How do I transfer all my files/music/video on my XP laptop to my iMac?

PatMac · PatMac #1 (**permalink**)

02-06-2010, 02:38 PM

After persisting with a very slow and decrepit XP laptop, I took the plunge and went for Mac. I've only just started using my new iMac but I want to make some headway on transferring all my data across.

Is there an easy way to transfer files? I have an external HD which already holds most of my music and I was thinking to just plug into the iMac and send the files across but can it be that simple? I don't want to install Windows via bootcamp because once everything is switched over that'll be it; and remember I only have XP which has been used and abused over a number of years!

Can someone please help me before I make a costly error! I've had a look at other threads but I can't find a satisfactory answer.

Slydude · Slydude #2 (**permalink**)

02-06-2010, 03:08 PM

You should be able to transfer the files by plugging in the external drive as you suggested. Since the external drive has most of the files you want I would try that first.

The other alternative is to transfer the files via network. The following information is for Windows XP and 10.5 but it should give you an idea of what needs to be done. I know I have seen something 10.6 specific but cant lay my hands on it at the moment. File Sharing With OS X 10.5 - Share Mac Files with Windows XP

louishen · louishen #3 (**permalink**)

02-06-2010, 03:19 PM

You can do it manually over a network if you feel you know what you are doing.

If you are willing to pay $40 then there is software to make the whole thing easier
Move2Mac: Learn More About Move2Mac from Detto Technologies

Slydude #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Nov 15, 2009 Location: North Louisiana, USA Posts: 3,900 Mac Specs: 2.8 GHz MacBook Pro 10.8,3 8 GB mem, 2.66 GHz Mac Pro - Dead, iPhone 4	02-06-2010, 03:08 PM You should be able to transfer the files by plugging in the external drive as you suggested. Since the external drive has most of the files you want I would try that first. The other alternative is to transfer the files via network. The following information is for Windows XP and 10.5 but it should give you an idea of what needs to be done. I know I have seen something 10.6 specific but cant lay my hands on it at the moment. File Sharing With OS X 10.5 - Share Mac Files with Windows XP Sylvester Roque Former Contributing Editor About This Particular Macintosh No matter what time it is where I am it's early morning somewhere in the world. At that hour of the morning follow my advice at your own risk. Anything sounds good before your first cup of coffee
	QUOTE Thanks

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Transfer files from G4 powermac to intel imac	igeoff	Apple Desktops	2	10-18-2009 03:02 PM
iPhone to iMac Music Transfer, Am I Missing Something???	p0ssum man	Switcher Hangout	6	11-24-2008 09:33 PM
Touch or Imac transfer to pc	DarC	iPod Hardware and Accessories	1	07-13-2008 02:57 AM
Transfer from old imac OS 9 to new Imac OS X	el_lasso	Running Windows (or anything else) on your Mac	0	02-26-2008 06:03 PM

How do I transfer all my files/music/video on my XP laptop to my iMac?

Internet Services

Web Development

Digital Marketing

Consumer Tech

PatMac #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Feb 06, 2010 Posts: 2 Mac Specs: iMac 27"/3.06Ghz/4Gb/HD4670/1Tb, iPhone 3GS 16Gb, iPod Classic 80Gb	02-06-2010, 02:38 PM After persisting with a very slow and decrepit XP laptop, I took the plunge and went for Mac. I've only just started using my new iMac but I want to make some headway on transferring all my data across. Is there an easy way to transfer files? I have an external HD which already holds most of my music and I was thinking to just plug into the iMac and send the files across but can it be that simple? I don't want to install Windows via bootcamp because once everything is switched over that'll be it; and remember I only have XP which has been used and abused over a number of years! Can someone please help me before I make a costly error! I've had a look at other threads but I can't find a satisfactory answer.
	QUOTE Thanks

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)