Windows 7: Steps to transfer data/files from old PC

Hey guys,

I'm new to these boards and would really like to have a step-by-step guide to transfer data/files from my old PC's hard drive to my new one.



Old PC currently running on Windows Vista Home Premium 32bit and new PC on Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit.

So far I've did a full backup via Acronis True Image 2012 (read online about it) and I'm lost on what should I do next? Do bear in mind that I'm a "noobie" in tech stuff

Thanks
wind7newbie

Hello Wind7newbie,

If you happen to have another HDD other than the one the OS is installed to use as a inbetween HDD to copy to, then you could use Windows Easy Transfer to copies of your data and files from Vista now then Windows 7 after installing.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Thanks for the quick reply Shawn.

I've done the transfer of my files (including the folder Program File in my main hard drive), but the programs aren't installed into my new PC.

Can you help me find a way to install these programs?

Thanks again,
wind7newbie

If I were in your shoes, I would:

1: Back up my data to another disk and later transfer it to the new installation manually, without using Acronis or any software--just copy the stuff to another disk with the mouse.

Or, you should be able to simply install the old HD in the new PC (next to the new PC's hard drive) and transfer your data files from old drive to new drive with the mouse, assuming the new PC has a new hard drive with Windows 7.

2: Not expect Windows Easy Transfer to necessarily work as advertised.

3: Plan on reinstalling all of my programs, rather than "transferring" them.

wind7newbie,

You will need to reinstall all programs and drivers.

IF you want to experiment, LapLink used to provide an app (think it was called PC Mover) that you could use to migrate from one PC to another -- and it included the option to migrate your apps.

Ordinarily, even though they also provide a version that will allow you to migrate from XP to Windows 7, I would advise against using it -- but in this case, migrating from Vista to Windows 7 should not be a problem.

You should go to their website and check it out. I think the "transfer" product was around $20 or so.