New computer...

[barcaroller]

I currently have Windows XP SP3 Home Edition. I will be purchasing a new
computer soon and I want to install my original Windows XP on it (I will be
getting rid of the old computer). Note: the new computer will not have any
OS pre-installed on it.

I have one question: how can I transfer all my data from the old computer to
the new computer? Is there a migration assistant (or similar software)? By
data, I don't just mean my private files and directories but also settings
(registry, program installs, MSN contacts, bookmarks, Internet settings, etc
etc).

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I currently have Windows XP SP3 Home Edition. I will be purchasing a new
computer soon and I want to install my original Windows XP on it (I will be
getting rid of the old computer). Note: the new computer will not have any
OS pre-installed on it.

The question that arises here is: What specific type of license do you
have? If you have a retail license for WinXP, you can legitimately
transfer it to the new computer. However, if that copy of WinXP came
pre-installed on the old computer, it means you have an OEM license. An
OEM version must be sold with a piece of hardware (normally a
motherboard or hard drive, if not an entire PC) and is _permanently_
bound to the first PC on which it's installed. An OEM license, once
installed, is not legally transferable to another computer under _any_
circumstances.

I have one question: how can I transfer all my data from the old computer to
the new computer? Is there a migration assistant (or similar software)? By
data, I don't just mean my private files and directories but also settings
(registry, program installs, MSN contacts, bookmarks, Internet settings, etc
etc).

HOW TO Use Files and Settings Transfer Wizard in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;293118

HOW TO Use the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard By Using the Windows
XP CD-ROM
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;306186

Transfer Wizard with a Wizard Disk in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;306187

Of course, applications cannot be transferred in this manner, would
have to be installed from the original installation media. There are
3rd party utilities that claim to handle this task, but I've not tested
any of them, and can't recommend any.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I currently have Windows XP SP3 Home Edition. I will be purchasing
a new computer soon and I want to install my original Windows XP on
it (I will be getting rid of the old computer). Note: the new
computer will not have any OS pre-installed on it.

I have one question: how can I transfer all my data from the old
computer to the new computer? Is there a migration assistant (or
similar software)? By data, I don't just mean my private files and
directories but also settings (registry, program installs, MSN
contacts, bookmarks, Internet settings, etc etc).

Is your copy/license for Windows XP a retail or OEM license? Did it come
pre-installed with your current computer?

If you know it is an OEM copy and/or it came pre-installed with the current
computer (chances are that it is OEM in that case) then you cannot - by the
terms of the End User License Agreement - transfer that copy of Windows XP
to the new computer. The OEM licensing is fairly clear on this and it is
one of the main reasons that OEM licensing is less expensive and thus
included on so many large-business computers (Dell, IBM, HP, etc.)

Going to tell you the truth here - if you are getting a new computer, you
would be better off in the long run (plan on keeping the new computer for
2-5+ years?) going with a newer OS. If plausible - wait until you can get
Windows 7, if not plausible - get Windows Vista Ultimate x64 and then later
purchase the upgrade for Windows 7 Ultimate x64.

Even if you plan on sticking with Windows XP (that is fine - you have
essentially until early 2014 before Microsoft quits releasing patches for
it...) you would probably be happier (maybe not at first - but in the long
run) performing the clean installation and installing each of your
applications you need on it *as you need it* - thus minimizing the mess you
have. You can easily enough export/import your email, your Internet
Favorites and bookmarks and your documents, pictures and music (which likely
need to be copied to some external media for backup/safety purposes by now
anyway.) You'll end up more organized and only have things using resources
on your new computer you actually need and actually use. Everything else
will be safely backed up elsewhere.

There are third party applications that claim to transfer applications from
one computer to another. I wouldn't trust them. Install your applications
on your new computer clean.

I know - you want your settings to be the same... Think about that for a
second though. Wouldn't it be better if you changed them yourself? Maybve
there are even a few settings you set and forgot to unset you wish you
remembered what you did on so you could undo - now is your chance.

Make the new computer your clean slate. It may seem like 'extra work' - but
I have not gone back after a week or two for anyone I have helped setup a
new computer for and had them say, "But I really miss my ________" -->
because they just went ahead and put what they missed on the new computer
and it has stayed running much better because they did not instantly throw
in all the old baggage that they likely didn't even access on the old
computer.

 

[DL]

You can copy data but not Programs, unless by Programs you mean the actual
downloaded from internet, installation files

 

[JS]

Be aware that many new computers do not support
Windows XP (no XP drivers) and may only support Vista.
So do your shopping very carefully.

Also if you have an OEM version of XP
(came with your old PC) then you can't
re-install on your new PC legally. Retail
(Boxed) version of XP can be re-installed
(Clean Install) or possibly moving the old
drive and doing a "Repair Install" may work.

 

[barcaroller]

The question that arises here is: What specific type of license do you
have? If you have a retail license for WinXP, you can legitimately
transfer it to the new computer. However, if that copy of WinXP came
pre-installed on the old computer, it means you have an OEM license. An
OEM version must be sold with a piece of hardware (normally a motherboard
or hard drive, if not an entire PC) and is _permanently_ bound to the
first PC on which it's installed. An OEM license, once installed, is not
legally transferable to another computer under _any_ circumstances.

Thanks for your response. I have a Dell desktop that came installed with
Windows ME. When XP came out, I purchased it from Dell for $99 (a special
deal for Dell customers only). They sent me the CD and I installed XP
myself. Is there a way I can tell whether this is considered a retail
license or an OEM license?

 

[barcaroller]

Is your copy/license for Windows XP a retail or OEM license? Did it come
pre-installed with your current computer?

If you know it is an OEM copy and/or it came pre-installed with the
current computer (chances are that it is OEM in that case) then you
cannot - by the terms of the End User License Agreement - transfer that
copy of Windows XP to the new computer. The OEM licensing is fairly clear
on this and it is one of the main reasons that OEM licensing is less
expensive and thus included on so many large-business computers (Dell,
IBM, HP, etc.)

Going to tell you the truth here - if you are getting a new computer, you
would be better off in the long run (plan on keeping the new computer for
2-5+ years?) going with a newer OS. If plausible - wait until you can get
Windows 7, if not plausible - get Windows Vista Ultimate x64 and then
later purchase the upgrade for Windows 7 Ultimate x64.

Even if you plan on sticking with Windows XP (that is fine - you have
essentially until early 2014 before Microsoft quits releasing patches for
it...) you would probably be happier (maybe not at first - but in the long
run) performing the clean installation and installing each of your
applications you need on it *as you need it* - thus minimizing the mess
you have. You can easily enough export/import your email, your Internet
Favorites and bookmarks and your documents, pictures and music (which
likely need to be copied to some external media for backup/safety purposes
by now anyway.) You'll end up more organized and only have things using
resources on your new computer you actually need and actually use.
Everything else will be safely backed up elsewhere.

There are third party applications that claim to transfer applications
from one computer to another. I wouldn't trust them. Install your
applications on your new computer clean.

I know - you want your settings to be the same... Think about that for a
second though. Wouldn't it be better if you changed them yourself?
Maybve there are even a few settings you set and forgot to unset you wish
you remembered what you did on so you could undo - now is your chance.

Make the new computer your clean slate. It may seem like 'extra work' -
but I have not gone back after a week or two for anyone I have helped
setup a new computer for and had them say, "But I really miss my
________" --> because they just went ahead and put what they missed on the
new computer and it has stayed running much better because they did not
instantly throw in all the old baggage that they likely didn't even access
on the old computer.

Thanks for the advice. Also, please see my reply to Bruce.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

<snipped>

Thanks for your response. I have a Dell desktop that came
installed with Windows ME. When XP came out, I purchased it from
Dell for $99 (a special deal for Dell customers only). They sent
me the CD and I installed XP myself. Is there a way I can tell
whether this is considered a retail license or an OEM license?

It's a fuzzy area, I would say.

More than likely - OEM. Even if they sold you a legitimate Upgrade
License - you would need a previous OS (Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows
2000) in order to use it on another computer (no - if your new computer
comes with Windows Vista or Windows 7 - that does not mean you can use the
Windows XP Upgrade license - after all - you are not upgrading from Windows
Vista/7 to Windows XP.)

I would bet - no matter what - you will need to either go with whatever OS
comes on the new computer (better for you and the warranty support - see my
posting in this conversation) or purchase a new license for Windows XP.

 

[ANONYMOUS]

My reply shown inline specifically to that antipodean who lost against
England today in a cricket match:

<snipped>

barcaroller wrote:



It's a fuzzy area, I would say.

No it isn't. Dell will not sell you an OEM license unless you have
bought a brand new system from them in which case the OS and application
packages are likely to be installed as well as given the actual CDs for
them. If you buy anything separately, you are more likely to get a
retail version.

More than likely - OEM. Even if they sold you a legitimate Upgrade
License - you would need a previous OS (Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows
2000) in order to use it on another computer (no - if your new computer
comes with Windows Vista or Windows 7 - that does not mean you can use the
Windows XP Upgrade license - after all - you are not upgrading from Windows
Vista/7 to Windows XP.)

DELL don't sell upgrades. Only the full versions are sold by them.

I would bet - no matter what - you will need to either go with whatever OS
comes on the new computer (better for you and the warranty support - see my
posting in this conversation) or purchase a new license for Windows XP.

I would certainly not bet on anything. The OP would be wise to install
the OS he already has and activate it online. More than likely it will
activate.

By the way read the full story of Australians losing today:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/8217035.stm

 

[Shenan Stanley]

<snipped>

It's a fuzzy area, I would say.

More than likely - OEM. Even if they sold you a legitimate Upgrade
License - you would need a previous OS (Windows 95, Windows 98,
Windows 2000) in order to use it on another computer (no - if your
new computer comes with Windows Vista or Windows 7 - that does not
mean you can use the Windows XP Upgrade license - after all - you
are not upgrading from Windows Vista/7 to Windows XP.)

I would bet - no matter what - you will need to either go with
whatever OS comes on the new computer (better for you and the
warranty support - see my posting in this conversation) or purchase
a new license for Windows XP.

My reply shown inline specifically to that antipodean who lost
against England today in a cricket match:

No it isn't. Dell will not sell you an OEM license unless you have
bought a brand new system from them in which case the OS and
application packages are likely to be installed as well as given
the actual CDs for them. If you buy anything separately, you are
more likely to get a retail version.

DELL don't sell upgrades. Only the full versions are sold by them.

I would certainly not bet on anything. The OP would be wise to
install the OS he already has and activate it online. More than
likely it will activate.

By the way read the full story of Australians losing today:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/8217035.stm

SAQless!

Really - I am not from Australia - I live no where near Australia, have
never even been to Australia. If you still believe what you seem to have
concluded - then I will have to tag "ignorant" in my chosen name for you...

In case you don't get it...

"Ignorant SAQless" would be your full name. Or maybe "SAQless the
Ignorant", makes it sound more knightly - so you'll feeel better about it -
and that is what it is all about - making you feel good about what you have
to offer. ;-)

Australia and myself - nothing in common other than being on the same
planet. I have met two people from Australia in my life (firsthand.) They
were nice enough. Wouldn't mind visiting some day - would love to go to New
Zealand as well - but at this time - I have not ever set foot on the
continent of Australia or within ... hmmm 5000+ miles of it.

But keep plugging away. At least you try to interact with people; albeit
with the anonymous moniker and you never actually respond when responded to
(thus the last name I have given you) and you don't check facts (thus the
first name I have now decided to tack in place for you) - but at least you
try... That's something.

In any case - focusing on the OP's question - please provide links/proof of
what you say about Dell, Windows XP and them selling full retail versions as
oposed to upgrade licenses. Maybe you are right (see - told you that you
should keep trying!) and now - you just need to follow through and show that
you are right.

While it is probably true the OP could install whatever Windows XP they have
(even upgrade - as long as they have a prior version CD) and no one would
ever know they did not legitimately transfer their license to a new machine
(at least not in a valid way) - and it would likely run forver - it seems to
be the worst idea one could follow through with

Given the fact that Windows XP is now two OSes behind and it is entirely
possible new systems might not even have drivers that will work in Windows
XP and there will be hardware and software out soon enough (likely already
is) that will require Vista or beyond...

Now's the best time to change (or - more precisely - a the end of October
would be the best time to change.)

 

[Peter Foldes]

 

[LVTravel]

Thanks for your response. I have a Dell desktop that came installed with
Windows ME. When XP came out, I purchased it from Dell for $99 (a special
deal for Dell customers only). They sent me the CD and I installed XP
myself. Is there a way I can tell whether this is considered a retail
license or an OEM license?

I did the same upgrade with my Dell 8100. The XP disk specifically states
for sale with a new computer and that makes it OEM even though it is an
upgrade version of XP. Even if you decide to violate the XP license
agreement for your new computer you will need a qualifying product which
would be an ME or Win 98 install disk.

One other issue you will have is that you may not find all the XP drivers
for your new computer. If you can't you will be forced to purchase Vista or
wait until Windows 7 shows up in October.

 

[Andrew McLaren]

Really - I am not from Australia - I live no where near Australia, have
never even been to Australia. If you still believe what you seem to have

Well said, mate!

I *am* from Australia, and I'm on your side.

Cheers

Andrew

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Thanks for your response. I have a Dell desktop that came installed with
Windows ME. When XP came out, I purchased it from Dell for $99 (a special
deal for Dell customers only). They sent me the CD and I installed XP
myself. Is there a way I can tell whether this is considered a retail
license or an OEM license?

Easily. The quickest way to tell the difference between an installed
OEM license and an installed retail license is to right-click the My
Computer icon and select Properties. On the General Tab, below the
"Registered to:" information is a 20 character Product ID in the format
of 12345-678-9876543-21234. If the Product ID is all numeric, you have
a retail license. If the Product ID is something like
12345-OEM-6789876-54321, then you have an OEM license.

Another indication would be to look at the original installation
CD. Does it bear the brand of a specific computer manufacturer? Or does
it say, "For distribution with a new PC only. For product support,
contact the manufacturer of your PC?" If so, you have an OEM license.

But as it was provided to you by the OEM, it seems obvious to me that
it's an OEM license.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[barcaroller]

I did the same upgrade with my Dell 8100. The XP disk specifically states
for sale with a new computer and that makes it OEM even though it is an
upgrade version of XP. Even if you decide to violate the XP license
agreement for your new computer you will need a qualifying product which
would be an ME or Win 98 install disk.

One other issue you will have is that you may not find all the XP drivers
for your new computer. If you can't you will be forced to purchase Vista
or wait until Windows 7 shows up in October.

Mine is an 8100 too. How is yours faring? I now get fatal hardware errors
during shutdown and my 17" LCD screen has problems during start-up. It's
been like this for almost two years now I will need a new machine
before the end of summer. Otherwise, it's been a faithful workhorse (but
only after XP was installed; ME was a living nightmare).

 

[barcaroller]

Easily. The quickest way to tell the difference between an installed OEM
license and an installed retail license is to right-click the My Computer
icon and select Properties. On the General Tab, below the "Registered
to:" information is a 20 character Product ID in the format of
12345-678-9876543-21234. If the Product ID is all numeric, you have a
retail license. If the Product ID is something like
12345-OEM-6789876-54321, then you have an OEM license.

Another indication would be to look at the original installation CD.
Does it bear the brand of a specific computer manufacturer? Or does it
say, "For distribution with a new PC only. For product support, contact
the manufacturer of your PC?" If so, you have an OEM license.

But as it was provided to you by the OEM, it seems obvious to me that it's
an OEM license.

Right on. The Product ID in My Computer says XXX-OEM-YYY. Thanks again for
your help.

 

[LVTravel]

Mine is an 8100 too. How is yours faring? I now get fatal hardware
errors during shutdown and my 17" LCD screen has problems during start-up.
It's been like this for almost two years now I will need a new
machine before the end of summer. Otherwise, it's been a faithful
workhorse (but only after XP was installed; ME was a living nightmare).

Used it very hard (of course I spent an enormous amount of money upgrading
the RAM to it's 2 GB maximum as RDRAM was quite expensive back then) for
quite a few years. Had three hard drives in it and did a lot of video
editing with it back then. I had the original 80 GB boot drive die and then
my add-in raid controller for the other two 100 GB drives failed also at
almost the same time. Removed the raid controller, put in the two drives on
the primary IDE channel, reformatted them (had a full backup of all)
reimaged the "new" C drive and has been functioning well since. No longer
using as a video editing computer but still do some work with it. Also had
one issue with a "weird" boot-up issue that a repair install from the XP OEM
(but upgrade) disk fixed prior to the original drive failures.

I guess I was the one person in history that never had any issues with ME.
Used it extensively until the upgrade to XP came out. I didn't have any
more failures with it than I had with another computer running Win 98 or the
8100 computer running XP.

I've also been through two LCD monitors with the computer since I bought it.
Had a 17" that died through a power spike (had the computer on a UPS and
surge suppressor but had the monitor plugged into shore power directly for
some dumb reason. Bought a 19" ($1000 at that time) Viewsonic that I used
until it died last year. Glad the prices of LCD monitors have dropped so
much. Same one today would only be about $100.