XP to Windows 7 File Transfer
Since the official market release of Microsoft Windows 7, a large amount of users have actually decided to try this new operating system. However, as any new platform, Windows 7 has its complications as well, even if they seem to be less problematic then other comparable Windows releases. One of the main problems when deciding to migrate to Windows 7, especially if you have just purchased a new computer alongside this operating system, is the file transfer between your old setup and Windows 7.
In most cases users want to transfer programs and custom settings and files over to the Windows 7 operating system or new computer. To do this you have two options. However only one of them will be able to transfer over programs.
In order to ensure proper XP to Windows 7 file transfer, one of the most common utilities that has proven a lot of success and respect from software review magazines is Laplink PCMOVER. This software is designed to scan, detect and help users in the migration process of files, data and settings from any actual PC to a new PC. Overall this software program is very easy to use. You install the program on both machines and then follow the on screens prompts. You can use the data transfer cable method, do it over a network or even a delayed transfer to an external device. This is the only program on the market that can transfer over programs so you don’t really have a chose if that is what you need to do.
A free method that is well worth mentioning is the Easy Transfer Wizard that is installed on both XP and Vista and Windows 7 computers. The Wizard has a nice interface that allows you to transfer over all your user and custom settings as well as personal files. The down side to this program is it will not be able to transfer over programs and does not always seem to work right. It is not uncommon to have to two the transfer a few times to get everything you want. The transfer can take a day or two as well for some reason when done over the network you need to make sure none of the computer go to sleep or offline. Before you do the transfer you will need to pre-install any software programs onto the Windows 7 computer. This is only needed if you want to transfer over custom settings from programs that you plan on using. Outlook and Quickbooks would be good examples of this.
For my time and money I would recommend just using the Laplink PCmover program. It’s easier and tends to do a great job transferring over data from XP to Windows 7.
Tags: XP to Windows 7 data Transfer, XP to Windows 7 File Transfer
February 9th, 2010 at 8:18 am
I have just bought a new 64bit PC and wish to transfer my files, and also some of my old programmes from my old 32bit PC to the new one.
I am very much a novice as far as PCs are concerned and from what I have read it seems that the Laplink PCmover is what I require.
However I have now just found that Laplink have another programme called the PCmover Windows 7 Upgrade Assistant. Can you tell me whether the Windows 7 Upgrade Assistant is intended as a stand alone programme which will do the job by its-self, or is it intended for use as a supplement to the original PCmover
programme?
February 9th, 2010 at 6:59 pm
GREAT question John,
The Windows 7 Upgrade Assistant is a stand alone product that lets you upgrade from XP to Windows 7. Microsoft does not have an upgrade path for this.
If you are upgrading from lets say Vista 32 over to Windows 7 64 then you will want to use the regular or pro version of PCmover. It just depends on your exact needs and from what operating system you are upgrading from.
FYI: Get the laplink 2.0 USB cable. It makes the transfer a ton easier and quicker. Do expect the whole process to take 1-3 hours depending on how much data you have. Keep in mind that there is an undo migration button as well if you mess up.
If this did not answer your questions then please ask for further clarification
February 10th, 2010 at 3:47 am
Thanks Admin;
Thanks for your rapid response, and my apologies; I should of course have mentioned that my old PC is running on WindowsXP.
Can you confirm then,that my requirements to get the job done are, Laplink Windows 7 Upgrade Assistant accompanied by the Laplink 2.0 USB cable, and nothing else.
Regards John McCumiskey
February 10th, 2010 at 4:49 am
Unless you are updating the actual operating system on your XP computer to Windows 7 you should not use the upgrade Assistant. That program is for those who are keeping the same computer just upgrading to Windows 7
If I understand correctly you have a NEW computer with Windows 7 already on it. If that is the case then use the PCMover program. Worst case you have 30 days to get your money back if it does not do what you want it to do. Personally I think it is the best data transfer program hands down.