How To Transfer Data From Pc To Pc

There are two methods that can help you in transferring data from PC to PC, let us now see the solutions at hand:

1.    Using Windows file transfer wizard.
2.    Installing the PC mover on the PC.

The Right Method Of Transferring Data Using Windows Easy Transfer Wizard:

It is an easy step by step process to transfer data from PC to PC, however both the PCs should have a Windows operating system. Through this you can transfer different types of data like user accounts, files and email to your new PC, but this works only with Windows OS and both of the PCs have to run the same OS.

Method:
All you have to do is go to start–>All Programs–>Accessories–>System Tools–>File and Settings transfer wizard. The setup will walk you through the series of easy steps on the old PC from where you want to transfer the data.

After this, click on the next button and you will reach the next step, and then choose one of the three options from the following: an easy transfer cable, a network, an external hard disk, or USB flash drive. Select the one you want to use to transfer the data.
On selecting one of the above options, you will move to the next step. Then select the option this is my old computer and choose transfer both files and settings from the location.

Then start the new PC where you want the data and run the same Easy Transfer wizard as you did for the old PC. But in the later step, choose ‘I don’t need the wizard disk. I have already collected my files and settings from my old computer’.
In the final step, choose the location where the files are saved on the old computer and use the transfer cable for transferring them to the new PC.

At the end just make sure all your files have been transferred from the old PC.

Transferring Data from PC to PC using PC Mover Software:

PC Mover is a comparatively fast and efficient way to transfer your files, user account settings and your important data, like programs, user accounts, internet favorite, emails, videos, music, picture, document, etc.  from one PC to another. All you have to do is purchase the PC mover software and install it on both the PCs. The setup wizard will walk you through a series of steps where you will have to select the all the data that you want to transfer.

PC mover creates the image of data of the old PC and configures it to the new one without any hassles and in a much shorter time than the traditional data transfer method of using the transfer cable or using the USB drives. Check out the PC Mover review here.

Worry no more because there are easy and hassle free solutions to the problem of file transfer from the old computer to new computer. There a lot of ways to do this. It is just a matter of time, as some conventional methods may take more time in transferring the data, while some readily available smart tools do the same job faster and better. It also depends on the type and the size of data that you want to transfer. Read on to know more about the data transfer from one computer to another:

The conventional way used to transfer files from old computer to a new computer is by using the input windows tool that is a Windows easy transfer wizard. This tool can be located on your computer with the help of the below mentioned path:

Start Menu-All Programs-Accessories-System Tool-Windows easy transfer.

This wizard will guide you through the complete set up and after the setup is done, it creates an image of all the files, folders, programs and settings of your old computer. Similar steps will be used for installing it on your new computer with a single change; that is, you need to choose the option of ‘new computer’ when the wizard asks. This will help you to easily transfer all your required data from the old computer to your new computer without any loss of any files or settings.

There is also a number of software available in the market. The one I use to transfer my files is PC Mover. This can be used to transfer files from one PC to another. PC Mover is software that moves the files, folders, programs and even the settings from your old computer to the new computer. This software has easy to use setup wizard that guides you through the complete set up. PC Mover actually creates an image file of the files, programs and settings of your old computer on an external hard drive, CD/DVD or USB flash drive and then restores all the data on the new computer through those external devices.

PC Mover also comes with a USB data backup cable for free that can be used for the data transfer from the old computer to the new computer that will otherwise cost you some extra money if you buy it separately on the market.

After you’ve logged in, use Windows 7 Start Search for “Windows Easy Transfer”. This is a built-in utility that is included with Windows Vista, 7, and 8. Do keep in mind that even though Windows 8 hasn’t been released commercially, at least for now, the Windows 8 version of Easy Transfer works as described.

Once you’ve launched Windows Easy Transfer, you’re presented with three options. The first is using a transfer cable, which can be picked up at most major retailers that carry computer electronics and accessories. While this first option might seem pretty easy, it’s really unnecessary if you have an external drive with a large enough capacity to save what you plan on transferring. You can also perform the transfer using a network connection between the two computers. The best option is to use an external drive.

After clicking the option to transfer to an external hard drive, you’ll be presented with options that will allow you to make general selections of what you would like transferred (documents, movies, pictures, etc), along with an advanced option to save specific folders and parts of the directory structure. After you finish making the selection, you will be prompted to create a password, thus ensuring that the data you’re going to be transferring will be secure. If you don’t plan on leaving the confines of the room that you’re in, and aren’t really concerned about covert infiltration, you can leave the passwords blank, and ignore this feature. From here, all we have to do is wait for the data to transfer to the external hard drive.

After the initial data transfer is done, unplug the external drive and plug it into the computer with Windows 8. Once the drive is recognized, use Search Apps for “easy transfer”. Almost the same steps are involved, except you’ll want to select “This is my new computer”. Once you select the migration file, Windows Easy Transfer handles the rest. If you chose to transfer applications, if there are any that couldn’t be transferred, Windows Easy Transfer will tell you which ones you need to download and reinstall. While this method of transferring Windows 7 to Windows 8 may seem a bit complicated, keep in mind that it’s free, and you won’t really be spending any money if you already have the necessary equipment at hand.

The second method is a lot easier, but it does cost money. Laplink’s PCMover is an application that automates the process of transferring the settings, applications and files from your old PC to your new PC. There are several versions of PCMover available, however you’ll want to purchase the “Home” version or higher in order to directly transfer from one PC to the other using a data transfer cable. The Home version is the cheapest of the viable packages, starting at $39.95 USD, and ending at the Professional ($59.95). The Business/Enterprise version is for those who have a network of computers that need to be worked with in order to perform the transfer.

After purchasing and installing PCMover on both computers, simply connect them with a transfer cable (which comes for free with the boxed package of PCMover for those willing to wait), or a network connection and you’ll be on your way. Depending on how much data is being transferred, it could take a while, but generally the wait time is fairly short. There is also an “undo” feature present with Laplink’s PC mover that will allow the user to undo any upgrade/migration/transfer in the even that the transfer isn’t successful, or they simply want to undo it. Either of the above methods work, and usually prove to be the most effective.

Installing The Wizard

First, you’ll need to make sure that you’ve got a PC running your XP software and then another one that is running the new Windows 7. If you haven’t installed Windows 7 yet, make sure to do that before you continue. Next you’ll need to download the Windows Easy Transfer program from Microsoft. Do this on the computer running XP. You won’t need to download the Wizard on the computer with Windows 7 because Windows 7 already comes with it installed. Once you’ve downloaded the Wizard, install it on XP and you’re ready to go.

Using the Wizard

With the Windows XP Transfer Wizard Windows 7 can access all of your important data and saved settings that you used with XP. To do this, simply open and run the Transfer Wizard on the PC using XP and then do the same with Windows 7. You’ll see a set of instructions pop up and after you follow them your data will be safely and securely transferred. Make sure that you have either a network connection or an easy transfer cable, which can be found at any computer shop and connects to a USB port. An external hard disk can also be used if you wish, or any other form of removable media.

Checking for Errors

Previous versions of Windows had some difficult issues with transferring, often resulting in lost files or corrupted data. The last few operating systems have cleared up these problems greatly but there may still be certain problems when you’re done transferring. At this point you’ll want to check all your files and data and make sure that everything proceeded smoothly. If certain software is missing or corrupted, try installing the individual programs or use the Wizard again. Windows 7 usually works best with Vista because the two are very compatible but XP also typically transfers to 7 with minimal problems. If you notice that something didn’t carry over properly, there’s no harm in trying again. Hopefully, though, everything will have worked out perfectly the first time around.

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

PCmover Review

PCmover Install

PCmover Setup

The Easy Transfer Wizard comes already installed on Windows 7, but you may need to download and install it on your PC running XP or Vista. Here you’ll be able to transfer all the data you wish but it is recommended that you leave the Registry alone for a second. The Windows Registry contains your most frequently used files and settings and it is particularly troublesome to migrate from XP or Vista up to Windows 7. The settings on Windows 7 often butt heads with the data already in the Registry and many users have experienced errors, corruption, and lost files. It’s better, then, to clean and backup the Registry before you migrate it to Windows 7.

Windows Vista to 7 Upgrade Migrating Registry

You can backup and clean your Registry in one of two ways. You can use the Wizard to scan everything or you can depend on a third party Registry cleaner. Either way, the instructions are pretty simple and the program does most of the work itself. You can manually clean your Registry but this isn’t recommended because you could accidentally remove a vital file and ruin your whole PC. At any rate, once the data is backed up you should clean it. Now that you’ve got a backup in case of emergency, you can transfer the Registry over to Windows 7 and hopefully everything will have worked out perfectly.

Windows XP to 7 Upgrade

Windows XP is a little trickier to migrate with because it is further away from the setup of Windows 7. Vista and Windows 7 experience the fewest issues because they are so similar in style but XP is a bit of a dark horse. At any rate, you should also backup and clean your Registry before transferring it over and this should also go for any other data that you consider important or valuable. Then, after you use the Transfer Wizard, go through your updated Windows 7 and check to make sure that everything you transferred is there. XP has the highest rate of transfer issues so make sure to go over everything with a fine-toothed comb. If anything is missing or corrupted, try the Wizard again or simply install the individual software.

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

PCmover Review

PCmover Install

PCmover Setup

Clean up Your Registry First

To migrate your applications and files, your PC must not only move your folders but also the entries in the Registry. This is why migration can be so annoying at times: The Registry is often to blame when files or applications come up on your new PC corrupted or damaged. But you can reduce the chance of these mistakes by scanning and then cleaning your Registry before you begin migration. Either use the Windows Registry repair tool or use a third party tool but, no matter what you choose, make sure to take this important step.

PC Migration Software

These days there are programs that allow you to migrate your data more easily, but we are still far from seeing a perfect migration program. Still, PCmover and Acronis make pretty dependable products, to name a couple brands. They make it easy to install a hard disk on your PC and then transfer the data quickly and efficiently. Just make sure to look at the reviews of any software you might consider before you purchase it. Migration is always tricky and no piece of software has perfected this art yet. Your best bet, then is to go with the highest ranked migration software based on reviews.

File and Setting Transfer

Though a good migration program is the quickest and easiest way to migrate your software, some of us don’t have the money to plunk down on a new piece of software whenever we need it. But there are still a few options for these folks. If you have Windows XP, you can take advantage of the “Files and Settings Transfer Wizard” or “FAST”, for short. This program is free if you have Windows and you can use it to save your files and settings and then transfer that information to your new computer. Though this program is far from perfect, it can definitely get the job done if your files aren’t too intensive. The best part, though, is that a safety net is installed so that you can just reclaim any files that were lost or damaged in the transfer, if such an event were to happen. Yes, PC migration is still a pain but each day we’re getting closer to making it a little more bearable. In time, who knows? Maybe someday migrating your files will be as easy as clicking a button. Until that day, though, these options are the best we’ve got.

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

PCmover Review

PCmover Install

PCmover Setup

1: Incompatible Apps

Windows 7 and Vista are more similar than any other two versions of Windows, but they still butt heads when trying to migrate files. Vista has quite a few applications that aren’t properly read by Windows 7 because they are simply too old. Still, this is a far smaller headache than Windows XP migration to Windows 7, because XP has even more old apps that 7 just chooses to ignore

2: Missing Apps

Windows 7 is somewhat streamlined compared to XP and Vista and, when you install it for the first time, it comes without certain applications that have become Windows standbys: Movie Maker and Photo Gallery are particular standouts. When you migrate from Vista, you’ll sometimes notice that these applications weren’t carried over and copied because they simply didn’t exist in Windows 7′s mind. To avoid this problem, try installing the Windows Live Essentials download, which can be found free through Microsoft.

3: Installation Problems

One of the stranger problems with migrating from Vista to 7 is found almost right away: When you install Windows 7 from Vista, you might see that the progress bar freezes up about halfway through. Many people just throw their hands up and call it quits but there is actually a pretty quick and easy fix to this problem. All you have to do is go to Microsoft and download their file called “MicrosoftFixit50319”. It was made specifically for this little bug and, once you install the fix, you should be right back on track.

4: Missing Games

Any dedicated gamer knows the nightmare of losing saved game data during file transfers. When migrating to Windows 7, you might notice that your game folder is empty after the migration is finished. Don’t pull your hair out yet, though. This little headache isn’t as bad as it sounds. Yes, Windows 7 often will come back with an empty games folder but in most cases it isn’t that the games weren’t carried over; it was that they were placed in the Programs and Features category in the Control Panel. Try looking in there and, with luck, you’ll see your precious games.

5: Lost Files

In many cases you’ll find that after migration you are still missing pertinent files. This is par for the course for most migrations, though, and unfortunately there is no foolproof way to safeguard yourself against these problems. In these cases, it is best to determine exactly what didn’t transfer. If it was only a few files, your best bet is to simply copy them on a USB drive or even email them to yourself. If larger and more numerous files weren’t carried over, you might simply wish to try migration again.

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

PCmover Review

PCmover Install

PCmover Setup

Backing Up Data

When you install your migration tool, it will set about scanning your applications and documents. The software will then back up the important data and save it in a safety net in case the transfer doesn’t work properly. Transferring data on a PC is notoriously prone to corruption and damaged files and so it is a good thing that this data is backed up. In truth, you should back up your data regularly several times a month just for good measure, but if you have a migration tool you can rest assured that it is already done for you.

Reading Data

Any migration tool worth its salt will do more than just copy the data and files. It should also examine the settings you have for your documents and apps, as well as the settings for the entire system. This is accomplished by looking at each application and then determining exactly what it is so it can be recreated fully and perfectly. This is important because many programs have special registry keys and other complex codes that must be carried over to your new PC. Once this is done, a new hard disk drive will usually be installed.

Transferring

Once all your important data is backed up and copied, you should be able to use the new hard disk drive as a boot, allowing you to access your saved files on your new computer. But remember that this doesn’t always work properly. In many cases you’ll see that some files didn’t transfer properly and some are corrupt. This is just how it goes even with the most advanced migration software. Because of this, it is important not to get too stressed out. Just be thankful you have a backup and then set about finding which files were damaged or didn’t get transferred. After that, it’s just a matter of trying it again and hoping this time everything works out properly.

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

PCmover Review

PCmover Install

PCmover Setup

Before you even start data transferring, see to it that you are able to restore any and all files that are being transferred. You might wish to use backup software if you have too many important files. If your data mainly consists of text, though, you could just use email.

DON’T copy manually

When copying manually, you have to know exactly what you’re doing and even then you can run into problems. Some programs simply can’t be manually copied for a number of reasons. Some have certain registry entries that make them immune to copying. Others are just too complicated overall. The worst bit is that it is difficult to tell if a program is copyable or not. Plus, with so many options for transferring data, you’d be a fool to go the hard route.

DO check for free transferring software

Certain versions of Windows come with a data transferring wizard that makes it a breeze to send files on one computer to the next. You can figure out whether your OS has this wizard by checking the “start” menu. If your computer doesn’t have this wizard, though, don’t worry; there are plenty of great third party data transfer programs, but this leads us to our next “don’t”……

DON’T choose just any transferring software

Yes, there are a great many of data transferring programs out there but they aren’t all created equally; not by a long shot. Your best bet is to look at the critics’ reviews of the many different brands out there. But if you pick a good one you’ll be able to transfer files in the easiest way possible, all with the click of a mouse.

DO check your operating system

Before you start trying to transfer data on an older computer to a newer one, make sure that the two operating systems are compatible. Windows Vista and XP, for instance, are great programs but it can be difficult to transfer files on one of these systems to Windows 7. In an instance like this, you’ll almost definitely want some migration software.

DON’T feel like you have to transfer everything

Though transferring data has never been easier, it still doesn’t mean that you have to transfer every bit of software you have. Besides, free programs like search engines download so quickly and easily that you may as well just save the trouble and install them later. Also, most software makers suggest that you should freshly install your programs each time you get a new computer rather than transferring them.

One of the most convenient and simple ways to complete a computer file transfer has to do with a USB device. There are sticks, keychains, and those that fit into your pocket. You insert them into a USB port to access data and to save data. All computers including laptops have USB ports so you don’t have to worry about compatibility there. Today you can use file conversion sites such as Zamzar to be able to change the format too so there shouldn’t be any obstacles in your way.

Easy to Use

Just right click on the save to element and then the driver for the USB. This will allow you to save it in a matter of seconds. There will be a flashing light on your USB from the port so that you will know the transfer is occurring. When it is done blinking, the computer file transfer has been completed.

Community Transfers

In many businesses there are always types of emails, files, and other information going back and forth on a regular basis. Computer file transfer makes it possible to open information, update it, read it, and even to leave notes before you close it. There are community sites online including Dropbox that make it easy to share files so that many people can view them and work on them. This is a terrific option for a team of employees to work remotely on the same project too.

Login Information

A business can assign each user with access their own login information. This enables them to get into the files they should and then to lock them out of others. It all comes down to work restrictions and regulations about how this will handled.

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

PCmover Review

PCmover Install

PCmover Setup