[TheForge] OT new computer file transfer

[Walter L. Mullett]

I just upgraded to a new Dell running XP.  My old system I had downgraded 
some time ago from NT to '98 because of some problems.  Now the disk drive 
is not working so herein lies the problem.  I really don't want to put in a 
new drive and sneaker net my data.  Some CAD files are way too big.

It doesn't look like I can just direct cable and network the old system in. 
I have both a null modem serial cable and a parallel (laplink) cable.  I can 
configure either of these in as direct cable and connect ok with either 
being the host but I need a means of transferring the data.

In the old days, I would have used a simple communications program but I'm 
out of touch with what's happening now.  XP wants me to use their "Files and 
Transfer Wizard" - it uses TCP/IP only.  I set that up yesterday using the 
XP CD in my old computer.  This only uses the serial connection.  The 
connection was made and 24 hours later it's still working on the settings 
for transfer.  As far as I can tell, nothing else even started to transfer 
yet.  Gonna be a month or more at that rate!

Seems the best I can get is 0.4 Mbps serial, 0.7 Mbps parallel.  LapLink 
Gold, a new product, will do 5 Mbps with a special USB but that's $400.

Has anybody gone through this.

Walt