How to transfer old DOS files to XP or newer computer?

[JL Sargent]

I want to copy 100mb worth of files from an old DOS/Win98 computer (has a 3.5" floppy)  to a Windows XP or newer machine.

Any suggestions on how that could be done?

 

What I have tried:

I Created a DOS boot disk that included Laplink 5 (file sharing software) on board for the XP machine. Installed Laplink 5 on the DOS machine. I connected a serial/serial cable to the computers. They found each other all was looking good. Then I realized DOS would not look at the NTFS formatted C: drive.

 

 

[Mighty Favog]

I would pull the drive from the Win98 computer and get one of these things to connect it via USB to the new computer. I've used one of these many, many times to hunt down pictures, etc. from a totally messed up Windows OS drive.

[JL Sargent]

Thanks for the suggestion but I'm still using the old dos computer which has a much larger drive than 3.5". It would be an interesting way to go about it though if the XP machine would talk to the old HD directly. 

[Coytee]

Would a backup/restore work? 

 

Can DOS machine see internet?  Could you copy to the cloud & then return it?

 

(honest questions, I don't know)

[JL Sargent]

Hey Richard. No the DOS machine has no internet capability of any kind.

 

What I was doing:

Occasionally backing up to a parallel port zip250 Iomega drive. I had two of those and they both have gone Kaput.

[JL Sargent]

One idea is to run dual DOS/win98SE PCs. Keep each PC up to date with relevant programs/files.

[Wolfbane]

DOS = Damn Old Storage.

[JJkizak]

DOS? Now I remember, the only operating system that I felt I was in command and not the operating system.

JJK

[JL Sargent]

Post #7 works but only 1.44mb at a time. With a 100mb to do........

[Mighty Favog]

I'misspelled willing to the old drive is connected to the mother board via an IDEA port. So the gizmo I listed above should work. Or this.

http://www.microcenter.com/product/373131/3_in_1_SATA-IDE_to_USB_20_adapter

[Mighty Favog]

DP

Edited April 19, 2016 by Mighty Favog

[Marvel]

You can add a netsork card, give it an ip address, and find an ftp utility conect from the xp or newer computer.

Then use ftp commands

[wvu80]

I want to copy 100mb worth of files from an old DOS/Win98 computer (has a 3.5" floppy) to a Windows XP or newer machine. Any suggestions on how that could be done?

 

I have used Laplink in the past.  If you can use that, we are in business.

 

Put a thumb drive on a USB port.  Most thumb drives use FAT32 instead of NTFS, but if yours doesn't simply format it the FAT32.  Your laplink will see it as simply drive D or whatever.  It WILL take some time copying all those files, but it is doable.

Edited April 19, 2016 by wvu80

[BusaDude]

Why not use a writable CD/DVD? Even if the old PC doesn't have a rewritable CD/DVD drive, they can be purchased for around $20... And there are all kinds of PATA/IDE/SATA conversion cables to connect to the old motherboard.

[JL Sargent]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.