BleepingComputer.com: Transferring data from and OLD computer to a new one.

I've heard about a way to transfer my data from an old computer to a new one by setting the old computer's hard drive to slave and the newer one's to master. From there I'm a bit hazy on what to do next, any questions. The old computer doesn't have a usb, a place to plug in a keyboard/mouse, or a place to put in an internet cable. Please Help!

The absolute easiest way to get data off of the old hard drive is to skip hooking it up as a slave & temporarily disconnect the CD drive & hook up the old hard drive.

When you open My Computer the old drive should be listed
Double click the icon
Double click Documents & Settings
Double click the folder with the user name
Open My Documents.
Right click what you want to transfer
On the menu hilite Send to
On the submenu click on My Documents
It will be transfered to My Documents on the new computer.

You can't save installed programs like Office, Nero,etc.
You can only save personal files like pictures, movies,music, etc.

you can sometimes copy the programs, but you must also copy the registry settings, if you export all of the registry to a file, then import it into your new pc, after copying the files. this all assumes there was no problems(viruses, malware, lack of security) on the old computer

"if you export all of the registry to a file, then import it into your new pc"

DO NOT, I repeat , DO NOT do that.

There are MANY, many, settings in your old registry that WILL cause conflicts/problems if the old registry is imported to a totally different computer.

If you did that I would be thourghly amazed if you ever got the computer to restart without doing a clean install of Windows.

Take the backup of the old computer, that will take your all files. And then restore it to new one and that will be resotoring your settings and files also.

Sorry, I didn't realise that they had already got a backup system, if so then yes, they could just restore the backed up file to the new computer, unless they had a problem with the old system (which would possibly be a reason for switching to a new computer)





Elliot

Unless you know EXACTLY what you are doing DO NOT mess with the registry, PERIOD.

I have moved installed programs from one unit to another.
It is almost impossible to move a program by transplanting folders/files & registry entries & get it to work right.

Only attempt it if you are willing to do a clean install of Windows on the new computer & lose ALL that is on it.

I can't beleive ANYBODY would even suggest exporting the registry from a old computer & importing it to the registry on a new one.

One other thing, If you use a "backup" of your old computer and then restore it to new one you are going to end up with a mess that won't boot .

If you want your personal files & your new computer to work go back to post @ 2 .

If you want to reinstall Windows on your new computer disregard # 2 & try the others.

You might be right 'farejoeblue', but I have done exactly this on numerous occasions, when transferring from one pc to another, but I also have a backup system implemented, so the chances of losing anything are very slim. I am not saying that this would work for the user, but if they already have a clean install of WinXP then what have they got to lose???

"I am not saying that this would work for the user"

Yet you are suggesting the person do it .

First of all read ,

"The old computer doesn't have a usb, a place to plug in a keyboard/mouse, or a place to put in an internet cable"

You are ASSUMING the old computer had XP & all will be fully compatible.

When was the last time you saw a unit running XP the DOESN'T have a usb, a place to plug in a keyboard/mouse, or a place to put in an internet cable"

If the OP has a antivirus program & all drivers on a "backup" & runs it on the new unit there can be all kinds of problems that can only be fixed with a clean install.

that doesn't even make sense, if it has no place for USB, Keyboard or Mouse then how would you use it, besides remotely but apparently it has no ethernet!
btw, that is aimed at the topic starter and not 'fairjoeblue'