Seems to me I saw a post that indicated there were better alternatives to Windows Easy Transfer ? I'm going from XP Pro to Win 7 pro.
Has WEP proven to be the safest/best way to more docs/settings/files etc after a 'clean' install of Win 7 Pro on a new hard drive ? ( Planning on keeping XP Pro on second drive...using bios controls rather than dual boot option )
Thanks, Tim
I have answered a lot of questions about WET. Id say about 5% of the time there is a problem. The data to be trasnferred totally or partially disappears. I have used it myself and it was perfect. Everything was transferred, desktop, cookie, favorites, settings, everything but programs. If I had to again, I would use it, but have a second back up on an external HD, etc.
You might want to check this for more info:
Description of Windows Easy Transfer for Windows Vista
Based on the Microsoft Support website you will be able to transfer files and settings but not program files:
"However, you cannot use Windows Easy Transfer to move program files. Windows Easy Transfer can only move data and program settings. To transfer the settings of a program to Windows Vista, you must install the program on the Windows based computer before you run Windows Easy Transfer."
So ideally all of your Files and Data would be safe except that to be able to view or open files that were created by third party software you would need to reinstall them on the new computer manualy.
Hope this works
Drag your active User accounts onto an external. Check everything is there. You;re done.
After install, open each folder and Select All, drag files as a group to same folder in Explorer tree at left.
All you miss with this method is copying settings (although they are hidden in User appdata folders if you really want them). But Settings are a corruption path into the new OS so I don't recommend copying them anyway.
Last edited by gregrocker; 13 Jan 2010 at 20:54.
Thanks guys...am aware that program files by any methode can't be tansfered...thinks mostly about docs..pdf...graphics work etc...not the main programs themselves.
One other key question...Will most 32 bit programs used on XP work on a new 64 bit Widnows & XP Pro isntallation ? Want to 'migrate tyo 64 bit...but not purchase ALL new software to run on a 64 bit Win 7 Pro system ?
Does it go based on individual programs...or will most apps isntalled on my XP Pro 32 bit system run ok on a new 7 Pro 64 bit system ?
Thanks
ALMOST all 32 bit can be used on 64 bit. I have no problem, I do not know of anyone with a problem. Of course helping out at this forum, I have run accross some, but, very few problems. Don't let that concern stop your transition.
I left to get you the compatibity center link. Test it out, see what works.
Windows Compatibility Center
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