How To Copy Data From a Different Computer

Introduction

Almost everything that people do on a computer is saved to the hard drive. User-generated files from word processors, photo editors and music downloads are just a few of the examples of files that many people have on one computer, but want to copy to another computer. PCs are very versatile machines that users can change to meet very specific needs, even interacting with other computers in order to copy data. Transferring data from one system to the next is more than just connecting a cable or cord.

 

Step 1

Use a USB flash drive or SD memory card to transfer data from one computer to the next. Many modern laptops have every conceivable connection port that is necessary for copying data, including an SD card reader. If your desktop or laptop lacks these removable storage reader option, then you can purchase an adapter that connects to the outside of the PC.

Step 2

Purchase a USB to USB data cable so that you can copy data between computers. Here again, many computers already have at least two USB ports, which are free most of the time. Plug the cable into the USB ports on both PCs. The Windows operating system has a built in and native utility that recognizes USB to USB data cables when you plug them in to a PC. Use this utility or the one that was developed by the cable's manufacturer in order to copy data between computers.

Step 3

Use a router on your home network to copy data from one computer to the other. For example, many computers are directly connected to a network via an Ethernet cable or a wireless adapter. When all computers are connected you can use the Windows File Sharing functions in the operating system to copy files from one hard drive to another hard drive on a completely different computer.

Step 4

Email data from one computer and then open the email message on the other computer as a way to copy data. There may be limitations on the file size when you upload and download files using an email client, but it is fairly quick, so long as both computers have a stable Internet connection.

Step 5

Burn files to a DVD or CD in order to copy data from one computer to the next. Most modern computers have combination drives.

Tips

You should also back up files to a third source, as you copy data between computers.

 

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