I am currently setting up a Dell Dimension 4600 to use. It's running XP home.
I would like to transfer some files from an older win 98 computer and purchased a
USB to IDE cable. It was my understanding I could access the old hard drive with this.

Now my question is when I hook up the cable to the new computer and old hard drive exactly HOW will I access the old files?
Will the old hard drive show up as a slave if I pull up internet explorer?
I'm not sure how to transfer the files after I hook up basically.
Any help surely appreciated, I need these files!

Hi JG,you can fit it as a slave internal or exteranl however I think you may run into the problem of 32 bit and NTFS?When trying to access the files.

I think you're right JB. Also, the IDE to USB cable won't provide power to actually spin up the HDD.

JG, my vote is to either go with installing the HDD internally as JB suggested, or buying an external HDD case. XP should recognize and enable access to the drive upon bootup, the old files can be selected, then either 'moved' or 'copied' to their new folder.

Hmmm, I appreciate the feedback. Think I might have to buy an external case it seems.
Thanks

Hi JG they are cheaper on ebay,or buy just the cables to connect HDD as external USB if you just want to get the data off it much cheaper.

Or set as slave drive internaly.Just attach it via IDE cable and a power cable and set small plastic jumper as slave drive.

Thanks Jelly Bean, I'm going to do one of those alternatives. You guys are great!

Now I have to post another (duh) question lol

Your welcome JG,.

Whats the other question?

The leads pack I had off ebay was 99p so whatch the prices and postage go for cheaper postage.It can be used to convert IDE or SATA.

The case I bought off ebay wich also converts to IDE/SATA internel to external was about £5.

The casing and leads were well worth it.