Moving W2K users to New XP pro system

[Guest]

OK, I've got a number of old W2k systems that have MULTIPLE user accounts in
a stand alone configuration that I need to transfer to completely new PC's...
I've been rooting around the net and Microsoft's support pages, but I can't
seem to find a way to QUICKLY move these accounts from one machine to
another. I have palyed around with the file and settings transfer wizard, but
either I'm missing something, or it is only designed to do a single
(currently logged into) account at a time. With over 15 machines and 15+
users per machine, this could get a bit tiresome.
I have these systems connected via a Cat5 Crossover Cable to allow file
transfers directly.
Any ideas on how to go about this easily?

 

[Guest]

The FSTW is a disaster waiting to happen, forget it.

Best approach is to get yourself a copy of WinPE2.or BartPE on a bootable
CD, and use this to do the transfers. I add the Altap Salamander filemanager
which is better than the built-in one on BartPE.

Firstly, you need to create identically-named accounts on the new PC under
XP, and log-in as each user once. This is important, and must be done FIRST.

Then, setup a computer to do the transfer work, and connect one disk to the
primary IDE, and the other to the secondary. Make the CD drive secondary
slave. Check the BIOS settings to ensure that booting from CD is the ONLY
option allowed, for the moment. Insert and boot your PE CD.

Now, under "Documents and Settings" on the old disk, transfer the entire
userprofile folder, each to its respective useraccount folder on the new
disk. (which should exist, you should get an over-write warning) Just make
sure you do this the right way round, checking the disk labels -or looking
for 'winnt' as oposed to 'windows' folders- is a wise precaution.

Whatever filemanager you use, ensure that hidden files are included.

That should get each account working largely as it was before, although some
shortcuts may need adjusting to allow for differences in installed software.

 

[Guest]

Errr.. This is really not what I was looking for. I am REALLY hoping to find
a way to migrate the users over WITHOUT having to first create the accounts
on the new system individually. Surly there must be a way to do this? Where
does W2k and XP hide their user accounts? Is it possible to move part of the
registry dealing with the users from the 2K system into the new XP system?
(Remember I am able to hook up the two machines via a Cat5 Crossover cable.)
I am really looking for a quick and easy migration path for these systems
that does NOT involve having to first re-create the user accounts on the new
system… I am too pone to typo’s to make that method a failsafe path for the
users data.

 

[Johan Arwidmark]

Use USMT 3.0.1 (free Microsoft utility)

Regards

Johan Arwidmark
Microsoft MVP - Setup / Deployment
http://www.deployvista.com