Possible to migrate old desktop to new machine?

[mendopaul]

I've spent4 years on one machine and have replaced it with a new one. Over the years I've developed an extensive desktop array of folders and shortcuts. Is it possible to just migrate this whole desktop over to my new machine? I know I'd have to change some of the drive letters and shortcut targets but is it possible to just transfer the folders and file(s) from the old to the new machine desktop?

 

[quickdraw2011]

Video: Transferring files and settings from another PC - Help & How-to - Microsoft Windows, or

I'll probably catch hell for using this link, but couldn't locate this tutorial here. I'm sure it's here...somewhere...
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/3179/migrate-xp-to-windows-7-with-easy-transfer-and-a-usb-drive/

Perhaps, one of the old timers here will provide that link.

 

[mendopaul]

Thanks Quickdraw. I've kept all my data files on Dropbox and I've reloaded all my active programs on the new machine so all my machines are loaded and operating ok. I'm interested in my time-saving links and folders that I had laboriously put on my desktop. All my machines are cable networked so file transfer is easy. I was wondering if perhaps the "desktop" file might be transportable to my new machine. In other words just transfer the desktop folder over to the new machine desktop. I'm a little reluctant to just experiment and screw stuff up. Thanks again for the links of tutorials.

 

[quickdraw2011]

Thanks Quickdraw. I've kept all my data files on Dropbox and I've reloaded all my active programs on the new machine so all my machines are loaded and operating ok. I'm interested in my time-saving links and folders that I had laboriously put on my desktop. All my machines are cable networked so file transfer is easy. I was wondering if perhaps the "desktop" file might be transportable to my new machine. In other words just transfer the desktop folder over to the new machine desktop. I'm a little reluctant to just experiment and screw stuff up. Thanks again for the links of tutorials.

Here is a link which should provide the information you requested. Rather, than explain the steps personally; I prefer using the search engine knowledge base to provide solutions. However, sometimes the question/s requires more of a direct approach. Let me know if this helps, if not, we will assist you further.

You can create a restore point before you try any of these steps. Or create duplicate folder/s. Just to be on the safe side. Thanks, for using Windows 7 Forums! QuickDraw

How to Transfer File from One Computer to Another - How To Articles

Hope this helps!

 

[MilesAhead]

If they are all shortcuts and folders full of shortcuts here's how I would do it. Create a new empty folder on the machine with the extensive shortcuts. Maybe name it "Apps" or whatnot.

Select Show Desktop. Press Control-a to select everything. Then Control-click to unselect the refernce to Apps itself. Avoid recursion. Cut/Paste all the stuff into new folder Apps.

Copy the folder Apps to the new machine or copy it to USB key, whatever. Copy from there to the new machine's desktop. Open it and drag all the stuff out to the desktop.

I have a similar setup except I don't use desktop. I have a folder with subfolders of categorized shortcuts that I keep in My Documents to keep the desktop clean. Once I set up RocketDock then I drag each folder of shortcuts onto RocketDock. Works the same on XP, Vista, W7. Alternatively on Vista and XP I can move the folder to desktop and use it as a toolbar. But I don't like menus that flip out on mouse hover. Takes too long. I'd rather go to the trouble of making custom icons in RocketDock. One click and the folder for that category is open.

Also once you have folders full of a shortcut category, you can use it with Standalone Stacks 2 to make a stack pinned to the Taskbar. I use that, RocketDock and a bunch of little hotkey launchers I wrote myself.. and also FARR launcher.

If the OS is on drive C: then I try to keep all folder names the same. Helps keep broken shortcuts to a minimum. Likewise I can just copy my chromium local data folder to another machine if I happen to hose the settings for Speed-dial 2 or whatever.

 

[quickdraw2011]

If they are all shortcuts and folders full of shortcuts here's how I would do it. Create a new empty folder on the machine with the extensive shortcuts. Maybe name it "Apps" or whatnot.

Select Show Desktop. Press Control-a to select everything. Then Control-click to unselect the refernce to Apps itself. Avoid recursion. Cut/Paste all the stuff into new folder Apps.

Copy the folder Apps to the new machine or copy it to USB key, whatever. Copy from there to the new machine's desktop. Open it and drag all the stuff out to the desktop.

I have a similar setup except I don't use desktop. I have a folder with subfolders of categorized shortcuts that I keep in My Documents to keep the desktop clean. Once I set up RocketDock then I drag each folder of shortcuts onto RocketDock. Works the same on XP, Vista, W7. Alternatively on Vista and XP I can move the folder to desktop and use it as a toolbar. But I don't like menus that flip out on mouse hover. Takes too long. I'd rather go to the trouble of making custom icons in RocketDock. One click and the folder for that category is open.

Also once you have folders full of a shortcut category, you can use it with Standalone Stacks 2 to make a stack pinned to the Taskbar. I use that, RocketDock and a bunch of little hotkey launchers I wrote myself.. and also FARR launcher.

If the OS is on drive C: then I try to keep all folder names the same. Helps keep broken shortcuts to a minimum. Likewise I can just copy my chromium local data folder to another machine if I happen to hose the settings for Speed-dial 2 or whatever.

Thanks, for the assist! Great Advice!

 

[gregrocker]

If you backed up Desktop, just open the folder, Select All and drag onto desktop. After you arrange the Icons where you want them, rightclick an empty area of Desktop, choose Refresh to pin them in place.