How to: Computer-to-Computer Data Transfer on a DB9

One of the most commonly known data-transfer cables used for older computer systems is the DB9. It belongs to the DB-style connector family, but its official nomenclature is D-subminiature. This type of connector derived its name from its trapezoidal appearance, which resembles the letter "D." The DB9 connector is normally used for serial applications such as a mouse and modem. DB9 serial ports can also be used to transfer data from a computer running Windows 95 through Windows XP, including Windows NT 4.0 and Windows ME, to a computer running Windows XP.

• 1

  Inspect your computers to confirm that they both have a serial port.

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  DB9 cables can be purchased from computer repair shops that deal mostly with older systems. serial connector image by Victor B from Fotolia.com

  Place the computers in stable positions where they can be connected together without stressing the cable. Avoid moving them while your data transfer is in progress. If you must move the computers, temporarily stop the transfer.

• 3

  Run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard on the machine that will receive the files by clicking "Start">"All Programs">"Accessories">"System Tools">"Files and Settings Transfer Wizard. Click "Next" and then "New Machine." Click "I want to create a wizard disk in the following drive." You can use a floppy disk, writable CD or USB flash drive. Pick a method that will work for both computers. Click "Next." Select the option that includes the operating system on the source computer. Click "OK." Insert the blank disk or USB drive you will use and click "OK." Click "Next." Connect the DB9 cable to both computers. Click "Autodetect" and leave the program running.

• 4
  computer connections image by Michael Shake from Fotolia.com

  Insert the disk or USB drive into the source computer. Click "Start" and then "Run." Type, without quotation marks, "drive:\fastwiz.exe" where drive is the letter of the USB drive or the drive you inserted the disk into. Click "Next," then "Old computer" then "Next." If your firewall pops up a window questioning whether to let the program run, instruct it to let the program run. Click "Direct Cable," "Next" and "Autodetect." In the window that pops up next, select the files and settings you wish to transfer. Click "Next" and "Next" again. When the computer is finished collecting information, it will request a password. Get the password from other computer and type it in. Click "OK" and then click "Finish."

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  Return to the computer receiving the files. When the transfer is complete click "Finish" and then "Yes" to log out. Reboot the computer and log in to use the transferred files and settings.