PC migration has always been a tough and thankless task. For as long as Windows has been around, there have been major problems with transferring data from one PC to the next. In many cases the files become corrupted or otherwise damaged and in other cases the files and applications aren’t even transferred at all. This makes sense, considering that no OS is created equally, but it is still rather surprising that even in this day and age migration is so difficult. But things are a bit easier than they used to be, though not by much. If you wish to migrate applications Vista Windows 7 and Windows XP will provide you the fewest headaches, since they’re the newest. But there are still plenty of issues in upgrading and migrating Vista files to Windows 7. Here are the five biggest stress-causers.
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