How to Transfer Files From 1 PC to Another

Do you have a file that you need on another computer? Here are a few methods for getting it over to another one.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Floppy Disc. This is the old-school way for sure, but if your computer has a floppy drive you can certainly transfer it this way. The easiest way is to open My Computer and select the floppy drive. Then drag the file from the folder it is contained in to the open floppy drive window. This will copy it to the disc. Then you can take the disc to the other computer and transfer it from the floppy to the computer using the same method.

2. USB Thumb Drive. Plug the USB drive into the USB port on the computer. In some older computers this may need a driver to operate. Follow the floppy disc instructions for transferring the file as the method is identical.

3. E-mail. Every e-mail client is a little different, but this works good if you want to get something from your work computer to your home computer. In general, you want to open a new message. Locate the attach button and use it to upload your file into the e-mail. Then send it to a home e-mail address.
   
   From your home computer, detach the file and save it to the computer.

4. Network Drive. If you are transferring files between computers on a network this method works great. Create a folder on one computer. Right click the folder and select properties. This will open a window. Select the tab that says ‘Sharing’ and then select the radio button that says ‘Share this folder’. Click OK.
   
   Now go to another computer on the network. Open up My Computer. From the tools menu select ‘Map Network Drive’. Click the browse button. Locate the other computer through this menu and select the folder. Click ‘OK’. Then Click Finish. This will create a link to the folder on the other computer. Anything that you put in this folder will now be visible from both computers.
   
   If you wish to store the file on both computers, you can do so by dragging and dropping the file into another folder from the networked computer.

[Paulc19]

on 11/29/2008 Perfect article... network drive was the best option

[shannonny]

on 10/22/2008 Excellent advice! We still have a couple old warhorse towers hanging around, and should try to get what little is left in their brains onto our new PC. 5 Stars.

[CADarko]

on 10/16/2008 Thank you for the adivce.