Transfer Files From Old Computer to New
Now that you have the Vista operating system you may be wondering how to transfer files from your old computer to the new computer. If you have XP on the old sstem then you can always use the built in Easy Transfer Wizard that comes with XP and Vista. This type of data transfer will copy over user accounts and personal documents as well.
The other method that we would actually recommend is to pay the few bucks and get Laplink PCmover. This program is far easier and you can transfer over any programs you have on your old computer as well. No other software on the market can transfer over programs.
If you like free and don’t mind jumping a few hoops then the Easy Transfer Wizard is the best way for you. All in all it is not too hard to use if you are tech savvy. The biggest issue many people run into is how to actually transfer over the data with the program. You have several choices to do this. Over the network is the easiest as you can get it all at once. The other two more popular ways are to copy the data over to an external device or burn it to a CD. While this may sound hard it should not take all that long. Just open the program at All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > File Transfer Wizard and follow the on screen prompts. Remember that this process does not copy over programs.
Laplink PCmover is easier to use then the built in Easy transfer wizard but that ease of use will cost you a few bucks for the program. When and if you choose to use this then I would suggest getting the Data Transfer cable for the 15 or so bucks it costs. Using this cable totally eliminates having to mess with any settings. You simply install the program on both machines and basically hit a button and say connect to other computer and from there you choose what you want to copy over. The interface is extremely easy and that is why we recommend it here. The other thing to keep in mind when comparing this product to others is it will transfer over the software you lost the disk for. This in it’s self can save you big bucks. Keep in mind this programs will also transfer outlook profiles and all user settings and account info as well.
If you are concerned in anyway about loosing data or the Windows transfer Wizard looks a little over whelming then go with Laplink PCmover and don’t even worry about it.
|