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What is a Direct Cable Connection?
Q:
How do I transfer all of my programs and files from one PC to another PC?
A:
Transferring files from PC to PC can be
done easily by using what is called a Direct Cable Connection (DCC). We don't recommend ever
directly copying programs from an old hard drive to a new one because you'll
often leave key pieces of the program behind that reside somewhere in the system
registry. Without these pieces, you'll find the programs you transfer won't run
at all, or at least not as smoothly as they did before. For this reason, you
should always reinstall all of the programs you plan to run on any new machine.
To transfer files using the DCC method, you'll
need to purchase a USB, parallel port
cable, or a null modem serial cable. Then you will connect the two computers together by inserting the cable into the
correct port.
When using a DCC, you must keep in mind which
computer is going to be delegated "host," and which is going to be the
"guest." Generally, if you were to connect a laptop to a PC, the
laptop would be considered the guest computer. But in this case we'll be
delegating the new computer you're transferring files to as the guest. The old
computer will then be considered the host. You now will need to see if DCC is
installed on either computer before you begin to transfer files.
Verifying DCC is installed
To check if DCC is installed on the host
computer, follow these directions:
- Press Windows Start > Settings > click
Control Panel
- Double-click the Add/Remove icon.
- Now, click on the Windows Setup tab.
- Double-click the Communications icon.
- Check to see if Direct Cable Connection is
checked.
- If the box is check marked, hit OK. If the box
is blank, check it and hit apply.
- Now, follow these same directions to verify
DCC exists on the guest computer.
Using DCC
The DCC control panel is relatively easy to
understand. Basically, it uses a setup wizard that guides you through the
processes of the program.
To start using DCC, follow these directions:
- Access the DCC control panel on both computers
by clicking Windows Start > Programs > Accessories > Communications
> and select DCC.
- Be sure to set the guest PC and host PC
correctly.
- Once you've finished with the setup wizard,
you now should be able to share files between the two computers you just
connected.
Troubleshooting
- If for some reason you're having trouble
getting the two computers to share files, try double checking to see if
they're correctly connected. Check to see if the cable you purchased is
inserted all the way into the slot where it belongs.
- Check out Microsoft's support
section to using a direct cable connection....or of course give
Naples
Technology a call!
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