Windows 7: PCMover

I recently used PCMover to migrate programs, data, and setting from an XP machine to a Windows 7 machine. The good was that no harm was done to Windows 7 as a result of the move. The not so good was that several folders filled with gigabytes of data files were skipped. Had I not had the two computers linked on a network, I would have been screwed.



There's got to be a better way to go from XP to Windows 7.

There is a program built into windows 7 that requires a network connection. I don't remember its exact name, its called transfer tool or something, look it up on google. It was a link on the startup screen that appeared when you first installed windows 7 (And should have popped up every time after that unless you unchecked the box that said start with windows). It is a very detailed wizard which describes all the steps you need to take.

Any of the so-called automated solutions have issues, just as you found.

The tried and true method is backup of all personal data (files, bookmarks, and email) and then a clean install of the new Windows. Followed by importing your backed up personal data.

The "transfer of settings" gizmo in Windows (Easy Transfer Wizard or whatever it is called) is particularly shaky--in my experience.