TRANSFER OF FILES & APPLICATIONS TO NEW XP COMPUTER?

[aaronep]

I was able to buy from BUY COM an hp computer that still comes with
Windows XP. My current (old computer) has windows xp.

From what I know, there are several methods of transferring files and

applications from the old computer to the new.

One is using either Norton Ghost or Acronis True Image to CLONE the
contents of the old computer's drive to the new computer's drive.

Another method that I am reading about is using a program made by
Laplink called PC MOVER to transfer files and applications from old
computer to new.

Any opinions as to which is the better way of making the transfers?
All opinions welcomed.

The new computer arrives in a few days & I desire to be prepared.

best, Aaron

 

[Patrick Keenan]

I was able to buy from BUY COM an hp computer that still comes with
Windows XP. My current (old computer) has windows xp.

applications from the old computer to the new.

One is using either Norton Ghost or Acronis True Image to CLONE the
contents of the old computer's drive to the new computer's drive.

This will not work in this context. The clone will have drivers and
settings for the old hardware, and the result will probably not boot. At
best, you'd have to do a repair install, then reinstall all drivers,
assuming that the new system provides a driver disk and doesn't just use
some sort of recovery partition.

If that's the case, you would have no choice but to restore the system to
the way it was shipped, assuming that the cloning process didn't wipe out
the recovery partition.. and if that happened, you'd probably be shopping
for a replacement XP license, then figuring out where to get the motherboard
and device drivers.

When you get the system, first examine it for the recovery/reinstall method.
If it does not come with reinstall or recovery CDs, or allow you to make
them (if it does, do so right away) and instead relies on a recovery
partition, clone the entire drive and put the clone away. The drive will
eventually fail, and when that happens, without the clone you will have to
go buy a new drive AND a new XP license.

Another method that I am reading about is using a program made by
Laplink called PC MOVER to transfer files and applications from old
computer to new.

That might help, I've never tried it. It appears to be about $50, so
consider the value of your time. If you collect your install disks and
information, you can be up and running in a fairly short time. Rent a
movie to watch while you wait for the installs to proceed.

Any opinions as to which is the better way of making the transfers?
All opinions welcomed.

I do it manually, and it doesn't take long. I will either use a small
network or physically attach the old drive to the new system, and use a
program called FileSync to move data files. It's quick to do.

Export your mail settings now, so you can import them to the new system.

HTH
-pk

 

[Guest]

Try the file transfer wizard in xp,start the wizard from the xp cd "perform
other
tasks" select files,settings,data,etc to collect,collect in new folder that
you create,
once thru,move to cd

 

[PA Bear]

Using WinXP's FAST Wizard, by MVP Gary Woodruff
(Please read the caveats about Outlook Express)
http://aumha.org/win5/a/fast.htm

 

[Plato]

applications from the old computer to the new.

One can try xxclone.com