Although it is manually possible to accomplish such file transfers from one computer to another by copying the files manually and installing applications and manually setting personalization settings, there is an easier, much faster way to do it. The easier and more professional method is to use specific file transfer software such as PCMOVER developed by Laplink. PCMOVER will create specific data tables and related files in a single backup type image which can be singularly moved to the other computer without any problems. An external USB flash drive or optical disks such as CD/DVD could be used for this.

PCMOVER also copies the settings of the user as well as applications whenever required. This is a bonus if you want to move applications from one computer to another, as it is nearly impossible to do manually. PCMOVER will also transfer settings such as user preferences, email accounts and other settings to a different computer without causing any problems.

It is evident from the above facts that PCMOVER is the best solution out there if you need to transfer files from one computer to another.

This problem springs up when a user is attempting to move files from Windows Vista to Windows 7 as well. Settings such as registry values, activation keys and user preferences are virtually impossible to move from Windows Vista to Windows 7 for someone who does not have technical expertise. As Windows 7 is the newest operating system and not fully documented, it would be very easy if there were some method to transfer files and settings without having to do it manually.

There are many software solutions available to accomplish this, the first and easiest being to use migration software. A good example for such a migration software application is Laplink PCMOVER.

Laplink PCMOVER makes it possible to move files within the same computer to a different hard drive or to a different installation of Windows 7. It also allows file transfer to a brand new computer (which has Windows 7 installed) via USB cable. The process is easy and takes little time, as Laplink PCMOVER will copy files in increments of 4GB each to maximize speed and minimize data loss. Along with files, Laplink PCMOVER also transfers registry settings, programs and personal user settings such as browser settings, desktop background, favorites and bookmarks. All network and internet settings which make your computer your own personal workspace will also be migrated to the new installation of Windows 7, along with Media playlists and images.  This saves you a large amount of time and hassle, and as Laplink PCMOVER is available for a minimal fee, it is easy on the budget as well.

However, if you are looking for a free method to migrate from Windows Vista to Windows 7, the best way is to do it is to perform an ‘upgrade’ type installation of Windows 7 on to your computer. This will apply your old settings, software, registry entries and preferences to the new installation of Windows 7. However, only Windows Vista Home Premium can be upgraded to Windows 7 Home Premium, and the same goes for the Professional versions of these two operating systems.

The Laplink Pro version comes with a transfer cable.  You would need to order the box version to get the free transfer cable.

Microsoft does not support a direct upgrade path for XP to Windows 7.  That means that if you want to install the latest and greatest operating system you have to do a clean install.  That means wiping out your drive and installing the new operating system on it.

I know what you’re thinking and I am right there with you.  Why would the big M do such a thing?  The answer is rather complicated but in a nut shell XP is a legacy operating system.  It’s been out for a decade now and has not been supported by them for a while besides updates.

The truth of the matter is you do have several different options.  I will do my best to give you a quick over view of your options.  Please read till the end because there are some important steps you do not want to miss out on.

The first is a delayed data transfer.  Basically you use the Easy Transfer Wizard to backup all your personal settings and documents.  Then you save it to a DVD, external drive of over the network.  Now that you have a copy of all your personal stuff you can wipe the drive.  Ensure you disconnect the backup device you used first.  This ensures you do not do anything too dumb like wipe the wrong drive.  Now you can install Windows 7 and then transfer over all your personal settings and documents.  I should note that you will still need to re-install your programs but your custom settings and personal files will be there.  Don’t think of it as a inconvenience.  Instead think of it as starting fresh.  Your operating system will never of been faster.  At least I’m trying to look on the bright side.

The second option is not one I would personally use but it works.  It requires you to, dare I say it,  buy Vista.  You use the vista disk to first upgrade from XP to Windows Vista.  Then install the SP1 for Vista and then upgrade again to Windows 7.  It works like a charm.  Just note that you need to keep the same bit platform. So if you have XP 32 bit then you will need to use the Windows 7 32 bit.  Also if you use Vista home then you will have to use the Windows 7 home, the same goes for Pro.  If you use Windows Vista Premium then you have to use Windows 7 premium.  Are you confused yet?  I will add a chart at the bottom of this article to help you out.

I saved the best option for last.  Call it a reward for you reading through the rest of the article.  In this option you will be able to transfer over all your programs and custom settings.  That is correct.  You will not have to re-install your software programs.  The only down side is you will need to spend around 30 bucks on a program called Pcmover Upgrade Assistant.  This is the best 30 bucks you will spend this year.  In a nut shell you install the PCMOVER  Upgrade Assistant program.  Then run the wizard.  Just follow the prompts. Then insert the Windows 7 CD.  Choose “custom” install.  The purpose of this is so you do NOT format the drive.

Once the install is done you need to re-install the Pcmover Upgrade Assistant software.  Now you can follow the prompts and get all your data moved over into Windows 7.  This software works on 32 to 64 bit transfers and vice versa.  It is really a slick program for the low cost.

Now onto the important message.  Before you install Windows 7 you need to think about a few things.  First is to ensure your programs will still work on Windows 7.  Chances are they will but you may want to double check first.  I would recommend using the Windows 7 upgrade adviser tool from Microsoft.  Just follow the link.  It’s a free tool and it will let you know how well your PC should run on a Windows 7 as well as what hardware and software will work.  Keep in mind you may still need to get some driver updates or update your software program to make it compatible.  Just be prepared for that.  You need to run the free upgrade adviser tool first just to make sure.

If you are using a computer built from a manufacture then I would suggest you go to that manufacturers website and click on the support section.  then go to the drivers section.  You want to ensure drivers are listed for Windows 7 there.  If no drivers are listed then it may pose a problem after you upgrade.  In 95% of all cases I am guessing you will not have an issue.

Another cool link to check out to ensure software is compatible besides the Windows 7 Advisor program is www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/windows-7/en-us/default.aspx

Here is the chart I was talking about earlier

I hope this article has been helpful to you.  Again our recommended solution is to spend the 30 bucks and use PCMOVER Upgrade Assistant.  We are working on getting a video made to show the exact steps on doing this.

However I am seeing more and more people wanting an online data backup solution. Maybe your computers are in two different locations or you only have one monitor and don’t want to copy all the data onto an external drive for a transfer later.

I do have a great solution for anyone looking to do an online data transfer and it might not cost you a single cent.

Take a few minutes to read this article before you jump in. You will be glad you did because this option may not be right for you. This option will not allow you to transfer any software programs over unless you are a very savvy user and understand what software programs can just be copied and pasted over to the new computer.

the program we are going to be using is Mozy. Check them out here to get your free 2 Gig online storage account. If you have over 2 gig’s of data you will need to pay for the storage but this is a free option for anyone out there that has under 2 gig’s of data or for someone willing to pay the 5 bucks or so each month for an online backup solution.

All you have to do is go here to the Mozy website. Sign up for an account and install the software. It is very easy to do. From there setup the program and select all the files you want to transfer over to the new computer. It is very easy to use so you should have no issues. Start the data backup when done and ensure everything is backed up.

Now log in to Mozy on the computer you want the software restored on. Download and install the software again. You will be asked to log in. Once logged in you will see the screen below.

Choose the option to replace your old computer. From there you will finish installing the software and at the end be asked if you want to go ahead and do a restore now of your old files. Select the yes option or you can do it later.

While this process is not as easy in my opinion as PCMOVER it is the best online data transfer option I can think of to transfer all your info form one computer to another.  Of course you can always hire a pro to do it for you but expect to pay far more to do it.  We do recommend www.onlinecomputerrepair.org for data transfers.  They are very fare in price and stand by their work.  This is a remote computer repair company but thet also do data transfers as well.

This solution is not for everyone and when ever possible I still would use PCMOVER in stead.  However for people with very few files or for those who have a computer in a whole nother location and don’t want to purchase an external hard drive just for the data transfer purpose then this is a great way to go.

You also get the added benefit of having a online backup solution in place.  You already paid for the service so you might as well use it.  If you end up going with PCMOVER then you still should consdier Mozy as your data backup solution.  Everyone needs an off site data backup.

Keep in mind again that Mozy will not trnasfer over software programs.  If you want to transfer over your custom user settings then I would not use Mozy.  go with PCMOVER because not only will it easily trasnfer all your files over but your user info as well.

Final Thoughts

Whenever you do a data transfer it is always best to install all the software you are going to be using first on the new computer.  This way all custom settings you import over will go right into the program you will be using.  Outlook and Firefox are great examples of this.

Post your questions or thoughts below

One of these utilities is from Laplink. The company has developed an application that allows users to move all the files from the old computer to the new one. PCMOVER is the only utility on the market today that allows for not just the movement of files, but also the transfer of programs and settings that were in position on the old PC and can be transferred and set on the new PC. A user needs to simply install the program on both computers and PCMOVER will handle the rest. It will determine which programs, files and settings are distinguished on the computer and copy them. It then installs them on the new PC in a timely manner. This means that the new computer will have the exact same personality and functionality of the old PC. The system works with almost all of the Windows operating systems, from Windows 95 to Vista.

Other methods of transferring files have not been able to move entire installations up until this point. Generally, a user needs to copy the files from programs that are related to personal information, save them and install them on the new PC after the program files have been loaded. In the past, this was done by burning a CD or DVD containing the information and installing the application features onto the new PC. Windows offers an option to transfer all of the old PC’s files and settings, however, this solution can miss certain small profiles that a user has come to enjoy. Modern options for transfer can be accomplished using an external hard drive or flash drive. The challenge with these are space considerations and placement of the files after transfer. A user can set up folders for backup, but is forced to spend a lot of time reinstalling these folders and files into the correct locations on the new PC.

Laplink’s PCMOVER allows for superior operational usage and functionality. It’s also a trusted resource for many professional information technicians. Its selectivity features allow even the most casual user to choose which applications, folders and files they would like to transfer. This transfer can be completed through a variety of means. If an individual or company has a network, the transfer of the information is as easy as utilizing the network’s properties to transfer the information. Otherwise, a variety of options for connecting the two PCs is possible. Laplink offers USB cables and parallel cables that link up two or more platforms for easy access. PCMOVER can also use the Windows Easy Transfer Cable. The application even allows for the easy migration of information from a PC to and Intel-based Mac. This modern feature is one of the only ways to transfer the personality and feel of a PC onto a different operating system. In all, PCMOVER can accomplish what many other programs and options cannot, migrating programs, applications and files with the proper system of security and efficiency in place.