Don,

Thanks for asking.

I have had this Exact problem - twice. And here is how I solved it and Why I had it.

Problem # 1. Computer Upgrade. Both running Win 98. All solutions asked about in stores etc. revolved around connecting the computers with a Network Cable. Problem was, neither computer had a network plug so another Solution had to be found.

Suggestion from Dan Butler was... install the old hard drive into the new computer. Make the old drive the Slave and the new drive the Master. This is done by rearranging small black Plug Covers on the drives - the drives Should have an image in the drive label which shows the relevant positions. (Google this for more info.)

Worked a treat. now my old drive was viewed as Drive E - C was the main drive, D was the CD Drive and E my old hard drive.

I just moved my files across using Windows Explorer - not Internet Explorer, Windows Explorer.

Once the data was transfered over, I deleted E drive's operating system to give me extra space and used it as a Backup Drive.

Problem # 2. Computer Upgrade Incompatible Hard Drives. In my previous upgrade both drives were IDE drives - they have a large flat ribbon coming out of them. The new computer had a SATA drive - blue cable coming from it. And so I couldn't just install the old drive into the new Dell.

Possible solutions are... using Memory Cards - a 4 gig card is cheap these days. And this can work if you have the time/patience to do so.

However, there is a better way.... get yourself an External Hard Disk Enclosure/Case - any electronics store like Tandy, Radio Shack etc., should sell them. One that allows you to put your old IDE hard disk into it and then it plugs into your new computer via a USB port. (such as Jay Car) or Radio Shack

(There was a fellow who posted here a year or so a go with a link to a site that sold such cases - cases for desk top drives and laptop drives. Do a search and you might find it. Think his name was Terry.)

I instantly am able to transfer as much data to the new drive as I like. Plus also have the added benefit of an external hard drive for backup storage. And can even use it as a normal hard drive. Such a running software off the new computer but having it store its files on the old hard drive.

Again, as this drive is now recognized as another drive, I can transfer files with Windows Explorer.

As for making websites... I'm one for hand coding. It ain't as hard as you might think. It's how I coded Hotsheetcity. Go through the lessons at http://www.pagetutor.com/index.html - basic and tables - and go from there.

Michael Ross
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