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Easy Way to Transfer Large Files Between Computers

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Moving your data from one laptop to another doesn't have to be a huge headache - there are several methods for quickly transferring digital data. The number and size of the files you're wanting moved, the types of laptops you are transferring between, and your own technical confidence will help determine which method is the best fit for you.

  1. 1

    Ensure both computers are on same network. A Server Message Block (SMB) is a protocol (set of rules) for transferring files between computers over the internet. The laptops can be either PCs or Macs (or a combination) for this method to work. This is the easiest and fastest method for large scale file transfer between laptops.

    • Use only a secure connection - don't try this over a public network.
    • Make sure to password-protect your user profiles on both computers for extra security.
    • Your server laptop is the one with the files, the client laptop is the one you want to transfer the files to.

  2. 2

    Set up your server laptop. The server computer is the one currently holding the files you want to transfer. You'll need to change the network settings by designating a workgroup name. This workgroup will act like a conference room where your two computers will meet. The name for the workgroup can be anything you decide.

    • In Windows OS, choose a workgroup name through "computer domain and workgroup settings". Applying this change will trigger a restart for your PC.
    • On a Mac, choose a workgroup name through System Preferences->Network->Advanced->WINS. Choose your workgroup name and apply the changes.[1]
    • In either case, make a mental note of the "name" of the the server computer.

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  3. 3

    Switch to the client laptop. Go through the same network workgroup setup process on your client computer. Make sure to use the exact same workgroup name as you did with your server computer.[2]

  4. 4

    Access the files and begin the transfer. Now it's time to begin moving your files. Look for the "name" of the server laptop and click into it to access all shared folders from that laptop.

    • In Windows, open your "Network" application. All computers in the shared network workgroup should appear within a few seconds, including the server laptop you just set up.
    • On a Mac, all computers in the shared network workgroup will appear in your Finder window.

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  1. 1

    Set up an FTP server. An FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is another handy way to transfer files between machines using only the internet. First you'll work with the server computer - the one that has the files you want to transfer - in order to make it accessible. FTP is generally best if you feel you need recurring access between your two laptops.

    • On a Mac, go to System Preferences->Sharing->Services and check "FTP Access". Next click "Start" and wait for the change to apply. Note that this path may be slightly different in different versions of OSX.
    • In Windows, go to Control Panel->Programs->Programs and Features->Turn Windows features on or off. Next click the plus symbol next to "Internet Information Services" (IIS), then put a check next to "FTP Server." Click "OK".

  2. 2

    Install an FTP client on the client computer. This is software that allows you to easily access FTP servers with only the server address or IP address. Popular ones include FileZilla, WinSCP, Cyberduck, and WebDrive.[3]

  3. 3

    Access the files on the FTP server from the FTP client. Now all you need to do is log in to the FTP server from the client computer and access your files for fast and secure transfer.

    • On a Mac, go to Finder->Go->Connect to Server. You will be prompted for the server or IP address of the server computer. Enter it and click "Connect".
    • In Windows, open your internet browser and type the server computer's IP address into the address bar directly. Go to File->Login As. Enter the username and password to log in.
    • If you're having trouble finding your server computer's IP address, consult Find Your IP Address on a Mac or Find the IP Address of Your PC.
    • For more details on the FTP method of transferring files, check out Set up an FTP Between Two Computers.

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  1. 1

    Find a compatible storage device. External hard drives and other USB flash drives are sometimes formatted to work with one operating system (OSX or Windows) only. Depending on the computers you're transferring between you may need to reformat to a more universal formatting option (FAT32) before attempting the transfer. Using a storage device is one of the slowest methods for file transfer but may be the simplest to execute if you're feeling intimidated by the more technical methods.

    • If the storage device is recognized and the files are accessible on both computers, you can proceed.
    • If reformatting is necessary you can find more information at Format FAT32
    • The limitation of this method is typically speed, as numerous large files will take a significant amount of time to transfer in this fashion.

  2. 2

    Plug the storage device into the server computer. Check that you have enough space on the storage device to house all the files you'd like to transfer before beginning. Your best bet is to know in advance how much space you will need and to plan accordingly.

  3. 3

    Move the files to the storage device. This process will be like other file management on your laptop - simply drag and drop the files you need and wait while they are fully transferred to the storage device.

  4. 4

    Eject the drive and connect to the client laptop. Make sure to disconnect properly to avoid damaging the files, then drag and drop to the client laptop's desktop or another more appropriate location.

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  1. 1

    Choose a cloud storage service. Companies like Dropbox, Google Drive and many others offer cloud storage for your most important files and can also act as an effective file transfer method between laptops. You'll need an account with one of these providers (initial membership and some storage space is typically free).[4] [5]

    • The limitations to this method will be storage space, upload time, and potential cost - however if you need to move smaller files on a more frequently basis this may be a great solution for you.
    • You can also use Microsoft OneDrive, which integrates with your Office 365 subscription.[6]

  2. 2

    Move your files into the cloud. Depending on the service this may be as simple as dragging and dropping the files to your open internet browser, or could involve a more formal file upload procedure. Wait while the cloud service uploads your files in full.

  3. 3

    Access your cloud account from the client computer. Download the files you want to this laptop and the transfer is complete!

    • Cloud services also provide extra security through consistent file backup and the possibility of collaborative file editing, so getting to know cloud storage may be a smart move for you regardless!

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  1. 1

    Check the compatibility of your laptops. Both laptops will require a firewire input and you will need an appropriate firewire cord to connect them.

    • This method makes the most sense if you are transferring between either two Macs or two PCs. If instead you are transferring between operating systems then look into a different method.

  2. 2

    Plug in both ends of the firewire. Firewire plugs take a few different forms - double check you have the right cord and appropriate adaptors to fit both of your laptops before beginning.

  3. 3

    Access the server computer through the client computer. Use the client laptop (the one you want files transferred to) to find and access the server laptop (the one with the files). Once connected it should appear on the desktop or else where external drives normally appear.

  4. 4

    Drag and drop files as normal. Now that your laptops are directly connected you can shift files as needed, similar to any other file management on your computer.

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  1. 1

    Set the receiver of the email as your own email address. Emailing yourself can be a quick and simple way to send one or two smaller-sized files to a different computer, for anything more try one of the other methods.

  2. 2

    Attach files to the email. Different email clients (e..g gmail, hotmail, yahoo) have different attachment size limitations. Some allow you to drag and drop files directly to the email body while others require you to click "attach" and then browse your computer's file trees.

  3. 3

    Log into your email on the client computer. Now download the attachment.

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  1. 1

    You can set up a network between 2 PCs directly without access point

  2. 2

    You have to use a crossover ethernet cable

    • Set up the IP addresses and subnet mask to be with the same network
    • Share a folder on one PC
    • Copy files from the other PC to the shared folder

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Add New Question

  • Question

    How do I transfer files from Windows to Mac?

    Stan Kats

    Stan Kats is a Professional Technologist and the COO and Chief Technologist for The STG IT Consulting Group in West Hollywood, California. Stan provides comprehensive technology solutions to businesses through managed IT services, and for individuals through his consumer service business, Stan's Tech Garage. Stan holds a BA in International Relations from The University of Southern California. He began his career working in the Fortune 500 IT world. Stan founded his companies to offer an enterprise-level of expertise for small businesses and individuals.

    Stan Kats

    Professional Technologist

    Expert Answer

    Use the built-in networking features between Windows and Mac OS. Enabling those allows you to share files directly—you just create a shared folder and grant access to the other machine, so it can pull files across.

  • Question

    What is the fastest way to transfer files between computers?

    Stan Kats

    Stan Kats is a Professional Technologist and the COO and Chief Technologist for The STG IT Consulting Group in West Hollywood, California. Stan provides comprehensive technology solutions to businesses through managed IT services, and for individuals through his consumer service business, Stan's Tech Garage. Stan holds a BA in International Relations from The University of Southern California. He began his career working in the Fortune 500 IT world. Stan founded his companies to offer an enterprise-level of expertise for small businesses and individuals.

    Stan Kats

    Professional Technologist

    Expert Answer

    Try using a cloud service, like Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, or Dropbox. In fact, Microsoft OneDrive syncs directly with your Office 365 subscription, which is handy.

  • Question

    What is a fire wire cable?

    Community Answer

    It is a data cable similar to a USB. It is a fast, data-transmitting cable designed by Apple; however, it's outdated.

  • Question

    What is a crossover cable?

    Community Answer

    It's a cable that looks very much like a standard ethernet/network cable, but it is wired "cross-over" on the inside. This allows two master devices (e.g. PC-PC) to communicate, which means that you can build a tiny local network when you use such a cable.

  • Question

    What is a display port cable?

    Community Answer

    Display Port is a widely used standard cable, akin to HDMI, that can be used for video streaming to peripherals like monitors and TVs.

  • Question

    Am I able to transfer files from Vista (HP) to Windows 10 (Lenovo) with a firewire?

    Community Answer

    You will probably not be able to Transfer data from a PC to a PC because electronic data transmitting devices use a "MASTER-SLAVE" System, whereas a hard-drive is a slave and the PC is a master device, if you want to Transfer data using a data cable, you'll need to connect a master device (your VISTA PC) to a Slave device (External Hard drive) because you cannot connect a Master (Vista PC) to a Master device (Windows 10 Lenovo)

  • Question

    Do files get a new name when transferred to another computer's program?

    Community Answer

    Not unless you rename them.

  • Question

    What kind of cables should I use for this?

    Community Answer

    You could use a use a USB, but this may cause damage to the ports and computers. When transferring regular files, save it onto a flash drive, put that into a computer and saving that onto the other computer.

  • Question

    How do I transfer files from a laptop with a broken screen to another laptop?

    Community Answer

    Most laptops have an HDMI, DVI, or some other video port. The easiest solution so far is buying a monitor and plugging it in one of above mentioned ports. You can then use your screen and freely transfer the files! You can also hook up an external keyboard and mouse and continue to use the laptop with the broken screen as a desktop computer.

  • Question

    How can I transfer a 25GB file between two different PCs in a small amount of time?

    Fluffy Fennekin

    Fluffy Fennekin

    Community Answer

    To transfer that big of a file in a short amount of time, you should get yourself a high-transfer speed USB, or get yourself an SSD.

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  • For larger-scale file transfers, consider using methods 1 or 2 (smb or FTP)

  • For security reasons don't attempt file transfers via unsecured public networks

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Things You'll Need

  • 2 laptops
  • A secure (private) network connection
  • Firewire cable
  • External hard drive or other USB drive formatted to work with both laptops

About This Article

Article Summary X

1. Find a USB drive that works for both systems.
2. Plug the drive into the host computer.
3. Move files to the drive.
4. Eject the drive.
5. Insert the drive into the other computer.
6. Copy files from the drive to the computer.

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Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Transfer-Files-Between-Laptops

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