Few questions about new computer

[mycats]

I've had this computer for about 5 years now and its on its way out, so the lovely Mr Cat is buying me a new one on Friday woo hoo lol. Anyway, I need to know how to get my files (photo's, music, word documents etc) from my old comp to my new one. My old one wont let me just put them onto a disc (one of the things gone wrong with it). I also want to be able to take my Firefox and BT favourites/bookmarks onto new comp.
Oh and will I still be able to get a new comp with XP rather than Vista?
Any idea's people? thanks

[lostboy87]

Hi,i have just done this.I bought a USB link cable on ebay.You plug each end into both computers and install the driver on both and can drag and drop file between the two.Also my new laptop has vista and it isnt as bad as i thought!

[mycats]

oh thats sounds easy enough, thanks.

Is it a special kind of USB?

[lostboy87]

Its just a double ended USB cable with a bit in the middle that stops it from damaging the motherboard.It works on all USB ports too.

[mycats]

Thanks lostboy, you're a star, off for a look on EBay lol

[Buenchico]

Here's how to transfer your Firefox bookmarks:

First, install Firefox on your new PC. (You might be able to copy the set-up program from your old PC, if you've still got it, or you could just download it again).

Then, on your old PC, run a search for 'bookmarks'. You'll find several files but most will have dates on the end of the file name (e.g. 'bookmarks-2008-03-05'). There will only be two simply called 'bookmarks'. One will be tiny (7kb); that's the 'empty' file which comes with Firefox. The other one will be much larger. That's your current bookmarks file.

When you've identified the correct file, you need to transfer it to your new PC. If it's under 1.44Mb you could use a floppy. Or you could email to yourself from your old PC and collect the mail on your new PC. Or you could use Lostboy87's gizmo.

On your new PC, with Firefox installed, again search for 'bookmarks'. Identify the correct current bookmarks file (in the same place as the one you've just copied from your old PC). Right-click on the file and select 'open containing folder'. Delete the bookmarks file, then drag the old one in to replace it.

The big retailers (such as PC World) won't sell you a PC with XP; they'll only offer Vista. Independent retailers might be more flexible (simply because they might still have some copies of XP on their shelves).

Chris

[mycats]

Excellent as usual Chris - thank you loads :-)

[vehelpfulguy]

You dont need to go to ebay for a USB link cable, places like Maplins sell them

http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?ModuleNo=2 5600&doy=5m3

[vehelpfulguy]

Another option is a USB storage stick, like this:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?ModuleNo=4 7967&doy=5m3

This is a very small device you plug into a spare USB port, and it becomes one of your drives in Windows (E drive or F drive for example)

You then drag the files from your hard disk onto the USB key.

You then plug the USB key into your new PC, then drag the files OFF your USB key onto the hard disk.

Easy

[mycats]

Great thanks people.