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When I get my new computer I will have both the old and the new on the same desk. I would like to be able to connect both the new and old desktops so that I will be able to access the hard drives on the old computer within the new computer. I have a netgear dg83 router which I have connected to the old desktop by ethernet cable at the moment. I don't really want to set up a wireless connection between the old and the new. I have read that hooking both old and new by usb cable is a no no as it could damage the motherbaords.

Any ideas greatly appreciated.
Many thanks
Joe


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Going through the router will be the fastest connection you can establish. See Windows Help on setting up a Workgroup for instructions. Take notes as you go through the process; you will want to be able to quickly refer to resource names if you decide to add another computer or printer, or if you disassemble your network and want to put it back together.

I have a small workgroup set up which is comprised of my DAW, laptop, and printer. It allows me to freely share files and print from either computer. I use the free Team Viewer instead of Windows Remote Desktop to remotely access either machine from anywhere I have an Internet connection.

I hadn't heard about any risk associated with a USB connection. Can anyone confirm that?

HTH,

R.


"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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G'day Joe,
did you mean DG83 or should that be DG 834? AFAIK DG83 doesn't exist.

I assume the new PC has an Ethernet card too, so plug it into one of the other Ethernet ports on the router (the DG 834 has 4 Ethernet ports) and set up a workgroup that both PC's are a member of.

Share some folders and away you go.


--=-- My credo: If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing - just ask my missus, she'll tell ya laugh --=--
You're only paranoid if you're wrong!
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I do mine wireless and without a router ( ADHOC). What Rysard describes is your Standard Windows network. Very easy to set up.Do remember now that you have shared folders on computers that go on the Internet security of these folders needs to be addressed.


John
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"The only Band is a Real Band"
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Thanks very much for all replies, and the helpful advice. Probably will need to post again for further help when new desktop arrives.

Thanks again
Joe


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The best way to physically connect two objects of any kind is usually either welding or thru-bolting ..
Since the heat of welding prohibits its use in this application-
Two half-inch diameter thru-bolts just long enough to go through both systems and allow a washer and nut assembly on the other end would serve for the intended purpose. They'll stay put that way.
Don't get bolts TOO long or it will inhibit final placement.
Be careful not to drill through anything necessary to run either system.
If you smell smoke - STOP!
Wear safety glasses.



sorry - you have every right to demand the last 30 seconds back.


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Bob Harvey's method is the most secure method of connecting two or more machines, but it takes some pretty long bolts, and if you go through the mobo . . . . .

I found it easier to use a local network - have three machines connected via a hub, and I can access any drive/file from any of the three machines. Very convenient.

Glenn

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You guys forgot the old standard we used in Unix. Sneakernet. Copy to disk, walk to other computer, insert disk

#dd if=/dev/rfd0 of=/usr/john/junk

Now I just plug in an 8 gig thumbdrive and walk over. LOL.


John Conley
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John,
My Linux machine is nicely networked to my Windows machine.


John
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I just use glue!


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http://www.edbulmer.com/


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The biggest problems with the bolts, as I see it, is that there isn't usually enough clearance between the mobo and the back panel, and you tend to let the smoke out that way. So, you *could* turn one upside down, and go side panel to side panel for the removable panels. However, since those are usually only held in place by two small screws, it isn't very secure. Furthermore, if you get one like mine, it's plexiglass, and I a huge fan sitting there, so that wouldn't work, either.
So, try sitting one on top of the other and using the big bolts to go through the top into the bottom of the other one.

I don't like the E'net hubs, because you are just connecting everything by flimsy cabling, and they have a tendency to fall out, especially if you want to pick the whole thing up. Trying to connect more than 2 computers that way really puts a strain on everything, though, and your hub may fail if the cables don't come out first.

___________________ o.O


Okay, now I'll be serious.

Ethernet is the best way to go. Some tips for you.

1. Make sure that your Username and password are the same on both computers, this allows you to 'log in' and for Windows to acknowledge that you are an authorized user.
2. Unless you want to drag everything to the Shared Documents Folder on your old computer and transfer them to the new computer from there, you'll need to share the drives. This can be done by opening Windows Explorer, right clicking a drive, and selecting Sharing from the drop down menu. It will not share the drive immediately, you'll have to configure it, and provide a Share Name. Usually I just type 'C Drive' or 'D Drive' or something simple. That share name is what will show up on your network.
3. Both computers should be in the same Workgroup. My Workgroup is called 'BBMusic' and all my computers are 'joined' to that workgroup. Depending on the operating system, you may nor may not be able to see computers in other workgroups. So, if one computers workgroup is called 'WORKGROUP" and the other is 'MSHOME' and they both are running 'Home' versions of their respective versions of Windows, then they will not see each other, and you will not be able to transfer data. Make sure both are the same group.
4. External hard drives also make a nice media transfer device, even though they are slower. They also give you some form of backup, too.
5. Copy, don't move. Verify the copy is correct, and then delete the original. Most files don't get corrupted during a move, but it never hurts to be sure.
6. Do a complete, in depth virus scan on the old computer before attempting to transfer any file.
7. Make sure the new computer has a current anti virus program, and it's up to date. If it has Norton's, uninstall that, and put something else on there, i.e., Avast, AVG, or some other known, high quality A/V software.
8. If your new computer is Windows Vista or Windoes 7, things will be going to the 'Public' folders, and from there, you can put them in your documents, and wherever else you want.
9. If you are copying things such as your C:\BB or C:\RealTracks directories, make sure that they are installed in your new computer first, and then copy the old directories directly over the new install. That way, updates and stuff, your music, styles, etc, are updated.

Any questions, please ask away.

Gary


I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
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Thanks again for replies. Just waiting for this new desktop to arrive now. Shouldn't be too long as I see on the computer builders website that its in "quality control" their "hot room" as they describe it. I like the way they do things so far, even gives the names of the people who built and tested the machine.

Hope now I am not in for any nasty surprises and DHL deliver it ok.

Joe.


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Joe,
I'm curious as to know who is building this for you. The reason I ask is that I ordered pizza online the other night, and they had a little tracker applet that tells you who received the order, who has started making it, and who put it in the oven and such, and then who was out for the delivery. While cute, I didn't really care, except when the guy showed up to deliver it, and I could greet him by name.

I do think it's interesting though that you can see who is doing what to it, though.

Gary


I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
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Well Gary its a uk company http://pcspecialist.co.uk/
As uk customer service is so bad I decided not to go with the last company I bought from as they got great pc mags reviews for their systems but terrible customer service reviews online should something go wrong.

So all in all I hope the way pcspecialist works so far is a sign of good things to come.

Joe


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