For this guide we will be covering in-depth how to do a PC to PC Data Transfer. If you feel these instructions are too hard or just want something easier then we recommend using PCmover from Laplink at laplink.com/pcmover/. This software works great and can save you many headaches. Alternately you can have us do the transfer for you online at http://www.onlinecomputerrepair.org.
In this article we will be doing a PC to PC Data Transfer. The computer you have your data on will be called your old computer and the one you want to do the data transfer to will be known as your new computer. This guide is good for Windows 2000, XP and Vista.
File and Settings Transfer Wizard
For this exercise we will assume you do not have a network setup. If you do you should be able to fill in the blanks.
On Your New Computer you need to start the Windows Easy File Transfer Wizard. go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > File and Settings Transfer Wizard. Once opened hit next and then select new computer. Type a path and folder name in which you will store the Windows Easy Transfer files. The default value is C:\migwiz. Click Next
On Your Old Computer plug the external device into your computer and open the migwiz file. If you are on a network just browse to where the file is stored on your new computer. When asked were you wish to store the files select a new folder on the media you are transferring the data to.
The fun part has arrived. You have a few different options. You can transfer over everything transferable by keeping the default settings at “Both files and settings”. If you choose this method then your personal Files and folders, E-mail settings, such as contacts and messages, Program settings, User accounts and settings, Internet settings and favorites, Music, pictures, and videos will be transferred over. You should consider re-installing any software you have on your old computer to the new one first. This way once the settings transfer is done your settings will all be there. If you install the software programs after the Windows Transfer Wizard then some of your custom settings may not be present. The Windows Transfer Wizard does not transfer over software programs. The only program on the market that does this is PCmover.
Now that the data has been copied onto your removable storage device you can plug it into your new system. Click Continue a transfer in progress. Some times you have to restart the wizard if this is the case just restart is and click the Continue a transfer in progress. Select the path to where the files are at on your media device. If you are on a network just browse to the path on the network.
That’s just about it. If you had multiple drives on your old computer you will be asked were you want to store those files. Many new systems have a second hard drive in them. If that is the case then just place them on the second drive.
As you can see it’s not all that hard. Once again if you have major issues or this looks too complicated then have us do it for you or just purchase PCmover Here to do it for you.
Transferring files over a network is the easiest option. If you do not have a network setup then an external USB hard drive is the next and lastly burning data to a disk. If you have to burn the data to a disk it may take a while and several disks depending on how much data you have to transfer.
If you’re considering using PCmover you should check out the below links for helpful advice. I have used the program many times and even have a video walk through
What I would like is to make my “new” PC (refurbed, with same XP OS as old machione but with bigger hard drive, more RAM and faster processor) look exactly like my current PC in all respects.
– Is your “HOME” version the one for me?
– Do I need to buy a connecting cable of some kind?
– What if anything do I need to do on the “new” PC before starting the transfer-crossover?
– I am an idiot — is it idiot-proof?
Thank you.
Jack,
First thing to point out is XP is End of Life. You should not want XP installed on a new computer. It will not have support going forward and you will find most computers are now 64 bit. This means better processing power. However if you keep the XP system you are loosing out on this.
With that said here is what you would need to do for XP.
The home version will work, however you will need to re-purchase a new retail copy of XP. You can not transfer over the license to a new computer. So you would need to then install XP on the new PC. Then install the PC Mover software on both machines and do the transfer.
The boxed version of this software does come with a cable.
It is very easy to use and should work well for you. To avoid any hick-ups I would ensure both XP operating systems have the same Service packs.
There are many different ways to do the transfer but to be idiot proof use the PC Mover program. It works and is simple compared to all other methods.
Ah, thank you. So much to learn, so little time … but what you offer makes sense to me, and, as Judge Judy says, if it makes sense then … Thank you once again.
— Jack, CCI (Certified Computer Idiot)