Transferring Files From PC to Mac - Tips & Tricks

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods for transferring files from a PC to a Mac, including music, important files, and pictures. Participants explore various techniques and tools for this process, addressing both practical and technical aspects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using a LAN connection by creating a shared folder on the PC and accessing it from the Mac.
  • Another participant agrees with the LAN method and mentions using a USB memory or external drive as a second option, while also noting the possibility of burning CDs for file transfer.
  • There is a mention of the need for a "cross-over" ethernet cable for direct connections, as standard cables may not work without a hub.
  • One participant shares their experience of successfully using an Airport Extreme for file transfers between Macs, indicating a preference for wireless solutions.
  • Another participant highlights the advantage of using a large external HDD for transferring files, while also noting the time it takes to copy large amounts of data.
  • A participant expresses frustration with an older external HDD that is incompatible with their PC, leading them to use a smaller portable hard drive for transferring essential files.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the effectiveness of LAN connections and external drives for file transfer, but there are differing opinions on the reliability of ethernet cables and the practicality of various methods. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach for all users.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention specific technical requirements, such as the need for a cross-over ethernet cable, and the limitations of older hardware, which may affect the transfer process.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals transitioning from PC to Mac, particularly those with significant amounts of data to transfer, may find the shared experiences and suggestions beneficial.

offtheleft
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yes, i just got a nice new macbook pro... how do i get all my music, important files, pics, etc from my pc to my mac?! lol sorry i came here to ask but any info would be great !
 
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The easiest way I could think of is to do it over LAN.

So, if your computer is hooked up to the internet and your Macbook has wireless, you would create a share folder on the Windows PC, shove all your stuff in that folder, and then find it on your Mac and shove it all in the Mac.

I don't have much experience with Macs, so that's as specific as I can get.

If for some reason one or both aren't connected to the internet, try to borrow an Ethernet cable from someone, or just buy one for like $10 from Best Buy and do the exact same thing.
 
I agree with the LAN idea, if you have it. Next easiest is to use a USB memory or external drive. Third choice would be to burn a bunch of CDs. Side benefit is you get aother backup of your files.

An ethernet cable may or may not work on its own. I tried that once, but did not succeed. It's totally possible I had to configure ports in some particular way, but I just went straight to the USB device.

Here is the "PC to Mac" page from Apple's support center.
http://www.apple.com/support/switch101/
 
ethernet cable

Chi Meson said:
An ethernet cable may or may not work on its own. I tried that once, but did not succeed.

Hi Chi Meson! :smile:

You'd need a "cross-over" ethernet cable if you're connecting direct. :wink:

Ordinary ethernet cables only work if you connect via a hub (because the hub ports are "twisted" relative to the computer ports).
 


tiny-tim said:
Hi Chi Meson! :smile:

You'd need a "cross-over" ethernet cable if you're connecting direct. :wink:

Ordinary ethernet cables only work if you connect via a hub (because the hub ports are "twisted" relative to the computer ports).

Thanks, but no longer an issue. I have only owned one PC, a Compaq laptop running W '97. Now, with 3 Macs, any file transfer between computers is automatically available with the Airport Extreme. The fact that it is my neighbor's Airport Extreme is also not an issue!
 
thanks for the info everyone! ill get to right when i get out of work :)
 
I'd say the absolute easiest would be a large external HDD.

Good luck.
 
Copying via an external HDD takes a bit of time if you have lots of data, because you have to copy everything twice. On the plus side, when you're done you have a backup copy of all your files as of the migration date! :smile:
 
ugh my girlfriend let me borrow her external HDD. No dice... for some reason it doesn't work with my pc. its old and doesn't have usb2.0 so that could be it. I've slowlh but surely been moving everything with a portal HD with the capacity of 2gb. all i really need is my music and some of my pictures. oh and all the .sib files i have. i compose music as a side job and all that stuff is very important but i salvaged almost all of it so far.

i really love this mac!
 

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