{"id":16,"date":"2009-12-14T07:47:55","date_gmt":"2009-12-14T12:47:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/williamscomputers.com\/?p=16"},"modified":"2009-12-14T07:47:55","modified_gmt":"2009-12-14T12:47:55","slug":"using-windows-easy-transfer-to-transfer-your-data-to-a-new-computer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/williamscomputers.com\/?p=16","title":{"rendered":"Using Windows Easy Transfer to transfer your data to a new computer"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

When purchasing a new computer<\/a> one of the most frustrating experiences is moving existing data to the new computer<\/a> from the older one. In the past when you wanted to transfer data you had to copy the data via a network, store it onto a DVD\/CD\/Floppy and then copy it back onto the new PC, or physically take the hard drive out of the old machine and install it into the new machine. The main problem using these methods was that you could only move files such as documents, pictures, movies, saved games, etc. E-mail could be moved but was a difficult a process. Moving settings and program configurations, on the other hand, was not possible, except for the experts, and you had to reconfigure each of the applications on the new computer. Windows Vista changes all this with a new bundled application called Windows Easy Transfer that can easily migrate data from Windows XP SP2, Windows 2000 SP4, and Windows Vista operating systems<\/a>. It is important to note that though you can transfer data from Windows 2000, you can not transfer settings.<\/p>\n

Windows Easy Transfer is a program that comes bundled with Windows Vista<\/a>, and when run, scans our computer for data and settings<\/a> that you can transfer to your new computer. This migration can be done via a myriad of methods including USB flash drives<\/a>, DVDs, a network, or by using a new product called a Vista Easy Transfer Cable<\/a>\"\". What makes this program so powerful and easy to use is that it is wizard driven so you just answer questions, make sure all of your data<\/a> was properly selected, and then press a button to start the transfer. For this tutorial, we will focus primarily on migrating our data using the Vista Easy Transfer Cable<\/a> or via a network. We chose these two methods as they are the easiest and quickest methods to transfer your data. <\/p>\n

<\/a>The types of data can be transferred<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Using Windows Easy Transfer you can migrate most files and program settings. Below is a table describing the types of data and settings that can be moved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n
Data Type<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/td>\n
\n
Specifics<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Files and Folders<\/strong><\/td>\nAny files found in your My Documents, My Pictures, and Shared Documents folder will be selected to be moved automatically. You can also add other documents that are in other locations.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
E-mail messages and Settings<\/strong><\/td>\nE-mail messages<\/a>, contacts, account settings, and address books from Outlook Express, Outlook, Windows Mail, and other programs.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Program Settings<\/strong><\/td>\nPrograms that are compatible with Vista will have their settings transferred to the new computer. In order for this properly to work the program must already be installed on the Vista computer.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
User Settings<\/strong><\/td>\nDesktop settings, color settings, screen savers, fonts, Windows options, printers, etc.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Internet Settings<\/strong><\/td>\nFavorites, cookies, and Internet Explorer<\/a> settings.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pictures, Video, and Music<\/strong><\/td>\nMusic files, playlists, and album are. Pictures (gif, jpg, bmp files) and personal videos.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/a>Preparing the computers to use Windows Easy Transfer<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Before you use Windows Easy Transfer on your older computer you first need to install the software<\/a>. The three methods that can be used to install Windows Easy Transfer on the old computer are:<\/p>\n