Question Transfering huge files between two computers

[Rtyh-12]

Again, I come to O-F with computer questions :facepalm: anyway, I think I'll get Windows 7 on my computer in some time, but I need to back-up my data (everything on my computer, 60 GB!!) and Microsoft recommends me to use Windows Easy Transfer, which will create a HUGE file containing everything on my computer. I plan to send it files on my laptop, and after installation, to delete it. And here is my problem: how could I send a 60 GB file without an external HDD?

Thanks in advance!

 

[garyw]

If both have network cards invest in a cross over cable. You can then copy that file over the mini network connection you have setup. At worst you get 100mbit throughput and at best gigabit.

 

[Carmen A]

Hi, you might want to check out this online guide I found.

http://www.masternewmedia.org/send-large-files-of-any-size-guide-to-the-best-tools-and-services/

It deals with uploading and transferring large files.

Look for something P2P and doesn't have a filesize limit.

Of course if the computers are physically side by side, you don't need to go through the limitations of uploading through the Internet. (see above)

Another method of physical transfer is detach the laptop's HDD, fit it into a 2.5" to USB converter, plug that into your PC and transfer it. I do notice computer guys have tons of unused parts "in mothballs" so just go by what you have

 

[Rtyh-12]

If both have network cards invest in a cross over cable. You can then copy that file over the mini network connection you have setup. At worst you get 100mbit throughput and at best gigabit.

So, that is a "double-headed USB cable"? Is there any way to make sure that they both have network cards? I think they have, but who knows...

And thanks for the very quick, precise and extremely useful answer!:thumbup:

EDIT: Just remembered, instead of saving the file to the computer first can I simply save it on the laptop directly? (to save time)

 

[Sunhillow]

How are you connected to internet? I f there is a router involved just connect both your computers to it

 

[RisingFury]

At worst you get 100mbit throughput and at best gigabit.

At worst you get a 10 mbps throughput. Lots of cards have 100 mbps download and 10 mbps upload... in this case it would take roughly 15 to 16 hours to transfer. From my experience in doing this stuff, the card never is able to sustain a full 10 mbps transfer rate...

 

[Carmen A]

There are USB cables for computer to computer network - they have a chip in the middle.

There are also LAN cables which allow you to hook 2 computers up directly to each other without a router/hub. This is the "crossover"

You can also create one DIY.

http://www.littlewhitedog.com/content-8.html

 

[Sunhillow]

At worst you get a 10 mbps throughput. Lots of cards have 100 mbps download and 10 mbps upload...

If the cards are not older than 10 years they will support 100 mbps full duplex

 

[marooder86]

There is another option to transfer such a big file between two computers without establishing network connection. And if you already have problems to do it, then don't do it . It will save you a lot of frustration when something will refuse to cooperate.
Ok, here's my solution: it will require a flash drive and will take you some time but it's rather simple. After you create this huge single file you can split it into smaller parts(with wahtever file archiving program you use, 7zip for example) that will fit into your flash drive and move them one by one.

Heh, when I was writting this I realised there is a problem. You will need another 60GB of free space:facepalm:

 

[garyw]

So, that is a "double-headed USB cable"? Is there any way to make sure that they both have network cards? I think they have, but who knows...

And thanks for the very quick, precise and extremely useful answer!:thumbup:

EDIT: Just remembered, instead of saving the file to the computer first can I simply save it on the laptop directly? (to save time)

you can do that but (I think) max USB transfer is 11Mpbs. I'm talking about using a network crossover cable.

Both machines will need to have ethernet cards installed.

 

[Rtyh-12]

I think I'll go with file-splitting because it doesn't require extra hardware. But, is there any risk that the files get corrupted or something? If yes, then what do you suggest for back-up? (Don't want to lose 40 Gb of data you know!!)

 

[garyw]

Use MD5 hashes to make sure the data has been copied correctly. You should also do a test restore of a file or three if the Windows tools allow individual files to be recovered.

I'd also suggest making a second copy of the really important data (documents, finances, etc) onto a USB stick.

 

[marooder86]

I think I'll go with file-splitting because it doesn't require extra hardware.

It does. A flash drive.

But, is there any risk that the files get corrupted or something? If yes, then what do you suggest for back-up? (Don't want to lose 40 Gb of data you know!!)

If nothing had interrupted the splitting process, then your files should be ok. Also you can always add recovery files(recovery volumes) to the archive as additional protection. In that case you need to use .RAR archive files, cause .ZIP for example does't support that feature. If you decide to do that there should be additional option in the program you will use.

And one more thing. You do realise that you need this additional space I've mentioned before, on your HDD. Well I'm not quite sure but it should even be twice as much space needed. Actual data on your computer(60 GB in your case), the file that this windows program will create(another 60 GB I guess) and finally 60 GB archive files. So I'd recommend to omit this part involved with Windows Easy Transfer file creation.

Please someone correct me if I'm wrong in this matter.

 

[Wishbone]

A refinement: once you've installed something inside your box, move it/assemble/disassemble as little as possible, preferably not at all. Second, if you do a backup to a USB stick, use a second one, from another vendor with the same files - if possible, don't compress the files for better recovery chances. Flash memory tends to break down at inopportune moments (such as New Year's Eve ).

 

[RisingFury]

I'm assuming you're transferring mostly movies and songs... if so, isn't it better to store those on CDs?

 

[Wishbone]

.pdf, .doc, .mdb, .xls files mostly...

 

[Turbinator]

I'm assuming you're transferring mostly movies and songs... if so, isn't it better to store those on CDs?

Not in today's day and age. Physical media is becoming obsolete, and a hassle. Every TV worth its money has a digital media player inside, and can connect to a network for streaming. As well, today you are dealing with rather large file sizes. An average HD film can be around 7 Gigabytes in size. Peoples media collections go well over a Terrabyte these days.

I remember thinking what I would ever do with a 100 Gigabyte hard drive, 7 years a go. And today I need to go out and buy a second 2 Terrabyte hard drive, because I already filled one up.

 

[Rtyh-12]

Actually, I'm not really transfering any movies or music, but instead a lot of trash...well there is stuff here that I don't really use, and I could delete them...I should do it, but I tend to download stuff, use them once, and then never look at them again. But I have 125 Gb of free space left, and with only 60 Gb to back-up, it fits just fine! :lol: Also I'm not sure, but Windows Easy Transfer probably compresses files, making the process even easier. Yesterday I made a little test, I created a 100 Mb text file by copy-pasting abcdefg123 over and over again, changed its extension twice, split it into 6 files, moving them onto an USB stick, merged them onto my hard drive, changed the extension back and it worked just fine.

 

[Carmen A]

A long time ago, the arrival of the 60gb HDD was hailed as the "uberdrive". Now, they are tiny.

I force myself to be strict in housekeeping so 160 is plenty