Windows 7 Trying to transfer XP files to Windows 7

J

Jayorama

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• Mar 12, 2012

Thread Author #1

I have files backed up on a WD My Book external hard drive from my XP computer. When I plug in the USB in my new HP Touchsmart, it opens the jump drive, but says the folder is empty.
I also have files on my PNY jump drive from the XP and another Vista computer. It opens the jump drive and sees the Vista files but not the XP files. The Vista computer sees all files on the WD My Book and the PNY jump drive. Any suggestion to get Windows 7 to see the files. My old computer died, so I can't use Windows Easy Transfer.

 

patcooke

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• Mar 12, 2012

#2

Unless they are something unusual it should not make any difference whether they were created under xp or windows 7. What files types are they?

 

J

Joe S

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• Mar 12, 2012

#3

Do you have access to another XP machine to see if they show there?
Joe

 

J

Joe S

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• Mar 12, 2012

#4

What did you use to copy the files? Did you use any backup software?
Joe

 

J

Jayorama

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• Mar 12, 2012

Thread Author #5

They are just word documents, photos, videos, mail files, the usual stuff.

 

J

Jayorama

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• Mar 12, 2012

Thread Author #6

I just tried them in another XP machine and they open. I tried them in a laptop with windows 7 and they don't show up. Same result as the new all in one.

 

J

Jayorama

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• Mar 12, 2012

Thread Author #7

I used the drag and drop method to copy the files. Under "My computer" on the windows 7 machine. The "My Book" external hard drive shows up and shows 426 GB free of 930GB. Same with the PNY jump drive.

 

J

Joe S

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• Mar 12, 2012

#8

That's pretty strange. Did you reformat the drive before using it on XP? Do you have room on your new PC to copy the stuff? Booting from a Linux live CD might let you access the external and copy the files to PC. Try a few and make sure there isn't a corruption issue. I'll contact somebody at the WD forum and see if I can find anything out. One thing to try go into folder settings and check show hidden files.
Joe

 

Last edited: Mar 12, 2012

J

Jayorama

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• Mar 12, 2012

Thread Author #9

I didn't reformat. Just pluged it in as received from the factory. The HP is brand new and has 1 TB of storage, so there is plenty of room. I'll try your suggestions. Thanks!

 

J

Jayorama

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• Mar 12, 2012

Thread Author #10

I just checked to show the hidden files and am able to access them. Thanks.

 

J

Joe S

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• Mar 12, 2012

#11

Thanks for posting back.
Joe

 

J

Jayorama

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• Mar 12, 2012

Thread Author #12

One more question. Now that I have transfered the files and photos to the new computer, they show up half bright, I guess as hidden files do. This makes it annoying and difficult to see when looking at photo thumbnails. Do you know if there is a way I can get them to show up normally?

 

J

Joe S

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• Mar 12, 2012

#13

I'll PM somebody who knows more.
Joe

 

Drew

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• Mar 12, 2012

#14

Rt Clk the 'hidden' (slightly faded) folders & uncheck the Hidden check box. They'll appear 'normal' henceforth.

Drew