[SpywareDr]

No, simply using an external hard drive between a computer running Windows 98 and another running Windows 7 would not adversely effect the drive.

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I wonder if Windows 98 could even recognize an EHD in a USB port. It doesn't "see" a mouse or keyboard with a  USB connector.

[debodun]

I wonder if Windows 98 could even recognize an EHD in a USB port. It doesn't "see" a mouse or keyboard with a  USB connector.

[SpywareDr]

Windows 98 cannot recognize USB devices without the correct drivers.

[123Runner]

It's beginning to sound like the best way is to put the Win98 hard drive in the new computer and transfer them that way.

The question then becomes, Is there an ide connector to hook it to.

 

Debodu, do you know if you have an ide connector in the new computer?

[SpywareDr]

StarTech makes a PCI-E to IDE Controller/Adapter card that works well: https://www.amazon.c...cie ide adapter

[debodun]

I'm not sure about the IDE.

[Kemasa]

I am not sure if they are still available, but there are external drive cases which an IDE drive can be put into and then connected to the new computer by USB. A quick search shows it appears that some are still available.

[paws]

This is a cheap version of the sort of thing we use in the workshop.

 

https://www.ebay.co....ar=441818887315

 

As it will accommodate both IDE and SATA drives from regular desktop and also laptop computers, it's a pretty versatile piece of kit.

Regards

paws

[123Runner]

Everyone seems to be losing track that the Op is trying to transfer files from his old Win98 to his Win7 unit.

The CD drive on the Win98 doesn't seem to work.

The USB ports on the Win98 require drivers specific to the device. In other words, a USB flash drive won't work.

The Win98 is not connected to the internet so he can't get them that way.

The only option is to physically remove the hard drive from the Win98 and install it in a USB enclosure like Paws and Kemasa indicated.

The USB enclosure can then be attached to his Win7 computer and he can transfer the files.

 

I use the following: https://www.walmart....6&wl13=&veh=sem

[Kemasa]

The CD on the Win98 is read only, so it should be able to read a CD.

The USB driver can be installed by creating a CD.

A local network can be created if the Win98 has an ethernet port, although a router might also been needed depending on how the other machine is connected.

 

If the Win98 has a floppy drive, then getting a USB floppy drive for the other machine is also possible.

[SpywareDr]

Another way would be to take the hard drive out of the Windows 98 machine and attach it to an IDE adapter in the Windows 7/10 machine.