BleepingComputer.com: Files and settings transfer wizard

Hi folks. I am getting a new computer and would like to use the XP files and settings transfer wizard. I am confused as
to how to use it. I have put in bold type the line I am confused about. Every instruction I read talks about using a floppy
disk. Compuers haven't come with them for years. Say what? Are they saying I can't use this method unless I have a
floppy drive? Wll someone that has used this method please explain to this old man in language I can understand.

Step 1: Get the files and the settings from the old computer
On the old computer, click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.
In the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard dialog box, click Next, and then click Old Computer.
Click Next, and then select a transfer method, such as Floppy drive or other removable media.Click Next, and then click the option that corresponds to the items that you want to transfer. For example, you can click Settings only, Files only, or Both files and settings.
Click Next two times, and then wait as the "Files and Settings Transfer Wizard" processes the items to transfer.
Click Finish.
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Step 2: Transfer the files and the settings to the new computer
On the new computer, click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.
In the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard dialog box, click Next, and then click New Computer.
Click Next, and then click I don’t need the Wizard Disk. I have already collected my files and settings from my old computer.
Click Next, and then select a transfer method, such as Floppy drive or other removable media.

Note You must select the same transfer method that you selected on the old computer.
Click Next, and then wait as the "Files and Settings Transfer Wizard" processes the items to transfer.
Click Finish.
Back to the top

Seems to me that it's saying...whatever you desire to transfer...must be transferred from the old system to media...then subsequently transferred from media to the new system. No direct transfer from old to new.

But...see http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb457074.aspx

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/s...november12.mspx

I've never used this tool, so I have to rely on written procedures.

Louis

hamluis, on Jun 30 2009, 10:15 AM, said:

Now I find this at one of the links you sent. Appears I can buy a $5.00 Serial cable an transfer the files. Thanks

Copying files to a home network drive is the fastest method. If you don't have a home network, try using a direct cable connection between your computers. Because the wizard uses auto detection to configure ports for the cable, you don't need to go through any complicated setup procedures.