transferring files between p.c.'s

I have just run across an old tower in my mom's attic while helping them do some remodeling I have about 5 hundred audio files and a couple movies on this p.c. and would like to transfer them over to currint p.c. short of burning rw's over and over and over ( the old p.c. only has a cd burner) is there an option that might ease the transfer

my new pc is a vaio w/ several media perks rca jacks for analog sources and such maybe set-up a network or something this is all new territory to me. so type slow!lol

 

The easiest way to connect your computers is to use the null modem serial cable. To use the null modem serial cable:

Both computers must have an available serial port (also called a COM port).
You must have a null modem serial cable (also called a LapLink serial cable or a serial file transfer cable).
The serial cable must be long enough to connect the computers together. Before using Direct cable, you will need a serial cable to connect your computers together. Unless your computer came with a serial file transfer cable, you will need to purchase a serial cable for transferring your files and settings. The most common serial cables are LapLink serial cables, serial file transfer cable, and null modem serial cables. You cannot use parallel cables to transfer files or settings between computers using the Direct cable option. Before purchasing a serial cable, you must check both computers to see if the serial port (also called a COM port) is a 25-pin or a 9-pin port. Most new computers have a 9-pin port and most new cables have a 9-pin plug. If you have a 25-pin port on the computer, you may need an adaptor for the cable. If you have more than one port to plug the serial cable into the computer, don't worry about it too much. Pick one port and plug the serial cable in.

The best way to connect your computers together is to use Home networking. Although the setup is more complex, your files and settings will transfer faster. If you are planning to keep both your old computer and your new computer, you might want to consider creating a Home network.

To use Home networking:

Both computers must have a network interface card or a USB network interface installed. The jack looks like a slightly larger telephone jack. You must have network cable, and in most cases a hub.
The network cable must be long enough to connect the computers together. Note: A wireless network will not need network cable or a hub.

Hope this helps! Good Luck!

 

@ yobuzzb not sure as far as com port on both p.c's the only port I see that has that many pins (25)is the printer port as far as the large telephone jack look alike my vaio is lacking but, there is one on the older p.c. (this was a server at a doctors office before I owned it) although it is older p3 this was quite a tower in it's day there are also alot of program's audio mixers and synthesizers I would love to get it to cough up.
as far as the network I cannot keep the computer as they are going to have it rebuilt and I'm sure they are going to get rid of 98 for xp so If Iam to get these files I'm afraid I have to do it soon. I believe they both have network adapters of some kind as both have software on them saying set-up servers and networks.
how do I check internally for the com port would this info just be in my computer hard ware devices or what?
any sugggestions would be appreciated as I'm sure it has become apparent that I am some what lost

ok in device manager I have founk out the vaio has no com port just a lpt1 printer port?

it does however have a usb2 enhanced host connection might this be helpful?

 

take the hard drive out of the "old" computer and try hooking it up as a slave drive on ya "good" one... should be able to read off it and snag ya files!...

 

ya knowing me the way i do I'm not thinking this is a good idea as I'm not so good at this but I am however very good at breaking smashing frying or otherwise totally disabling anything. but hey i'll try any thing once if this is my only option and fairly simple I will try it if there is some one w. the patients to answer any question' s like what is that smoke smell and is it supposed to glow red hot and similar.
thnx for any info

 

The simplest and the most cheaper answer has already suggested. Additionally you can use straght network cables with a hub, or a crossed (null) network cable if both pc's are equiped with ethernet adapters. Finally you can extract the hd from the old pc and use an external case and attach it to your notebook.

 

okay update the older p3 has the large telephone line looking connection and two 9-pin ports I am un able to locate either on the outercase of the vaio however in the vaio under device man. there are two entries under network adapters one say's [bold]1394 net adapter[/bold]
the other say's [bold]intel(r)pro/100 ve network connection[/bold]
no com ports just the printer lpt1 it also list the usb2 enhanced host connection

all the cross null network hubs and what not is still coming out french i'm just not fluent yet I will try googleing some of these terms and read up or maybe just give-up thanks for all the help

opening the older p.c. (gateway) I have noticed alot of connections to the hd there is a ribbon type bundle w/ a female connection for about thirty pins and a linking and a bundle linking the combo drive cd burner and hd labeled p1 through p5 I'm not sure how to disconnect the hd much less connect it to the vaio and am hesitant to make the attempt

 

once again the knowledge here is astounding I am somewhat dumb founded and am looking into the suggestions Iam going to give it a while to all sink in. Any suggestions/advice in the mean time will be appreciated.