Recently I purchased a new computer and I would like to transfer some files from my old computer (running Windows 98 SE) to the new computer (running Windows XP Home). All the files to be transferred are around 20 MB each, except for one which is about 68 MB. The old computer has a floppy drive and CD-ROM drive and serial and parallel ports. The new computer does not have a floppy drive, but does have a CD/DVD writer, USB 2.0 ports, and a parallel port. I tried to have a network card installed in the old computer for networking to the new computer. The networking was attempted through a router (with a built-in modem) but the old computer did not respond to the networking. What is the best method to transfer files between the two machines, particularly the 68 MB file? In a recent Tip of the Week you suggested using a ‘crossover cable’ to directly connect the network interfaces of two computers. Can I use such a cable to physically connect the 2 computers, or do I need any other hardware? (more…)

My computer is on a local network running Windows XP Home Edition. After installing Windows XP Service Pack 2 the following message appears on Windows bootup: ‘The connection has limited or no connectivity’. How do I fix this problem? (more…)

Recently I upgraded from dial-up to broadband ADSL. I have a few questions regarding the ADSL connection:
1. Should I physically turn off my ADSL modem when the computer is turned off?
2. Will the ADSL modem still access the internet even if the web browser is not open?
3. When the computer is on and being used for word processing or spreadsheets, with the ADSL modem on, will it still access the internet?
4. Is it enough to exit the little ADSL icon on the taskbar situated on the bottom right hand side of the monitor?
The reason behind these questions is the usage rate limitations on my plan. I have tried several supposed ‘informed people’ but I seem to be getting different responses to my questions.
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After upgrading from Windows 98 SE to Windows XP, the printer port on my D-Link router is no longer visible to this computer. However, it is visible to the other machines on the network: one running Windows XP and another running Windows 98. As recommended by the D-Link website, I have installed a TCP/IP printer port on the machine. (more…)

If you are running a network at home, it can be useful to find out the network information for the network adapter(s) installed in a computer. Fortunately, there is a handy utility in Windows for this purpose. Open a command prompt by going to the ‘Start’ menu > ‘Run’ and type: ‘command’ (Windows 9x/Me) or ‘cmd’ (Windows 2000/XP) then press OK. At the command prompt, type: ‘ipconfig /all’ (without the quotes) and press ENTER. Windows 9x/Me also offers a graphical interface for this information. Go to ‘Start’ menu > ‘Run’ and type ‘winipcfg’ and press OK. (more…)