Transferring Large Files Between Desktop and Laptop

BbWindowsHelpbB · Joined: Jul 07, 2008 Posts: 15

Hello everyone.
In the next fire months I will be getting a new laptop. I need a way to transfer files of HD video (over 500 mb) from my editing laptop to my desktop for uploading. Are there any software solutions that can do this in a resonable amount of time? If not are there any hardware solutions? Both pcs will be running vista or win 7

kenmabmcc · Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2009 5:04 am Post subject:

Being a simple novice I would use a Flash[thumb] drive of suitable capacity.

drwho07 · Joined: Nov 29, 2007 Posts: 1546 Location: Central FL, USA

Ditto!

Even though there are data transfer cables, etc., the Flash drive is still the easiest way to transfer files from PC to PC, and the most versatile, because the two PC's don't even have to be in the same building.

Flash drives have taken over the little jobs that we used to do with Floppy Disks.

Cheers Mates!

The Doctor Cool

drwho07 · Joined: Nov 29, 2007 Posts: 1546 Location: Central FL, USA

Ooops! Double post!

goretsky · Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2009 1:45 am Post subject:

Hello,

Did you mean 500MB or 500GB of data? If you meant the former, you can copy the data to a single CD or USB flash drive and transfer it to the desktop computer, as KenMabMcc and DrWho07 suggsted.

On the other hand, if you meant 500GB worth of data.... well, since the largest conventional 2.5" 9.5mm high SATA hard disk drive for notebook computers which is manufactured right now is 500GB in capacity, I suspect you have a notebook with multiple hard disk drives in it, possibly in a RAID array, is that correct? If so, probably the easiest way to get files from one computer to another is to network over a wired Fast (100Mbps) or Gigabit Ethernet connection.

If your data is only on one hard disk drive, then I would suggest removing it from the notebook computer, plugging it directly into the desktop computer, and copying the information to the desktop computer's hard disk drive(s). This will be the fastest option.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

drwho07 · Joined: Nov 29, 2007 Posts: 1546 Location: Central FL, USA

" I need a way to transfer files of HD video (over 500 mb) from my editing laptop to my desktop for uploading. "

I found no ambiguity in that statement. The writer plainly said over 500 mb, which is not an unreal amount of data

Removing a laptop's hard drive should only be attempted by someone with a good technical background. And apparently this may not be a one-time thing.

laptop drives do not directly cable connect to destops. A special adapter is required, not something that the average user would have laying around.

As an alternative to a Flash Drive, a USB External hard drive could be used as well, albeit more expensive than a flash drive.

A further option, would be to burn the files to a DVD, for transfer and a more permanent storage solution. If the files are valuable, having them on a DVD would be the safest option.

Now you have options............. time to get to work!

Cheers Mates!
The Doctor Cool

goretsky · Posted: Thu Aug 20, 2009 9:52 pm Post subject:

Hello,

That's what I thought, too. But these days, 500 megabytes is considered such a small amount of data (less than one CD's worth) that I just wanted to double check, in case the original poster meant a different value.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

drwho07 · Joined: Nov 29, 2007 Posts: 1546 Location: Central FL, USA

When DVD's first appeared on the scene, several years ago, the drives were pretty expensive and the disks themselves were pretty pricey too.

Nowadays, the drives can be had for $30 or less and the disks are down to mere pennies each. So all the excuses for not backing up ones data files to DVD has pretty much gone by the wayside. It's by far, the cheapest way to back up one's data.

I personally prefer the NERO software for CD/DVD burning, but there are also many FREE programs out there that can burn your data to DVD's.

So, for some years now, whenever I have a customer's PC in my shop for repairs, I will burn all their data files to DVD's for them as a permanent backup.

For my own backups, I burn all my data to DVD's and then put them in a fireproof vault, about twenty miles away.

Data backup is just the first step in "Data Transfer", so I've really not gone 'Off Topic' here.

Cheers Mates!
The Doctor Cool

goretsky · Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2009 3:24 am Post subject:

Hello,

Yes. I am waiting for recordable Blu-ray to go through a similar cost reduction.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

drwho07 · Joined: Nov 29, 2007 Posts: 1546 Location: Central FL, USA

On many web sites I've read that Blu Ray is dead.
Most all of my suppliers carry NO Blu Ray drives or disks.

I know I won't be getting one.

Cool

goretsky · Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 4:36 am Post subject:

Hello,

That's very interesting. At the local electronics superstores, the Blu-ray movie selection has been slowly increasing. Probably about a third more shelf-space in them over the last year or so. Of course, that's still not a lot of space compared to DVDs. On the other hand, both the CD and DVD sections at the local Best Buy seems to have actually [i]shrunk[/i. At the local Frys, probably about an eighth of the optical drive section is devoted to Blu-ray drives, which is not bad, considering that also includes DVD, CD and portable DVD and CD drives. They also stock Blu-ray recordable media as well.

It will be interesting to see if Blu-ray is a big seller this holiday season.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

zzron357 · Joined: Oct 14, 2004 Posts: 43

Hi BB,
An ethernet crossover cable creates a 2 pc network.
Less than $10. Staples etc.
You probably have a home network already if you
have switch or router.
An external drive can be used for backup and be available
for direct access by both pc's on your home network.
A basic wireless router can be obtained for under $25.
Any router provides a little protection from the fiends on the
internet. Better ones provide a full hardware firewall.
Beware of external drives formatted only with fat32, as they are
limited in file size -- 4 Gb I believe. Video files can be much larger.
Same problem with Win9x of course.
Best wishes, zzron