How To Tranfer files?

Most people when it comes to transferring data from one computer to the next just want the simplest option out there. They are willing to pay a few bucks for a good solid data transfer program but they want one that is sure to work well for them. We are huge fans of PCMOVER for just this reason. It is very simple to use and gets the job done the first time.

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

When a person acquires a new computer, they are challenged with the fact that they must transfer the files from their old computer to their new one. There are a variety of ways to do this, each with their own benefits and capabilities. The average user does not know how to transfer files from one computer to another. That is why a variety of software applications have been developed to assist in migrating information from one PC to another.

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.

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 http://www.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 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 software 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.