Connecting XP and Vista Computers via Firewire

[flasher40]

Hi,

I want to connect two computers to transfer files from one to the other. The one with the files is running under XP; the other one Vista.

In researching forums, I've found some comments indicating a problem in Vista concerning Firewire support; and other comments saying their Vista computers are working fine with Firewire.

So, my question is, do I or do I not need drivers not included with Vista in order to transfer files to a Vista computer using a Firewire cable?

If I do need drivers, where's the best place to find them on the Internet. Are there any free ones?

Thanks!
Bill

 

[lhuegele]

My question to you is WHY would you want to use a firewire cable to transfer files between the two computers? An ethernet cable would be much faster anyway.

Good luck,

 

[vanka25]

I'm with lhuegele on this one; get a cross-over Ethernet cable, connect the two computers, manually set the IP addresses, setup your shares, and start transferring files. This is exactly what you would have had to do with Firewire. Plus, TCP/IP over Firewire is no longer available in Vista.

 

[flasher40]

Plus, TCP/IP over Firewire is no longer available in Vista.

Well, that seems to answer my question; in other words, am I to assume that Firewire transfers are not an option with Vista no way, no how? There is no fix?

I was hoping to use Firewire because I have the cable, and it would have been a one-time event. If it had been possible, it would have been a simple solution, instead of having to purchase other hardware. From what I had read, Firewire transfers from one computer to another (XP computers, anyhow) was very simple.

Bill

 

[linney]

There are other ways to transfer your data as these articles explain.

How to use Windows Easy Transfer to migrate files and settings from one Windows-based computer to another Windows Vista-based computer

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928634/en-us

Description of Windows Easy Transfer for Windows Vista

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928635/en-us

How to use Windows Easy Transfer Companion to transfer programs from Windows XP with Service Pack 2 to Windows Vista

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/931696/en-us

This article is more to do with actual Firewire Devices but it may be handy for you to know about the problem.

Windows Vista does not enumerate an IEEE 1394a device that you connect to the computer

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927827/en-us

 

[BadBigBen]

There are many ways to transfer DATA between computers:

1. ethernet, as mentioned...
2. move HDD between PC's, either external enclosure or mount in the case...
3. DVD/CD ...
4. Firewire, as you have mentioned...
5. USB transfer cable, ergo PC-Link...
6. Null Modem, over the parallel port (snails are faster)...
and I'm quite sure that there are others...

I'd do as lhuegele, vanka and linney describe... it is the easiest and probable the safest route to take...

How to Network Vista and XP Computers Together

http://www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=1165037

Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

 

[lhuegele]

No need to buy new hardware - just take your ethernet cable that's running to your internet connection and use it to connect the 2 computers via the ethernet jack. You don't really need a cross-over cable as your NIC cards should be able to figure out the connection and adjust accordingly.

There is a device you can get that will allow you to plug in 3 different hard drive types to it. On the other end is a USB cable that allows your computer to see the hard drive as any other FLASH drive! It's really great for backing up data on old hard drives you have laying around but it's also great for what you want to do - which is transfer data from one computer to the other.

As you can see, your options are all over the map. Sorry you can't use your firewire cable but that shouldn't stop you from doing what you want.

Good luck,