Topic: Best way to upgrade PCs and network?

[cdharris]

I have a small office network of 4 Pentium PCs, all 5-7 years old, running Win 98 2nd, and peer-peer Windows network using coax cable without a hub. I use the old Microsoft Mail program to share Outlook folders.  I do all my own software and hardware installation, and have been periodically upgrading components and software for 18 years.  Everything still works well enough, although slow in some cases, but we are having to install new software that will require upgraded PCs.  What is the best way to replace all 4 PCs and install a network hub with an internet router, etc and move most of the applications, data, Outlook, email, etc. on the old PCs to the new ones with a minimum of headaches?  I will need to do all this over a weekend. Is there a website I can go to for basic advice about upgrading?  Is there software which might be helpful? Thanks.

[Adept]

Hi cdharris, welcome to PC-Pals forum!

I don't know of any single specific sites that will give you the kinds of information that you need, maybe the others will be able to help with that. My best advice is to make sure that you have a PC with an Internet connection handy, so that if you get into trouble you can come to PC-Pals and ask for a solution

Seriously though, is there some specific advice you need? We are only here to help

[cdharris]

I mainly want my secretary to be able to come to work on Monday morning and be able to run WordPerfect, Excel, Quickbooks, etc. on her new computer without problems, and I want each of us to still be able to share calenders and contact lists in Outlook.  I could re-install all the programs on the new PCs, but that will be very time consuming, and I could copy the data files, but what about address books, Favorites folders, old email and all the personalized settings on each PC?  Are there any good solutions for moving all this to a new PC?  I don't want to just "mirror" or "clone" the hard drives because I need the new operating systems and there is a lot of stuff I don't need to copy, but if there is an easy way to copy programs, the necessary system and .dll files and data from one PC to another, that would be helpful.

[Adept]

If you are installing Windows XP on your new PCs, then you might want to consider using the new File and Settings Transfer Wizard that Microsoft provides.

This utility will allow you to transfer files and settings to your new computer, including Internet Explorer settings, Outlook Express settings, Documents, desktop and display settings etc. across a serial cable or network connection.

Unfortunately, I don't think there is a shortcut for the programs, You will have to install them again off the original CDs

[Simon]

Hi CD,

Adept is by far the expert here, but just to add, I used the XP File and Settings Transfer Wizard, when I upgraded to my new PC, and found it quite useful.  

[cdharris]

If you are installing Windows XP on your new PCs, then you might want to consider using the new File and Settings Transfer Wizard that Microsoft provides.

Thanks a lot.  Since I don't use XP now, I didn't know about the "File and Settings Transfer Wizard".  I looked it up in the Microsoft Knowledge Base and found a very helpful article (Article - 306187) at http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;306187#2 It sound like this should certainly help with the basic settings, etc.  Is anyone familiar with "PC Relocator 4.0" or "Aloha Bob PC Relocator Ultra Control" software?  Both claim to be able to transfer programs and data via direct cable or network connections from an old PC to a new one. Do they work and is one better than the other?  First of all, I need to come up with a "game plan."  Perhaps I should set up the new network and hub first, connecting to the old PCs, and then add the new PCs, one at a time, transferring the files, etc. for each over the network. Or would it be better to set up the new PCs and network first, and just transfer files, etc, from the old machines by disk or parallel cable (no USB on 3 machines) one at a time?  Not sure what would be best approach.  Thanks.

[bat69]

I've got a couple of guides to setting up LANs somewhere .... if you think they may be of use to you, I'll hunt them out and post links here

[cdharris]

I've got a couple of guides to setting up LANs somewhere .... if you think they may be of use to you

That would be great.  Thank you very much.

[bat69]

I'll hunt them out ... will be tomorrow tho (erm today but later ) is that ok?

They are quite basic and take you through the various stages of setting up LANs ... don't be offended if they are too basic, but as far as I can remember, they give good advice.

[Adept]

Is anyone familiar with "PC Relocator 4.0" or "Aloha Bob PC Relocator Ultra Control" software?  Both claim to be able to transfer programs and data via direct cable or network connections from an old PC to a new one. Do they work and is one better than the other?

I'm sorry, I don't know these programs I prefer the "old-fashioned" methods. I like to be in control

First of all, I need to come up with a "game plan."  Perhaps I should set up the new network and hub first, connecting to the old PCs, and then add the new PCs, one at a time, transferring the files, etc. for each over the network. Or would it be better to set up the new PCs and network first, and just transfer files, etc, from the old machines by disk or parallel cable (no USB on 3 machines) one at a time?  Not sure what would be best approach.  Thanks.

Either way has it's merits. However, if you set up the new network without disturbing the old one, it takes the pressure off you somewhat, in that if things go wrong, you can always go back to the old system and carry on working normally.

[bat69]

Okay here are some links to guides on networks and installing them

Tweak 3D
How Stuff Works Setting up a home network
How Stuff Works How ethernet works
How Stuff Works How Network Address Translation works
How Stuff Works How firewalls work
Home Net Help Home computer network tutorial
Networking News Ethernet Networks

These should keep you busy for a while     I hope they are of some help to you

[cdharris]

Thank you very much.  After I compete the upgrade, I'll post the results of the process and any advice I come up with through the experience.

[bat69]

Thanks cdharris ... that's very kind of you, and will be much appreciated.

Any what to dos and not to dos will be welcomed I'm sure