For transfering files

If both machines have NIC cards  you can transfer files. IF they both have NIC card slot, take a crossover cable, and hook it up to each other. Make sure the workgroup names are the same.

(My Computer, right click Properties, go to the Computer Name tab)

For restoring the I2500 to "brand-new status"

Assuming that it has at least a CDROM drive... you need to format the drive (deletes everything) and reinstall XP with the XP disk you got with the I2500 system.)

http://www.theeldergeek.com/xp_home_install_-_graphic.htm

Okay couple of quesitons.  I don't know alot of about hardware.  What is a crossover cable and what is a NIC card?

If both PCs have USB ports and you have not too much to tranfer, you could get/borrow a USB flash memory key (AKA pen or stick). These are available in various memotry sizes, 16 to 256MB and beyond (but the larger ones are pricey). Or an external USB disk drive.

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dezhascall wrote: I have a Inspiron 2500 with XP.  I ordered a new Inspiron 5100 and I am wondering how to move files from my old computer to the new one.  I can't use disks because the 5100 doesn't have a drive for it.  The 5100 also only has UBS ports and nothing else.  How might I go about doing this?  Also, how might I go about returning my computer to all its original settings.  I am hoping to give my old computer to a friend and I want to take all the stuff and give it to her like it was when I got it. 

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If you do a Clean install of XP on 2500 it will remove all existing files.
Use this link for Clean Install of XP , if you click on Pictures they Expand for easy view
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

or use this link & 1st Delete existing partition at step 5 for Clean instal
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp

or this link & select XP Home or PRO with large pictures
http://www.windowsreinstall.com/
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On old computer to move Outlook Express files use OE  , File > Export  , Address Book > Text File & Browse to say Desktop,
for OE Messages use Search Advanced (1st 3 boxes ticked) for Outlook Express , mine is
C:\Documents and Settings\GJH\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{78054B30-C419-421E-8E0E-3707B039FC5B}\Microsoft\Outlook Express
right click & Copy then paste to say Desktop then right click & select Send To > Compressed (zipped) Folder
then send yourself Email with Address  Book Desktop file OE....csv file &  Outlook Express.zip Folder attached.

Retrieve this Email with new computer & Save attachments to say Desktop then use OE , File , Import
Other Address Book >  Text File & Browse to say Desktop OE....csv file
for OE messages use OE , File ,Import > Messages > OE 6 > Import mail from OE6 store directory &
Browse to say Desktop Outlook Express.zip

(haven't tried this but I think you need to have OE folders on new computer with same names as old computer OE Folder might also have to have OE Address book setup with same names.?)

Search for file then right click  & Send To > Mail Recipent can be used for other files or Copy & Paste to Desktop then ZIP for a Folder to attach to Email.

Message Edited by gryjhnhpe on 11-03-2003 07:19 AM

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dezhascall wrote: I have a Inspiron 2500 with XP.  I ordered a new Inspiron 5100 and I am wondering how to move files from my old computer to the new one.  I can't use disks because the 5100 doesn't have a drive for it. 

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I see from DELL info that the 5100 has a CD-RW Drive as standard so if your old computer also has a CD-RW Drive you can use File & Settings Transfer Wizard  , other say Desktop then burn created Folder to CD-RW & on new computer  Copy Folder from CD-RW to say Desktop then use Transfer Wizard  , "I don't need....."   , other  & Browse for Desktop Folder.

Could I just use a UBC cable between the two of them?

 

Don't think so, unless you can find appropriate software. The Windows transfer wizard will work only with serial port connection cable (or of course transfer via CD if you can).

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;293118