Retrieving data off of a older computer

[coreyrock]

I have a Windows 98 computer that i am trying to get the data off of the HD. My CD rom recorder isn't working, and the machine does not have an RJ45 jack or a USB port. I want the data put onto a computer that is running Vista. anyone have any ideas b4 I start to ebay for a compatable or replacement CD rom drive? Thank you in advance

 

[MRFS]

I do remember a peer-to-peer transfer program that
used a "reverse" parallel printer cable, typically colored yellow.

Check around: that might work for you.


Also, if this Windows 98 machine is connected to the Internet,
you could also FTP all the files to an ISP, then download
that same data set to any other machine that's also
connected to the Internet.


PATA/IDE DVD burners are really cheap now:
we've replaced our older DVD burners with LG models,
and they are working very well for us.


Lastly, 10/100 Ethernet cards are a dime a dozen now,
particularly if you can find a "boneyard" of used PC equipment.
The ones for PCI slots still work fine, because the bandwidth
of PCI slots is just enough for a Gigabit Ethernet card;
thus, 10/100 cards work fine in legacy PCI slots.


A lot depends on just how much data there are


MRFS

 

[coreyrock]

Thank you for your quick response, I may try the Ethernet card so I can hook up to the internet without dialup (yikes). I do hope that this machine uses PCI slots but as you say they are very cheap in price. Again, thank you!

 

[MRFS]

p.s. If you're comfortable removing the hard drive,
you can always "slave" it in your VISTA machine.

Also, you can "hot wire" your hard drive after removing
it from your Win98 machine, using this neat universal
cable and adapter:

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=2020-OTB&cat=CBL&cpc=CBLbsc

USB 2.0 TO SATA/IDE

At the right, you can see that it also comes with its own "power brick"
with a 4-pin Molex power cable, so you can power an older PATA/IDE
HDD externally. The Molex connector can be wired to another
adapter cable that mates to SATA power connectors.

It has connectors for 40-pin desktop, 44-pin laptop and SATA signal cables.
The other end is a standard USB connector.

For $15, you can't go wrong: I thought I would only use it once,
but it turns out I've now used it many MANY times


MRFS