Upgrading and Fixing Computers: Do-it-Yourself For Dummies®

Chapter 20. Moving from the Old Computer to the New Computer

Topics and tasks in this chapter

• Deciding how to transfer

• Collecting the Files from Your Old Windows XP Computer

• Placing the Files and Settings on Your New Windows 7 Computer

When you bring home an exciting new Windows 7 computer, it lacks the most important thing of all: your old computer's files. How do you copy your files from that drab old computer to that exciting new Windows 7 computer? How can you even find everything you want to move?

To solve the problem, Microsoft created a virtual moving van named Windows Easy Transfer. The Windows Easy Transfer program sweeps up your old computer's data and program settings: your Web browser's list of favorite Web sites, for example. After packaging them up, the transfer program copies them to your new computer.

There's one big catch: Windows Easy Transfer won't move your programs. You need to install those onto your Windows 7 computer by hand. (Start searching for your old discs. . ..)

Windows Vista owners don't need the transfer program, as Windows 7 keeps their files, most programs, and their settings in place during an upgrade. But Windows XP owners should all walk down this chapter's path.

Note

Windows Easy Transfer doesn't work with older Windows versions such as Windows Me or Windows 98.

Choosing How to Transfer Your Files

Windows Easy Transfer packages all your files and program settings into one huge file, leaving you with one huge decision. What's the best way to move that ...