hard drive data transfer

[mass0ver]

my mom has a old dell pc and wants to transfer all of the data from her old HD to her new portable hd. what's the best way to do this?

 

[superdave1984]

Do you have a router? If not, a crossover cable will do. Or if you want to spend a few bucks, try this.
ThinkGeek :: USB Data Link Transfer Cable

 

[mass0ver]

I do indeed have a router. however,the other computer is usable at the moment. I have no monitor, keyboard, or mouse to use. I'm wondering if I could just buy one of those cables...I'd power on the computer and connect the computers via the usb ports. But do you think I'd have to run a program on the other computeR? or can it all be done on my mom's laptop?

 

[superdave1984]

It works from one computer. No software that I am aware of. Probably need to hook a keyboard to the other computer. Some won't boot without one.