Transfer software and files from XP to Vista

[J.P. Caron]

What problems am I likely to encounter when I get a new machine with
Vista on it?

Transfering files: what is some of the easy ways

Software: probably more difficult; I have install disks for some, but
not sure if they will work on Vista, and I cannot afford to buy them
again.

Thanks in advance,

J.P.

 

[Kevin]

What problems am I likely to encounter when I get a new machine with
Vista on it?

Transfering files: what is some of the easy ways

Software: probably more difficult; I have install disks for some, but
not sure if they will work on Vista, and I cannot afford to buy them
again.

Thanks in advance,

J.P.

You can use the Windows File And Settings transfer utility to move files,
but I find it just as easy, if not easier, to just burn all my files to DVD
and copy them that way. Or use an external hard drive to do the same thing
if you have dozens of gigs of files to move.

Your old software will require you to do some homework to see if it will be
able to run on Vista. Your old software may install and run just fine on
Vista. My four-year old copy of Adobe PhotoShop Elements installed and is
running perfectly on my Vista Home Premium machine. In some cases, the
maker of the software may have a patch or updated fix for their application.
In other cases, forget it.

 

[Charles W Davis]

What problems am I likely to encounter when I get a new machine with
Vista on it?

Transfering files: what is some of the easy ways

Software: probably more difficult; I have install disks for some, but
not sure if they will work on Vista, and I cannot afford to buy them
again.

Thanks in advance,

J.P.

There are many easy ways to transfer the files, as has already been
mentioned. I suggest that you visit the Microsoft Web site and download the
Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor. Run the advisor. You will find a lot of
information regarding your programs, printers, and other perpherial devices.

 

[Charlie42]

Your old software will require you to do some homework to
see if it will be able to run on Vista. <snip> In some cases,
the maker of the software may have a patch or updated fix for
their application. In other cases, forget it.

Like Kevin indicates, you need to visit the software maker's support and
download sites.

Download and run the Upgrade Advisor before you make your decision. It can
identify possible problems for you:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradeadvisor.mspx

Should some of your old apps run into trouble, beware that there are
remedies for Vista-reluctant software. Take a look at Windows Vista Help,
consider bookmarking some of these pages for future use:

Find Windows-compatible programs:
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/76b1e0ae-fe07-4adf-9345-2a4376b0aa821033.mspx

Windows Program Compatibility Assistant:
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/82c0440d-553e-47e9-b4bd-6c2d10df4de71033.mspx

What is program compatibility:
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/334c6e6c-9289-49e3-8a81-c3981f5f42dc1033.mspx

Program Compatibility Wizard:
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/99a95df6-04e6-46eb-bb65-6404cd215e641033.mspx

Make older programs run in this version of Windows:
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/bf416877-c83f-4476-a3da-8ec98dcf5f101033.mspx

Charlie42

 

[Gordon]

What problems am I likely to encounter when I get a new machine with
Vista on it?

Transfering files: what is some of the easy ways

Software: probably more difficult; I have install disks for some, but
not sure if they will work on Vista, and I cannot afford to buy them
again.

Thanks in advance,

J.P.

In addition to the comments about Windows Easy transfer, be warned. If you
are using Outlook, do NOT use the WET to transfer Outlook data and
settings - it almost always results in a corrupt mail profile and/or data
file...

 

[Rich T]

You will get a LOT of problems, probably some of them completely new to
science as Vista seems to develop new problems on a daily basis.

Buy an XP machine and save yourself the hassle. Most manufacturers will sell
you XP if you ring and plead - they just don't advertise XP machines
publicly in case they get sued by Microsoft.