transfering files/programs/preferences etc


  1. Posts : 11
    windows 7 ultimate x64
       #1

    transfering files/programs/preferences etc


    hi, I've just done a clean install on a blank hard drive of windows 7 ultimate x64. I had this exact version of windows on another hard drive but I did something and now I can't boot into it any more.
    So I want to transfer all my files and stuff - I can link up and view everything on my old hard drive, it just won't boot - is there any software or any easy way to transfer my program files so that I don't have to reinstall them all?
    Also, I'm not sure how to transfer all my windows settings - is it just a file somewhere that I copy accross?

    I've had a look at 'windows easy transfer' but it looks like it only works if you can boot into both operating systems - which I can't.

    thankyouverrymuch
      My Computer

  2.    #2

    The easiest way is to open each active User folder under your active User account, choose Select All on the Organize tab, then left click and hold to drag the entire file group to the corresponding folder in the Explorer tree at the left side.

    Wait until the tree expands completely and says "Copy to Documents," etc. before releasing the left click.

    If necessary you may have to take ownership by rightclicking the folder after installing this shortcut: Take Ownership Shortcut
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 11
    windows 7 ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #3

    is it an issue if I happened to copy all the hidden/protected files and folders from that particular location?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 6,668
    Windows 7 x64
       #4

    thejarrick said:
    is it an issue if I happened to copy all the hidden/protected files and folders from that particular location?
    Only if you suspect there may be a virus or malware located therein. Even then a full scan of the transferred data with your antivirus should take care fo that.

    The best thing to do would probably be to answer no if it asks to overwrite anything.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 11
    windows 7 ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #5

    I've come accross a program called softrescue which is supposed to be able to transfer program files but the reviews for it are awful - as it's all going from one identical OS to another, on the same pc system, can't I just copy 'Program files' accross?
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 6,668
    Windows 7 x64
       #6

    thejarrick said:
    I've come accross a program called softrescue which is supposed to be able to transfer program files but the reviews for it are awful - as it's all going from one identical OS to another, on the same pc system, can't I just copy 'Program files' accross?
    The problem with that is most programs make entries to the registry add component .dll files, and have other parts to them other than just what is in the program files area. Just copying them will more than likely just spit errors at you for your effort when you try to run most of them.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 11
    windows 7 ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #7

    [/QUOTE]
    The problem with that is most programs make entries to the registry add component .dll files, and have other parts to them other than just what is in the program files area. Just copying them will more than likely just spit errors at you for your effort when you try to run most of them.[/QUOTE]

    what about if I copy accross the folder that holds all the registry files too, wherever that is? or are they liberally scattered throughout windows?
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 6,668
    Windows 7 x64
       #8

    copying a registry hive is likely to move whatever problems you had previously developed into the new copy of windows registry values are very specific. I'm actually not sure windows own protection would even allow you to do such a thing, I've never personally tried it as it just seemed too risky. At that point you'd be looking at copying the system32 folder and common files as well. Unfortunately it's just not that clear cut when it comes to applications whether they are microsoft or third party apps. There is no set of rules they really follow when it comes to that.
      My Computer

  9.    #9

    Unless you in-place upgrde there is no way to get around reinstalling programs without defeating the purpose of a clean reinstall.

    Copying hidden AppData files from your active User account is a corruption path that similarly defeats the purpose of a clean start reinstall.

    Read over these tips to get a purrfect clean reinstall of Win7 - use the ones which apply: re-install windows 7
      My Computer


 

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