How to move files from Windows 98 PC to WinXP PC?

[Michael T]

A dear friend just purchased a new computer running Windows XP for his
business.

As an experienced software engineer he asked me to help him 'everything'
from his old computer running Windows 98.

Unfortunately he does not have all of his installation CD-ROMs.

So is it correct to assume that going to Start > All Programs > Accessories

System Tools > Files and Settings Transfer Wizard is of little help. It is

my understanding that this is used primarily (if not exclusively) for
transferring settings/data for Windows applications only like IE, OE and
perhaps Word & Excel.

So I have to wonder how do I transfer non-Windows applications (including
Registry settings)?

Aren't there some kind of programs out there for 'ghosting' the hard drive
from one PC to another?

If so, will they work for the scenario I have just described? And if they
do, is there a problem if the NEW hard drive is partitioned for ONE drive
only (i.e. drive C?

Thank you for your time.

Michael T.

 

[Ron Bogart]

In

A dear friend just purchased a new computer running Windows XP for his
business.

As an experienced software engineer he asked me to help him
'everything' from his old computer running Windows 98.

Unfortunately he does not have all of his installation CD-ROMs.

So is it correct to assume that going to Start > All Programs >
Accessories > System Tools Files and Settings Transfer Wizard is of little
help.
It is my understanding that this is used primarily (if not exclusively)
for
transferring settings/data for Windows applications only like IE, OE
and perhaps Word & Excel.

So I have to wonder how do I transfer non-Windows applications
(including Registry settings)?

Aren't there some kind of programs out there for 'ghosting' the hard
drive from one PC to another?

If so, will they work for the scenario I have just described? And if
they do, is there a problem if the NEW hard drive is partitioned for
ONE drive only (i.e. drive C?

Thank you for your time.

Michael T.

The FAST wizard will transfer files, associations and various settings, but
will NOT transfer programs over.
While it is possible to Ghost an image over - care should be taken as the
'Ghost' image will retain hardware settings from whatever machine you are
moving from and you are still left with a Win 98 install. Odds are that the
new machine has an OEM install - so transferring it over isn't much of an
option either. Best bet is replace the older software.

 

[Michael Stevens]

A dear friend just purchased a new computer running Windows XP for his
business.

As an experienced software engineer he asked me to help him
'everything' from his old computer running Windows 98.

Unfortunately he does not have all of his installation CD-ROMs.

So is it correct to assume that going to Start > All Programs >
Accessories
my understanding that this is used primarily (if not exclusively) for
transferring settings/data for Windows applications only like IE, OE
and perhaps Word & Excel.

So I have to wonder how do I transfer non-Windows applications
(including Registry settings)?

Aren't there some kind of programs out there for 'ghosting' the hard
drive from one PC to another?

If so, will they work for the scenario I have just described? And if
they do, is there a problem if the NEW hard drive is partitioned for
ONE drive only (i.e. drive C?

Thank you for your time.
. Michael T.

He would need the original CD's. I will never understand why people don;t
safegard their valuable software.
--
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
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[Michael T]

In
The FAST wizard will transfer files, associations and various settings,
but will NOT transfer programs over.
While it is possible to Ghost an image over - care should be taken as the
'Ghost' image will retain hardware settings from whatever machine you are
moving from and you are still left with a Win 98 install. Odds are that
the new machine has an OEM install - so transferring it over isn't much of
an option either. Best bet is replace the older software.

Thanks Ron - and kudos. You're right on the OEM install, as he bought either
a Dell, or a Gateway, with an OEM install.

You not only confirmed some of my concerns but raised other issues I had
forgotten. Namely hardware settings from the source computer running Windows
98.

Like you said I may just have to replace his 'older' software for which he
does not have CD-ROMs. Oh well at least he has fairly deep pockets.

 

[Michael T]

He would need the original CD's. I will never understand why people don;t
safegard their valuable software.
--

Generally speaking Michael I agree. But sometimes I purchase software as a
download. But I suspect your point is still valid if you remember to keep
records of your online purchase. Unless of course the software is no longer
available when you need another download.

Thank you for the feedback.

 

[Ron Bogart]

In

Thanks Ron - and kudos. You're right on the OEM install, as he bought
either a Dell, or a Gateway, with an OEM install.

You not only confirmed some of my concerns but raised other issues I
had forgotten. Namely hardware settings from the source computer
running Windows 98.

Like you said I may just have to replace his 'older' software for
which he does not have CD-ROMs. Oh well at least he has fairly deep
pockets.

Good luck with this, and remember - "No good deed goes unpunished!" 8^)

 

[Bruce Chambers]

So is it correct to assume that going to Start > All Programs >
Accessories
my understanding that this is used primarily (if not exclusively)
for transferring settings/data for Windows applications only like
IE, OE and perhaps Word & Excel.

Correct. The FAST Wizard is designed to transfer personal
settings and data files; it cannot transfer applications.

So I have to wonder how do I transfer non-Windows applications
(including Registry settings)?

By reinstalling them from the original installation media, of
course. There is no other way.

Aren't there some kind of programs out there for 'ghosting' the hard
drive from one PC to another?

Certainly, such applications exist. However, if you use one of
the many available hard drive imaging applications to clone the Win98
hard drive onto the new machine, you'll obviously end up with a Win98
installation on said new computer, replacing WinXP and possibly
voiding the warranty, if it was an OEM installation.

If so, will they work for the scenario I have just described?

Not to transfer applications, no.



--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. - RAH

 

[Bruce Chambers]

That's why CD burners come in almost every new computer made today.
Anyone who purchases software on-line, downloads it, but doesn't
backup the installation files to removable media is just as
irresponsible as those who discard the CDs.

--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. - RAH