easiest way to migrate files from ME to XP

[pan762]

I'm planning on installing XP on my wife's computer. She is
currently running ME. Our computers are networked through a
router/switch that allows us to both share a cablemodem. My system
uses XP with two hard drives one of which is used mostly for backups.

I have an XP OEM install disk with a valid key. I know microsoft
backup files will not be read, so I have come up with three possible
approaches to installing xp and restoring her files. Note that if I
screw this up and lose anything I will be sleeping on the couch.
Mostly we are talking about her MyDocuments folder. Additionally,
she uses Pegasus Mail so I'll have to get here mail folders.

(1) Use the file settings and transfer wizard to backup her stuff to
my computers second drive over our network, then put them back once XP
is installed.

(2) Use NTbackup to backup her files over the network and the to
restore her files once XP is installed.

(3) Purchase a copy of Norton Ghost and make an image of her entire
C: drive, then use the Ghost explorer to restore those files she wants
to keep. This option has the added bonus of removing the possiblity
that I might miss something important.

I suppose a forth option would just be to copy all the files to the
second hard drive over the network and then recopy them after
installing XP.

Which option is a nice balance of reliability and time saving?

Thanks.

 

[James M. Fisher]

Wow! You've done your homework there!
FAST is great, but I admit I have never used it on anything other than XP to
backup files and settings. Others I know have with great success.
I would use this along with any of your other choices, since you can never
have enough backups!
I am a proponent of imaging software and I feel it is necessary to have
anyway.

HTH,

 

[DL]

If using NTbackup ensure you use same version for backup/restore