Need a strategy for getting old files, drivers and stuff to new PC

[Greg-C]

Hi,



Hey, can someone recommend a strategy for getting files, software, etc, off
my old PC onto my new PC? I'm sure there's a best way and I'm certain that
without advice, I'll do it absolutely wrong.



I have all my old software programs. I'm certain I can download drivers for
my scanners, printers, and cameras. I do want to get my old e-mail settings
(Outlook) copied over. My biggest concerns are; how do I maintain maximum
performance on the new setup. On my old computer, I had all the system
files on my C drive and most of my working files on my D drive. Is there
any reason to partition the 250 gig hard drive on the new computer? Should I
do anything with the system paging file. Photoshop uses my hard disks for
scratch disks. Any suggestions here? Any other thoughts; warnings?



In advance, thanks for your help!!



Greg



A couple background details:



I'm a Graphic designer. I work mostly in layout, web and Photoshop. I don't
do any 3d stuff.



My setup:

Old PC is a Dell Pentium 2, 733 Mhz, 2x20 Gig hard drives, 512 Megs, Windows
XPsp2

New is HP with Athalon 64 (4200), 250 Gig HD, 1024 DDR ram, Windows XPsp2

 

[Richard Urban]

One of the "main" reasons for partitioning is that when you defrag the
Windows partition, it will complete MUCH faster.

Suggestion = install Windows XP on a 20 gig partition. Then divide the rest
of the drive into 2-3 partitions.

--


Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User

Quote from George Ankner:
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[Talahasee]

Hi,



Hey, can someone recommend a strategy for getting files, software, etc, off
my old PC onto my new PC? I'm sure there's a best way and I'm certain that
without advice, I'll do it absolutely wrong.



I have all my old software programs.

One tiny unrelated hint for you. (Since I'm not a tekkie,
I'll leave the rest of your issues to someone more
qualified)

You don't need to say "software" AND "programs", as in
"software programs". You can say "software" or you can say
"programs."


Good luck!


Tallahassee

I'm certain I can download drivers for

 

[Talahasee]

Hi,



Hey, can someone recommend a strategy for getting files, software, etc, off
my old PC onto my new PC? I'm sure there's a best way and I'm certain that
without advice, I'll do it absolutely wrong.

There is an option in Windows XP to Transfer files and
folders. It's in the Start button menu.

Indicate that the computer you want to transfer files FROM
is your "Old computer", and then you can select which
files/folders you want to backup. Create a backup file
including all the stuff you want to copy/move, and then burn
to CD or put it all on an external hard drive (my solution).

Move the CDs / external hard drive to the new computer, and
reverse the process.

In fact, I believe (could be wrong) that you can actually
simply click on your backup file and it will "unfold" onto
the new computer.

If I've left anything out, hopefully those with more
technical knowledge will fill in the blanks.



Good luck!


Tallahassee

 

[Jim Macklin]

You can install the hard drive from the old computer in the
new box and make the transfer, it can be quicker than
setting up a network and easier than trying to use CDs and
floppies.


| On Sat, 18 Feb 2006 15:45:55 GMT, "Greg-C"
|
| >Hi,
| >
| >
| >
| >Hey, can someone recommend a strategy for getting files,
software, etc, off
| >my old PC onto my new PC? I'm sure there's a best way
and I'm certain that
| >without advice, I'll do it absolutely wrong.
|
|
| There is an option in Windows XP to Transfer files and
| folders. It's in the Start button menu.
|
| Indicate that the computer you want to transfer files FROM
| is your "Old computer", and then you can select which
| files/folders you want to backup. Create a backup file
| including all the stuff you want to copy/move, and then
burn
| to CD or put it all on an external hard drive (my
solution).
|
| Move the CDs / external hard drive to the new computer,
and
| reverse the process.
|
| In fact, I believe (could be wrong) that you can actually
| simply click on your backup file and it will "unfold" onto
| the new computer.
|
| If I've left anything out, hopefully those with more
| technical knowledge will fill in the blanks.
|
|
|
| Good luck!
|
|
| Tallahassee
| >
| >
| >
| >I have all my old software programs. I'm certain I can
download drivers for
| >my scanners, printers, and cameras. I do want to get my
old e-mail settings
| >(Outlook) copied over. My biggest concerns are; how do I
maintain maximum
| >performance on the new setup. On my old computer, I had
all the system
| >files on my C drive and most of my working files on my D
drive. Is there
| >any reason to partition the 250 gig hard drive on the new
computer? Should I
| >do anything with the system paging file. Photoshop uses
my hard disks for
| >scratch disks. Any suggestions here? Any other
thoughts; warnings?
| >
| >
| >
| >In advance, thanks for your help!!
| >
| >
| >
| >Greg
| >
| >
| >
| >A couple background details:
| >
| >
| >
| >I'm a Graphic designer. I work mostly in layout, web and
Photoshop. I don't
| >do any 3d stuff.
| >
| >
| >
| >My setup:
| >
| >Old PC is a Dell Pentium 2, 733 Mhz, 2x20 Gig hard
drives, 512 Megs, Windows
| >XPsp2
| >
| >New is HP with Athalon 64 (4200), 250 Gig HD, 1024 DDR
ram, Windows XPsp2
| >
|