, how many , TB? GB? cost?. In the
meantime should I still
go with the Classic Shell?

With Win8 I also reccomend Classic Shell to get over the Metro UI.
http://www.classicshell.net/

I want to take this opportunity to match up a good dedicated HD backup
that would
compliment the computer so that I'll have a mirror image of the HD in
case I need it.

Please bear with me, I can understand most of what your saying but
sometimes it gets over
my head.

Thanks,
Robert

The hard disk removed from the WinXP PC can be applied as a "good
dedicated HD backup " and Macrium software is an excellent choice for
backup up.

Yes you should go with Classic Shell. Agian, it overcomes the
shortcomings of the Win8 Metro user interface.


If I had to choose between sticking the old drive right inside the
new computer, versus sticking the old drive in an external enclosure,
I'd pick the external enclosure.

That's to encourage turning off the external drive, when you're not using it.

As for size, 40GB would be enough to back up the contents of the new computer.
Which means virtually any, cost effective hard drive, would make a good
choice. A hard drive mechanism, can't dip below about $50 or so,
and the incremental cost of adding to the capacity, isn't that steep.

There are a ton of drives out there, and you can use the customer ratings
to decide which ones are good. This is just one, a SATA drive, picked at
random. 1TB (1000GB) for $120, isn't the cheapest one out there. The
warranty on this one is five years (if you like that sort of thing).
That's partially what the higher price covers.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148784

This is an example of an enclosure. I selected an enclosure which
is fan cooled. And when you do that, one of the checks you have to
do, is check that the enclosure has both intake and exhaust vents. I've
seen enclosures for sale, which had an exhaust fan, but there were no
holes in the case for intake air (doh!). When you hold your hand near
the rear of the case, you can't feel any airflow.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817332025

That one comes with an external adapter, so there will be enough power
to run a 3.5" drive. It includes a USB3 cable. (You can plug the drive
into either a USB2 computer or a USB3 computer, but the USB3 one will
run a bit faster on data transfers.) USB3 interfaces have four pins USB2
and five pins USB3, so both interface types have their own pins.

You can assemble the two items, the new disk drive (internal type)
and SATA enclosure, using a screwdriver. Always read the customer
reviews for the enclosure, as occasionally the Chinese screw them up.
(Wrong dimensions, poor fit of the mechanical components.) Previous
customers will have seen all this, and included the details in their
review. There really aren't a lot of products out there that
are entirely trouble free, which is why the customer reviews
are highly recommended. I got really lucky on the last one I bought,
and it's been completely trouble free (has a fan, intake holes, and
everything).

On that Venus case above, the fan type is "integrated", versus the older
design concept which is "40mm separate". Enclosures with the 40mm fan,
you can pull the square fan out of the enclosure, and replace it when
it wears out. If you leave the Venus running for a couple of years
straight, and the fan wears out, the fan is joined to the enclosure
casing somehow, so you can't replace it. If the fan was made
replaceable, and oriented horizontally as is shown in the photos, it
would make the casing too thick. That's why, when they do a horizontal
fan, it's custom made and not a standard computer fan.

On the other hand, cases with the 40mm vertically oriented fan, it can
be replaced. But a caution there is, some 40mm fans come broken on day one.
It got so bad here, I no longer run the enclosures with the 40mm fans,
without replacing them with a high quality 40mm ball bearing fan bought
locally. That was my solution to the "40mm fan quality issue". One
enclosure I got, there was a pool of oil just below the fan, and the oil
had run out of the fan. The fan was noisy in a matter of minutes. So
I just pop a ball bearing fan in its place.

If you suspect the 40mm fan will fail, try to buy an enclosure which is
a bit longer than it needs to be, in the hope there will be more room
for a full sized (25mm thick) 40mm square fan.

So those are the petty annoyances, of doing your own disk + enclosure.

The drive enclosure that didn't have any intake vents, I fixed that
with my electric drill. I made swiss cheese out of the plastic
bottom of the enclosure, up near the front, and that's where that
enclosure gets the cool intake air from. When the drive is sitting
on the table, you can't see my handiwork :-) (I don't know what I'd do
without an electric drill.)

Paul

From: "Paul"

David H. Lipman wrote:
From:

Lots of information for me to go through. From the sound of it Macrium
Reflect Free sounds
like a good thing to have although doesn't Microsoft provide a Master
Backup CD? I would
prefer a separate dedicated HD, how many , TB? GB? cost?. In the
meantime should I still
go with the Classic Shell?

With Win8 I also reccomend Classic Shell to get over the Metro UI.
http://www.classicshell.net/

I want to take this opportunity to match up a good dedicated HD backup
that would
compliment the computer so that I'll have a mirror image of the HD in
case I need it.

Please bear with me, I can understand most of what your saying but
sometimes it gets over
my head.

Thanks,
Robert

The hard disk removed from the WinXP PC can be applied as a "good
dedicated HD backup " and Macrium software is an excellent choice for
backup up.

Yes you should go with Classic Shell. Agian, it overcomes the
shortcomings of the Win8 Metro user interface.

If I had to choose between sticking the old drive right inside the
new computer, versus sticking the old drive in an external enclosure,
I'd pick the external enclosure.


That's to encourage turning off the external drive, when you're not using
it.


snip

Which is basically what I suggested on April 1st. Put the drive in an
external chassis that converts to USB and then port the data. Once the data
has been ported the drive can be reformatted and used as a backup device to
the Win8 PC.

It was not suggested to install the WinXP IDE hard disk in the Win8 PC
because it is an IDE drive and the new PC is unlikely to have an IDE/PATA
interface. That would require a PCI IDE card. While both methodolgies have
a cost associated with their respective implementations, and external
chassis has a higher benefit factor for the cost involved.

--
Dave
Multi-AV Scanning Tool - http://multi-av.thespykiller.co.uk
http://www.pctipp.ch/downloads/dl/35905.asp

On Saturday, April 6, 2013 6:08:57 PM UTC-5, Paul wrote:
David H. Lipman wrote:

From:





Lots of information for me to go through. From the sound of it Macrium

Reflect Free sounds

like a good thing to have although doesn't Microsoft provide a Master

Backup CD? I would

prefer a separate dedicated HD, how many , TB? GB? cost?. In the

meantime should I still

go with the Classic Shell?



With Win8 I also reccomend Classic Shell to get over the Metro UI.

http://www.classicshell.net/



I want to take this opportunity to match up a good dedicated HD backup

that would

compliment the computer so that I'll have a mirror image of the HD in

case I need it.



Please bear with me, I can understand most of what your saying but

sometimes it gets over

my head.



Thanks,

Robert



The hard disk removed from the WinXP PC can be applied as a "good

dedicated HD backup " and Macrium software is an excellent choice for

backup up.



Yes you should go with Classic Shell. Agian, it overcomes the

shortcomings of the Win8 Metro user interface.





If I had to choose between sticking the old drive right inside the

new computer, versus sticking the old drive in an external enclosure,

I'd pick the external enclosure.



That's to encourage turning off the external drive, when you're not using it.



As for size, 40GB would be enough to back up the contents of the new computer.

Which means virtually any, cost effective hard drive, would make a good

choice. A hard drive mechanism, can't dip below about $50 or so,

and the incremental cost of adding to the capacity, isn't that steep.



There are a ton of drives out there, and you can use the customer ratings

to decide which ones are good. This is just one, a SATA drive, picked at

random. 1TB (1000GB) for $120, isn't the cheapest one out there. The

warranty on this one is five years (if you like that sort of thing).

That's partially what the higher price covers.



http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148784



This is an example of an enclosure. I selected an enclosure which

is fan cooled. And when you do that, one of the checks you have to

do, is check that the enclosure has both intake and exhaust vents. I've

seen enclosures for sale, which had an exhaust fan, but there were no

holes in the case for intake air (doh!). When you hold your hand near

the rear of the case, you can't feel any airflow.



http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817332025



That one comes with an external adapter, so there will be enough power

to run a 3.5" drive. It includes a USB3 cable. (You can plug the drive

into either a USB2 computer or a USB3 computer, but the USB3 one will

run a bit faster on data transfers.) USB3 interfaces have four pins USB2

and five pins USB3, so both interface types have their own pins.



You can assemble the two items, the new disk drive (internal type)

and SATA enclosure, using a screwdriver. Always read the customer

reviews for the enclosure, as occasionally the Chinese screw them up.

(Wrong dimensions, poor fit of the mechanical components.) Previous

customers will have seen all this, and included the details in their

review. There really aren't a lot of products out there that

are entirely trouble free, which is why the customer reviews

are highly recommended. I got really lucky on the last one I bought,

and it's been completely trouble free (has a fan, intake holes, and

everything).



On that Venus case above, the fan type is "integrated", versus the older

design concept which is "40mm separate". Enclosures with the 40mm fan,

you can pull the square fan out of the enclosure, and replace it when

it wears out. If you leave the Venus running for a couple of years

straight, and the fan wears out, the fan is joined to the enclosure

casing somehow, so you can't replace it. If the fan was made

replaceable, and oriented horizontally as is shown in the photos, it

would make the casing too thick. That's why, when they do a horizontal

fan, it's custom made and not a standard computer fan.



On the other hand, cases with the 40mm vertically oriented fan, it can

be replaced. But a caution there is, some 40mm fans come broken on day one.

It got so bad here, I no longer run the enclosures with the 40mm fans,

without replacing them with a high quality 40mm ball bearing fan bought

locally. That was my solution to the "40mm fan quality issue". One

enclosure I got, there was a pool of oil just below the fan, and the oil

had run out of the fan. The fan was noisy in a matter of minutes. So

I just pop a ball bearing fan in its place.



If you suspect the 40mm fan will fail, try to buy an enclosure which is

a bit longer than it needs to be, in the hope there will be more room

for a full sized (25mm thick) 40mm square fan.



So those are the petty annoyances, of doing your own disk + enclosure.



The drive enclosure that didn't have any intake vents, I fixed that

with my electric drill. I made swiss cheese out of the plastic

bottom of the enclosure, up near the front, and that's where that

enclosure gets the cool intake air from. When the drive is sitting

on the table, you can't see my handiwork :-) (I don't know what I'd do

without an electric drill.)



Paul

I think the price for the hard drive case is rather high.

Much cheaper to build it yourself.

I built a cooling system for my laptop hard drive.
It brings the hard drive temp down by an average of 11 degrees F.

Andy

On Saturday, April 6, 2013 7:43:51 PM UTC-7, David H. Lipman wrote:
From: "Paul"



David H. Lipman wrote:

From:



Lots of information for me to go through. From the sound of it Macrium

Reflect Free sounds

like a good thing to have although doesn't Microsoft provide a Master

Backup CD? I would

prefer a separate dedicated HD, how many , TB? GB? cost?. In the

meantime should I still

go with the Classic Shell?



With Win8 I also reccomend Classic Shell to get over the Metro UI.

http://www.classicshell.net/



I want to take this opportunity to match up a good dedicated HD backup

that would

compliment the computer so that I'll have a mirror image of the HD in

case I need it.



Please bear with me, I can understand most of what your saying but

sometimes it gets over

my head.



Thanks,

Robert



The hard disk removed from the WinXP PC can be applied as a "good

dedicated HD backup " and Macrium software is an excellent choice for

backup up.



Yes you should go with Classic Shell. Agian, it overcomes the

shortcomings of the Win8 Metro user interface.



If I had to choose between sticking the old drive right inside the

new computer, versus sticking the old drive in an external enclosure,

I'd pick the external enclosure.





That's to encourage turning off the external drive, when you're not using

it.





snip



Which is basically what I suggested on April 1st. Put the drive in an

external chassis that converts to USB and then port the data. Once the data

has been ported the drive can be reformatted and used as a backup device to

the Win8 PC.



It was not suggested to install the WinXP IDE hard disk in the Win8 PC

because it is an IDE drive and the new PC is unlikely to have an IDE/PATA

interface. That would require a PCI IDE card. While both methodolgies have

a cost associated with their respective implementations, and external

chassis has a higher benefit factor for the cost involved.



--

Dave

Multi-AV Scanning Tool - http://multi-av.thespykiller.co.uk

http://www.pctipp.ch/downloads/dl/35905.asp


Dear Dave,

I must have missed the above post. As far as backups etc. As I said previously I prefer an external HD with associated software. One that I would prefer I can disconnect and shut off. I will need time to go over Paul's comments but it seems to that there should be in/out ducts and fans for cooling.

I'm not sure what you meant he

The hard disk removed from the WinXP PC can be applied as a "good dedicated
HD backup " and Macrium software is an excellent choice for backup up.

Did you mean that if needed I could use the HD from the 8200 as a backup? or format it and put it in another case and use it as a backup? either or, I would prefer to leave the 8200 intact just in case. You never know.


So far,,.. I'll get the

XPS 8500 Fast track config43
3rd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-3770 processor (up to 3.90 GHz)
Windows 8, 64-bit, English
12 RAMM
NVIDIA card
16X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW), write to CD/DVD
1TB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive 6.0 Gb/s
Dell Wireless 1703 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth v4.0+LE
Integrated 7.1 with WAVE MAXXAudio 4
Integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet
Dell SRV Software 1703
Cyberlink Media Suite Essentials DVD
Classic Shell
21.5 inch Monitor
Dedicated HD backup (Make/model/software)?

Thoughts/Suggestions,
Thanks,
Robert

From:

On Saturday, April 6, 2013 7:43:51 PM UTC-7, David H. Lipman wrote:
From: "Paul"

David H. Lipman wrote:

From:

Lots of information for me to go through. From the sound of it Macrium

Reflect Free sounds

like a good thing to have although doesn't Microsoft provide a Master

Backup CD? I would

prefer a separate dedicated HD, how many , TB? GB? cost?. In the

meantime should I still

go with the Classic Shell?

With Win8 I also reccomend Classic Shell to get over the Metro UI.

http://www.classicshell.net/

I want to take this opportunity to match up a good dedicated HD backup

that would

compliment the computer so that I'll have a mirror image of the HD in

case I need it.

Please bear with me, I can understand most of what your saying but

sometimes it gets over

my head.

Thanks,

Robert

The hard disk removed from the WinXP PC can be applied as a "good

dedicated HD backup " and Macrium software is an excellent choice for

backup up.

Yes you should go with Classic Shell. Agian, it overcomes the

shortcomings of the Win8 Metro user interface.

If I had to choose between sticking the old drive right inside the

new computer, versus sticking the old drive in an external enclosure,

I'd pick the external enclosure.

That's to encourage turning off the external drive, when you're not
using

it.

snip

Which is basically what I suggested on April 1st. Put the drive in an

external chassis that converts to USB and then port the data. Once the
data

has been ported the drive can be reformatted and used as a backup device
to

the Win8 PC.

It was not suggested to install the WinXP IDE hard disk in the Win8 PC

because it is an IDE drive and the new PC is unlikely to have an IDE/PATA

interface. That would require a PCI IDE card. While both methodolgies
have

a cost associated with their respective implementations, and external

chassis has a higher benefit factor for the cost involved.

--

Dave

Multi-AV Scanning Tool - http://multi-av.thespykiller.co.uk

http://www.pctipp.ch/downloads/dl/35905.asp

Dear Dave,

I must have missed the above post. As far as backups etc. As I said
previously I prefer an
external HD with associated software. One that I would prefer I can
disconnect and shut
off. I will need time to go over Paul's comments but it seems to that
there should be
in/out ducts and fans for cooling.

I'm not sure what you meant he

The hard disk removed from the WinXP PC can be applied as a "good
dedicated
HD backup " and Macrium software is an excellent choice for backup up.

Did you mean that if needed I could use the HD from the 8200 as a backup?
or format it and
put it in another case and use it as a backup? either or, I would prefer
to leave the 8200
intact just in case. You never know.

So far,,.. I'll get the

XPS 8500 Fast track config43
3rd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-3770 processor (up to 3.90 GHz)
Windows 8, 64-bit, English
12 RAMM
NVIDIA card
16X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW), write to CD/DVD
1TB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive 6.0 Gb/s
Dell Wireless 1703 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth v4.0+LE
Integrated 7.1 with WAVE MAXXAudio 4
Integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet
Dell SRV Software 1703
Cyberlink Media Suite Essentials DVD
Classic Shell
21.5 inch Monitor
Dedicated HD backup (Make/model/software)?

Thoughts/Suggestions,
Thanks,
Robert

If you extract IDE hard disk from the WinXP PC and get a USB to 3 1/2" IDE
hard disk enclosure you then then place the IDE hard disk and place it
within said enclosure. Then that drive can be externally connected to the
Win8/64 PC via USB. You can then extract your data and Firefox profile.
Once the data has been extracted to the Win8/64 PC, you can reformat the
external drive/. Then use Macrium software (or the built-in Win8 software)
you can use the external drive as a backup device. Being an external drive
it can be connected at will and can be powered up or powered down at will
(always make sure you always use the Safe To Remove utility prior to
diconnected or powering down the external drive first).

--
Dave
Multi-AV Scanning Tool - http://multi-av.thespykiller.co.uk
http://www.pctipp.ch/downloads/dl/35905.asp

On Monday, April 8, 2013 11:51:28 AM UTC-7, David H. Lipman wrote:
From:



On Saturday, April 6, 2013 7:43:51 PM UTC-7, David H. Lipman wrote:

From: "Paul"



David H. Lipman wrote:



From:



Lots of information for me to go through. From the sound of it Macrium



Reflect Free sounds



like a good thing to have although doesn't Microsoft provide a Master



Backup CD? I would



prefer a separate dedicated HD, how many , TB? GB? cost?. In the



meantime should I still



go with the Classic Shell?



With Win8 I also reccomend Classic Shell to get over the Metro UI.



http://www.classicshell.net/



I want to take this opportunity to match up a good dedicated HD backup



that would



compliment the computer so that I'll have a mirror image of the HD in



case I need it.



Please bear with me, I can understand most of what your saying but



sometimes it gets over



my head.



Thanks,



Robert



The hard disk removed from the WinXP PC can be applied as a "good



dedicated HD backup " and Macrium software is an excellent choice for



backup up.



Yes you should go with Classic Shell. Agian, it overcomes the



shortcomings of the Win8 Metro user interface.



If I had to choose between sticking the old drive right inside the



new computer, versus sticking the old drive in an external enclosure,



I'd pick the external enclosure.



That's to encourage turning off the external drive, when you're not

using



it.



snip



Which is basically what I suggested on April 1st. Put the drive in an



external chassis that converts to USB and then port the data. Once the

data



has been ported the drive can be reformatted and used as a backup device

to



the Win8 PC.



It was not suggested to install the WinXP IDE hard disk in the Win8 PC



because it is an IDE drive and the new PC is unlikely to have an IDE/PATA



interface. That would require a PCI IDE card. While both methodolgies

have



a cost associated with their respective implementations, and external



chassis has a higher benefit factor for the cost involved.



--



Dave



Multi-AV Scanning Tool - http://multi-av.thespykiller.co.uk



http://www.pctipp.ch/downloads/dl/35905.asp



Dear Dave,



I must have missed the above post. As far as backups etc. As I said

previously I prefer an

external HD with associated software. One that I would prefer I can

disconnect and shut

off. I will need time to go over Paul's comments but it seems to that

there should be

in/out ducts and fans for cooling.



I'm not sure what you meant he



The hard disk removed from the WinXP PC can be applied as a "good

dedicated

HD backup " and Macrium software is an excellent choice for backup up.



Did you mean that if needed I could use the HD from the 8200 as a backup?

or format it and

put it in another case and use it as a backup? either or, I would prefer

to leave the 8200

intact just in case. You never know.



So far,,.. I'll get the



XPS 8500 Fast track config43

3rd Generation Intel� Core� i7-3770 processor (up to 3.90 GHz)

Windows 8, 64-bit, English

12 RAMM

NVIDIA card

16X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW), write to CD/DVD

1TB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive 6.0 Gb/s

Dell Wireless 1703 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth v4.0+LE

Integrated 7.1 with WAVE MAXXAudio 4

Integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet

Dell SRV Software 1703

Cyberlink Media Suite Essentials DVD

Classic Shell

21.5 inch Monitor

Dedicated HD backup (Make/model/software)?



Thoughts/Suggestions,

Thanks,

Robert



If you extract IDE hard disk from the WinXP PC and get a USB to 3 1/2" IDE

hard disk enclosure you then then place the IDE hard disk and place it

within said enclosure. Then that drive can be externally connected to the

Win8/64 PC via USB. You can then extract your data and Firefox profile.

Once the data has been extracted to the Win8/64 PC, you can reformat the

external drive/. Then use Macrium software (or the built-in Win8 software)

you can use the external drive as a backup device. Being an external drive

it can be connected at will and can be powered up or powered down at will

(always make sure you always use the Safe To Remove utility prior to

diconnected or powering down the external drive first).



--

Dave

Multi-AV Scanning Tool - http://multi-av.thespykiller.co.uk

http://www.pctipp.ch/downloads/dl/35905.asp



As I said, I would prefer to leave the 8200 intact. Also, I think it would be better to buy a new HD for the external HD. The present one has approx 140GB but it's seen some years and I want one that will last and easy to use..

There's allot I don't know about external HD's and software and I'll have to re-visit Paul's comments.

Also, I would like to talk about partitioning the HD once I get the 8500. I would prefer to have the OS in one partition and all the data in another. I think however, I will start another thread for these topics.

Thanks for all your good help,
Robert

On Thursday, April 4, 2013 9:41:16 AM UTC-7, Paul wrote:
wrote:





I still am thinking over getting a dedicated backup

at the same time. Any thought’s suggestions?



I also found this while doing a test checkout to see

what options I had e.g. RAMM



The High-Speed USB file transfer cable is the premier

file and data sharing solution for PC and Mac users.

The Go Suite utility software is embedded on the High-

Speed USB transfer cable and will automatically load

... Full Description



http://configure.us.dell.com/dellsto...en&s=dhs&cs=19



Wouldn’t this be an easier faster way to transfer data?

Would I need any third party, after market software?



Thanks,

Robert



That thing is a so-called Laplink cable, and is used with

tools such as the Files and Settings Transfer (FAST) Wizard.

It provides a means to move gobs of data and settings,

from the old computer to the new computer.



http://accessories.dell.com/sna/Popu...&client=config



There are many other ways to get files from the old computer.



That cable doesn't implement a backup scheme as such.



*******




I was thinking of using this to initially transfer my data from the 8200 to the 8500. Sorry, I should have made myself clear. I wasn't thinking of using this as a backup. However, could I use this to connect me external backup to the 8500 as well?

Thanks,
Robert

From:


As I said, I would prefer to leave the 8200 intact. Also, I think it would
be better to
buy a new HD for the external HD. The present one has approx 140GB but
it's seen some
years and I want one that will last and easy to use.

There's allot I don't know about external HD's and software and I'll have
to re-visit
Paul's comments.

Also, I would like to talk about partitioning the HD once I get the 8500.
I would prefer
to have the OS in one partition and all the data in another. I think
however, I will start
another thread for these topics.

Thanks for all your good help,
Robert

OK. There really is nothing to know about external hard disks. They just
Plug 'n Play and you use them directly or format them and then use them.

I understand that you want to keep the WinXP in tact. In that case you get
a USB to IDE/DATA hard disk adapter kit. Then you still can remove the
drive from the WinXP PC, attach it to the USB to IDE/DATA hard disk adapter
and extract your data. Then you can return the drive to the WinXP platform.

As for partitioning the drive, there is no need. Keep it oine large volume.
It will be NTFS so there will be no wasted space (as FATx) volumes would do.
There is no good sense for puuting that data on another partion as is the
drive fails both partitions go. Instead of multiple partitions, use
multiple drives. One drive being that data drive.

--
Dave
Multi-AV Scanning Tool - http://multi-av.thespykiller.co.uk
http://www.pctipp.ch/downloads/dl/35905.asp

wrote:
On Thursday, April 4, 2013 9:41:16 AM UTC-7, Paul wrote:
wrote:



I still am thinking over getting a dedicated backup
at the same time. Any thought’s suggestions?
I also found this while doing a test checkout to see
what options I had e.g. RAMM
The High-Speed USB file transfer cable is the premier
file and data sharing solution for PC and Mac users.
The Go Suite utility software is embedded on the High-
Speed USB transfer cable and will automatically load
... Full Description
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellsto...en&s=dhs&cs=19
Wouldn’t this be an easier faster way to transfer data?
Would I need any third party, after market software?
Thanks,
Robert


That thing is a so-called Laplink cable, and is used with

tools such as the Files and Settings Transfer (FAST) Wizard.

It provides a means to move gobs of data and settings,

from the old computer to the new computer.



http://accessories.dell.com/sna/Popu...&client=config



There are many other ways to get files from the old computer.



That cable doesn't implement a backup scheme as such.



*******




I was thinking of using this to initially transfer my data from the 8200 to the 8500. Sorry, I should have made myself clear. I wasn't thinking of using this as a backup. However, could I use this to connect me external backup to the 8500 as well?

Thanks,
Robert

You use a "regular" USB cable for the external USB hard drive.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usb

A "regular" cable has Type A on one end, Type B on the other end.
Type A plugs into the computer. Type B plugs into the enclosure.

You can verify this for yourself, by looking at pictures of the
drive enclosure you're buying. See if there is a "square connector hole"
for the Type B.

*******

The Laplink cable is, strictly speaking, non-standard. It has
Type A on both ends, and a "blob" of electronics located somewhere
between the two connectors. The "blob" provides logical isolation
between the two computers ("hosts"). We're not sure about the
electrical properties - if using Laplink, I would recommend the
two computers be on the same power strip. That seems safest.
That's because of the potential for a ground loop.

Some laptop external drives, come with absolutely illegal cables,
with Type A male, on all ends. You should *not* connect two computers
together with that. Of course, the temptation for manufacturers
to do something that stupid, was just overpowering, and they
couldn't help themselves.

USB is meant to connect from host to peripheral, not host to host.
The Laplink cable solves that problem, via logical isolation.
The "blob" of electronics, forms an electronic mailbox. The
software on one side, sees the mailbox, and leaves a "letter"
in the mailbox. The computer accessing the other side of
the blob, notices it just received a "letter" in its view
of the mailbox. In this way, two hosts communicate with
each other, without violating the design intent of the USB
architecture. The computers think they're talking to a "mailbox
peripheral", so each computer thinks it is a host to peripheral
situation.

Unfortunately, there are other USB cables with "blobs". They're
active repeater cables. In that case, there's a male and female
connector on either end of the cable, and the blob houses a
one-port-hub (USB hub) electronics. Active repeater cables are
used for making a "USB extension cord", so you can connect a
web cam a couple of rooms over. And a repeater cable, since it has
male on one end and female on the other, cannot be used
to connect two computers directly to one another. Only
a Laplink cable can be used for that. And a Laplink cable
cannot function as an extension cord, because again, it
has the wrong connectors on the end.

As long as cable makers avoid providing all manner of adapters,
then the user can't get in trouble. By violating the rules,
then we end up with a mess, where the consumer needs tech
support, every time they reach for USB. Which is not
a desirable situation. The connector types were originally
intended to make the cabling "foolproof".

I know this is only making matters worse, but thought I'd
provide a little background.

Paul

On Tuesday, April 9, 2013 9:45:37 AM UTC-7, Paul wrote:
wrote:

On Thursday, April 4, 2013 9:41:16 AM UTC-7, Paul wrote:

wrote:







I still am thinking over getting a dedicated backup

at the same time. Any thought’s suggestions?

I also found this while doing a test checkout to see

what options I had e.g. RAMM

The High-Speed USB file transfer cable is the premier

file and data sharing solution for PC and Mac users.

The Go Suite utility software is embedded on the High-

Speed USB transfer cable and will automatically load

... Full Description

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellsto...en&s=dhs&cs=19

Wouldn’t this be an easier faster way to transfer data?

Would I need any third party, after market software?

Thanks,

Robert





That thing is a so-called Laplink cable, and is used with



tools such as the Files and Settings Transfer (FAST) Wizard.



It provides a means to move gobs of data and settings,



from the old computer to the new computer.







http://accessories.dell.com/sna/Popu...&client=config







There are many other ways to get files from the old computer.







That cable doesn't implement a backup scheme as such.







*******









I was thinking of using this to initially transfer my data from the 8200 to the 8500. Sorry, I should have made myself clear. I wasn't thinking of using this as a backup. However, could I use this to connect me external backup to the 8500 as well?



Thanks,

Robert



You use a "regular" USB cable for the external USB hard drive.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usb



A "regular" cable has Type A on one end, Type B on the other end.

Type A plugs into the computer. Type B plugs into the enclosure.



You can verify this for yourself, by looking at pictures of the

drive enclosure you're buying. See if there is a "square connector hole"

for the Type B.



*******



The Laplink cable is, strictly speaking, non-standard. It has

Type A on both ends, and a "blob" of electronics located somewhere

between the two connectors. The "blob" provides logical isolation

between the two computers ("hosts"). We're not sure about the

electrical properties - if using Laplink, I would recommend the

two computers be on the same power strip. That seems safest.

That's because of the potential for a ground loop.



Some laptop external drives, come with absolutely illegal cables,

with Type A male, on all ends. You should *not* connect two computers

together with that. Of course, the temptation for manufacturers

to do something that stupid, was just overpowering, and they

couldn't help themselves.



USB is meant to connect from host to peripheral, not host to host.

The Laplink cable solves that problem, via logical isolation.

The "blob" of electronics, forms an electronic mailbox. The

software on one side, sees the mailbox, and leaves a "letter"

in the mailbox. The computer accessing the other side of

the blob, notices it just received a "letter" in its view

of the mailbox. In this way, two hosts communicate with

each other, without violating the design intent of the USB

architecture. The computers think they're talking to a "mailbox

peripheral", so each computer thinks it is a host to peripheral

situation.



Unfortunately, there are other USB cables with "blobs". They're

active repeater cables. In that case, there's a male and female

connector on either end of the cable, and the blob houses a

one-port-hub (USB hub) electronics. Active repeater cables are

used for making a "USB extension cord", so you can connect a

web cam a couple of rooms over. And a repeater cable, since it has

male on one end and female on the other, cannot be used

to connect two computers directly to one another. Only

a Laplink cable can be used for that. And a Laplink cable

cannot function as an extension cord, because again, it

has the wrong connectors on the end.



As long as cable makers avoid providing all manner of adapters,

then the user can't get in trouble. By violating the rules,

then we end up with a mess, where the consumer needs tech

support, every time they reach for USB. Which is not

a desirable situation. The connector types were originally

intended to make the cabling "foolproof".



I know this is only making matters worse, but thought I'd

provide a little background.



Paul

Yes, I'm getting a bit confused here, not just with your comments. I did managed to create a backup folder for my links as you suggested.

However, I still don't understand how I will move my data from the 8200 to the 8500. As far as I understand it David talked about physically removing the HD from the 8200 and installing it in the external backup, then after the transfer of data reinstall it back into the 8200.

So am I suppose to use the external backup HD to transfer my data to the 8500? I had thought that all I needed was a USB cable and software and that the external HD backup was to backup the 8500 not the 8200.

This seems allot of work to transfer the files from the 8200 to the 8500
and its getting more confusing and you conpletely lost my on config's, plugins etc. Do I realy have to know all that? I also have to think about installing Classic Shell, and Macrium when and where.

Thanks,
Robert

From:



Yes, I'm getting a bit confused here, not just with your comments. I did
managed to create
a backup folder for my links as you suggested.

However, I still don't understand how I will move my data from the 8200 to
the 8500. As
far as I understand it David talked about physically removing the HD from
the 8200 and
installing it in the external backup, then after the transfer of data
reinstall it back
into the 8200.

So am I suppose to use the external backup HD to transfer my data to the
8500? I had
thought that all I needed was a USB cable and software and that the
external HD backup was
to backup the 8500 not the 8200.

This seems allot of work to transfer the files from the 8200 to the 8500
and its getting more confusing and you conpletely lost my on config's,
plugins etc. Do I
realy have to know all that? I also have to think about installing Classic
Shell, and
Macrium when and where.

Thanks,
Robert

There really isn't anything to think about with Classic Shell. If your used
to the WinXP type of menu, Explorer view and the look and feel of Windows XP
and previous OS' then Classic Shell will give that to you since the look and
feel is NOT the same in Win8 as in previous OS'. In fact it is more
popular now with the relaese of Windows 8 than it had been with Windows 7
and Vista.

Macrium provides good backup software. It is something to think about after
you get your new PC.

This really is not as complicated as you are making it out to be. Maybe you
are jumping the gun and are over analyzing your needs too soon.

This kind of device is something to think about in advance. It will allow
you to hang the WinXP hard disk off the Win8 PC and extract the data.
Unlike an external USB to IDE chassis, it is not meant for permanance. It
is meant for a utility purpose.
http://www.starsurplus.com/viewitem.lasso?i=2020-OTB

While not the above device make and model, I use a similar device very
often.


--
Dave
Multi-AV Scanning Tool - http://multi-av.thespykiller.co.uk
http://www.pctipp.ch/downloads/dl/35905.asp

wrote:
On Tuesday, April 9, 2013 9:45:37 AM UTC-7, Paul wrote:
wrote:

On Thursday, April 4, 2013 9:41:16 AM UTC-7, Paul wrote:
wrote:
I still am thinking over getting a dedicated backup
at the same time. Any thought’s suggestions?
I also found this while doing a test checkout to see
what options I had e.g. RAMM
The High-Speed USB file transfer cable is the premier
file and data sharing solution for PC and Mac users.
The Go Suite utility software is embedded on the High-
Speed USB transfer cable and will automatically load
... Full Description
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellsto...en&s=dhs&cs=19
Wouldn’t this be an easier faster way to transfer data?
Would I need any third party, after market software?
Thanks,
Robert
That thing is a so-called Laplink cable, and is used with
tools such as the Files and Settings Transfer (FAST) Wizard.
It provides a means to move gobs of data and settings,
from the old computer to the new computer.
http://accessories.dell.com/sna/Popu...&client=config
There are many other ways to get files from the old computer.
That cable doesn't implement a backup scheme as such.
*******
I was thinking of using this to initially transfer my data from the 8200 to the 8500. Sorry, I should have made myself clear. I wasn't thinking of using this as a backup. However, could I use this to connect me external backup to the 8500 as well?
Thanks,
Robert


You use a "regular" USB cable for the external USB hard drive.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usb



A "regular" cable has Type A on one end, Type B on the other end.

Type A plugs into the computer. Type B plugs into the enclosure.



You can verify this for yourself, by looking at pictures of the

drive enclosure you're buying. See if there is a "square connector hole"

for the Type B.



*******



The Laplink cable is, strictly speaking, non-standard. It has

Type A on both ends, and a "blob" of electronics located somewhere

between the two connectors. The "blob" provides logical isolation

between the two computers ("hosts"). We're not sure about the

electrical properties - if using Laplink, I would recommend the

two computers be on the same power strip. That seems safest.

That's because of the potential for a ground loop.



Some laptop external drives, come with absolutely illegal cables,

with Type A male, on all ends. You should *not* connect two computers

together with that. Of course, the temptation for manufacturers

to do something that stupid, was just overpowering, and they

couldn't help themselves.



USB is meant to connect from host to peripheral, not host to host.

The Laplink cable solves that problem, via logical isolation.

The "blob" of electronics, forms an electronic mailbox. The

software on one side, sees the mailbox, and leaves a "letter"

in the mailbox. The computer accessing the other side of

the blob, notices it just received a "letter" in its view

of the mailbox. In this way, two hosts communicate with

each other, without violating the design intent of the USB

architecture. The computers think they're talking to a "mailbox

peripheral", so each computer thinks it is a host to peripheral

situation.



Unfortunately, there are other USB cables with "blobs". They're

active repeater cables. In that case, there's a male and female

connector on either end of the cable, and the blob houses a

one-port-hub (USB hub) electronics. Active repeater cables are

used for making a "USB extension cord", so you can connect a

web cam a couple of rooms over. And a repeater cable, since it has

male on one end and female on the other, cannot be used

to connect two computers directly to one another. Only

a Laplink cable can be used for that. And a Laplink cable

cannot function as an extension cord, because again, it

has the wrong connectors on the end.



As long as cable makers avoid providing all manner of adapters,

then the user can't get in trouble. By violating the rules,

then we end up with a mess, where the consumer needs tech

support, every time they reach for USB. Which is not

a desirable situation. The connector types were originally

intended to make the cabling "foolproof".



I know this is only making matters worse, but thought I'd

provide a little background.



Paul

Yes, I'm getting a bit confused here, not just with your comments. I did managed to create a backup folder for my links as you suggested.

However, I still don't understand how I will move my data from the 8200 to the 8500. As far as I understand it David talked about physically removing the HD from the 8200 and installing it in the external backup, then after the transfer of data reinstall it back into the 8200.

So am I suppose to use the external backup HD to transfer my data to the 8500? I had thought that all I needed was a USB cable and software and that the external HD backup was to backup the 8500 not the 8200.

This seems allot of work to transfer the files from the 8200 to the 8500
and its getting more confusing and you conpletely lost my on config's, plugins etc. Do I realy have to know all that? I also have to think about installing Classic Shell, and Macrium when and where.

Thanks,
Robert

http://www.dell.com/us/p/xps-8500/fs

XPS8500 OS = Windows 8
(could run Classic Shell, to look like a previous OS)
= Typically, OEM machines also come with downgrade rights
to run Windows 7. So if you want, after you get the
8500, you could revert to Windows 7. Just keep that in
mind, if you give Windows 8 a fair try, and don't like it.

XPS8200 OS = WinXP

So we look for an article on File and Settings Transfer Wizard, then
read the details.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/w...ngs-another-pc

"Decide which transfer method you'll use:

Easy Transfer cable USB (a.k.a LapLink USB cable)

or

A network that both PCs are connected to

or

A USB flash or external hard drive

"

Notice also, in Step 5, they show that FAST supports three different OSes.
You should always check for that, when visiting one of those web pages.
I take it from that web page, you can take stuff from a WinXP computer,
to a Win8 computer.

So, they give you some choices.

Just plugging the two computers into the same router, gives
you an instant network connection. Then you can use the second
method.

And you can transfer as much or as little as you want with FAST.
There are tick boxes to control what is transferred.

Personally I don't use it, because I'm more of a control freak,
and there's lots of things I'd rather do manually. When I migrate
from one computer to another, I take my "data" folder with me,
the profile folder from Thunderbird, profile folder from Firefox,
any email folder, and that's about it. And that can all be done
manually. Just takes a few hours, until it's done right. (I might
not get it right on the first try.)

*******

None of that addresses backups.

You can use Macrium for example, to back up the data on the 8200.
If say, someone steals your 8200, the backup copy of the data might
be safely stored some where away from the 8200.

You could use Macrium to back up the new 8500.

An external hard drive, can have room for the backup of more than
one computer. And the purpose of a backup disk, external to the
computer, is to compensate for the un-reliability of hard drives
(dying when you least expect it).

Once you know you have absolutely no more interest in the 8200,
you can simply erase all the backups of the 8200 you've made.

Paul

This really is not as complicated as you are making it out to be. Maybe you

are jumping the gun and are over analyzing your needs too soon.



Dave

Multi-AV Scanning Tool - http://multi-av.thespykiller.co.uk

http://www.pctipp.ch/downloads/dl/35905.asp


I'm not trying to make this complicated but seems so to me. Please remember this is basic to all of you but it isn't to me. I will need a bit of time to go over everything you've given and try to understand it.

Thank you,
Robert

From:


This really is not as complicated as you are making it out to be. Maybe
you

are jumping the gun and are over analyzing your needs too soon.



I'm not trying to make this complicated but seems so to me. Please
remember this is basic
to all of you but it isn't to me. I will need a bit of time to go over
everything you've
given and try to understand it.

Thank you,
Robert


We are here to help.

I'd like to make this as simple as possible and I am trying to give you the
minimal amount of information but with the greatest impact so you are not
"overwhelmed" with data.

--
Dave
Multi-AV Scanning Tool - http://multi-av.thespykiller.co.uk
http://www.pctipp.ch/downloads/dl/35905.asp

On Monday, April 1, 2013 6:41:26 AM UTC-7, David H. Lipman wrote:
From:





I have a Dell Dimension 8200 with XP, SP3 , Windows Firewall, Avast antivirus,

Spywareblaster, and run Firefox for the Internet and all the programs work well together

and are up to date. I’ve upgraded the HD and the RAM and swapped a DVD player for the

old

3 ½ inch disc player.



I don’t have a dedicated backup; however, I have all my data stored on DVD-RW disks via

Nero.



I’ve been thinking of upgrading to a Dell XPS 8500 combo with 21.5 inch screen



http://www.dell.com/us/p/xps-8500/fs





What I’d like to know is how can I transfer my links from the 8200 to the 8500. Is there

an easy way to do it without having a dedicated backup? Can I put the links on a DVD-RW

disk?



Also, any thoughts on the 8500 /McAfee or Windows 8? As I understand it.. It’s a

departure

from all OS’s? Personally, I would rather have Avast vs McAfee.



Thanks,

Robert





Stick with Avast and don't go with McAfee "retail" AV software.



The Dell XPS 8500 is fine.

If it is Win8/32 get 4GB RAM

If it is Win8/64 (most likely) minimum 6~8GB is reccomended.



With Win8 I also reccomend Classic Shell to get over the Metro UI.

http://www.classicshell.net/



As for transferring data such as Favourites, links, documents, etc...



Get a 3 1/2" IDE to USB hard disk enclosure. Then you can hand the hard disk of the

Dimension as an external hard disk to the XPS and traffer the data. Once the data is

transferred, you can reformat the external hard disk and use it for backups.



http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...FVGf4AodX3cABg



Or you can use a Universal hard disk conversion kit to just access and transfer the data

to the new computer.

http://www.starsurplus.com/viewitem.lasso?i=2020



--

Dave

Multi-AV Scanning Tool - http://multi-av.thespykiller.co.uk

http://www.pctipp.ch/downloads/dl/35905.asp



Hello Dave,

I understand appreciate your help very much along with everyone else.

I think you were right and I was shoveling more on my plate than I could handle. So I decided to go back to the beginning and take one thing at a time..

After selecting the 8500 and its options, the next step was to transfer the data etc from the 8200 to the 8500.

I liked this option you gave:

Or you can use a Universal hard disk conversion kit to just access and transfer the data
to the new computer.
http://www.starsurplus.com/viewitem.lasso?i=2020

but when I clicked on the link it said it was out of stock or no longer available. Is there another similar conversion kit I can use?

Thoughts/Suggestions,
Robert