I have bought a new computer after my old one crashed (both xp).As some of my files were not backed up I have bought an USB 2.0 to sata/ide adapter. Now after connecting my old hard disc to my new computer I can find my files from my old hard disc but do not know how to transfer the ones I had not backed up to my new computer. I read in a review before I bought the adapter you drag and drop your files but drop them where and how? Any help in layman's terms as I am not very computer literate would be much appreciated.

First, understand your "programs" must be reinstalled in order for you to use them. Simply copying them to the new drive does not "install" them so Windows can run them. But all your document files - those files you created with your program can simply be copied or moved over.

For me, the best way to open two windows, one showing the source location (the folder on the old drive with the files) and one for the destination (a folder on your new drive). Then you can "drag" them over. You do this by "click and hold" the mouse button on the old file, move the mouse to the new folder and let go ("drop") the mouse button to paste it in the new location.

Alternatively you can go to the old drive, right click on the file you want to copy or move, select copy (or cut to move). Then move your mouse to the new location, right click in an empty space in the destination folder, and select paste.

I think what is the option i will take too.If you are not sure then copy all your documents across before you can choose to delete or leave which ever you want.

Thank you very much for the information which was easy for me to understand.I have now moved over the documents that I wanted. janman.

Originally Posted by janman

Thank you very much for the information which was easy for me to understand.I have now moved over the documents that I wanted. janman.

You are welcome and thanks for the followup