so I plugged in a lan cable

[Starforce2]

Between my 2 computers. Anyone care to explain how I might use it to transfer data between them? It seems to have recognized automatically, but I've got no idea how to make use of it.

[Meteorafallen]

Three simple words Windows Easy Transfer, if both computers are connected to your network you can easily transfer data between them. If the other machine is an earlier version of windows you may have to download the program for it from Microsoft's website. Follow the steps in the wizard and you will be able to transfer anything from your other machine.

Here's the link to the download page.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features/windows-easy-transfer

The program comes pre-installed on Windows 7, it can be found in Start menu>Accessories>System tools> Windows Easy Transfer.

[Starforce2]

the other is xp service pack 3, I'll see if I can find something similar. Seems the mobo is going and every time I restart I need to reset the system clock and usb 2.0 so rather than try to mess around I am going to leave it on and try to lan over everything. Hopefully it will produce some decent speed.

[Nebula]

hmm that sounds like a bad cmos battery... XD

[Meteorafallen]

Exactly what I was thinking, time for a battery run lol. You can usually get get one for like $3.50 at Walmart, I'm not sure if they sell those in packs.

[Starforce2]

yea something I can worry about after I find it under all the dust.

Ok, I've got the transfer up in running but it seems a bit to automated for my tastes. I suppose it can't be set up to manually let me transfer files? IE as I go through stuff on the old machine drag it to a folder icon to send it to the new one?

[Nebula]

oh you can do that... the computer should be visible under startmenu/network just be sure that computer has a shared folder.

[Meteorafallen]

With the transfer wizard if you hit the advanced button you can manually search for files.

[tiqhud]

Oh , this mite make things easier, for future reference.

[King Class Scout]

I seem to remember the comp I'm using distinctivly having a transfer program in it.  and I'm running XP SP3.