Number 254 - July 2004

How to Move Files to Your New PC
By Ira Wilsker, February 2004
Since the holidays, I have had several inquiries asking how to move data files and programs from an old computer to a new one. The problem is actually more complicated than it might appear, because Windows uses an internal file called the registry to track the location, features, and settings of the hardware and software on the computer. Many people who recently purchased or received new computers with Windows XP pre-installed, are replacing Windows 98 machines. Since there are many well documented hardware and software incompatibilities between the two operating systems, most programs and files cannot be copied to the new machine, as they will not work as intended.    A good first step is to make a backup of all critical data files. If the old computer has a CD burner, this would be the logical choice. Copy the My Documents file to a CD (or multiple CDs if necessary), as well as the data directories used by other word processors, spreadsheets, databases, email programs, tax and financial programs, photos, music, and videos to the CDs. Other files that should be copied to CDs are the settings for internet service providers (ISPs), address books, favorites (bookmarks), usernames, and passwords; these files are often overlooked in the copy process, creating hardship and additional work. In addition to providing a source of existing data files that can be used on the new computer, these CDs can also be an invaluable resource if a backup copy is ever needed. If the original program install discs are available, there is no need to copy the programs to CD, as the install process creates the proper directories and registry entries required for the programs to work.    Once the data files have been copied to CD, the original programs can be installed on the new computer using the installation discs. One proviso, worth repeating, is that many programs, especially utilities that ran well on Windows 98 will not function properly with XP. Windows XP has a poorly documented compatibility function to help software designed for earlier operating systems work on XP, but despite that, many older programs and utilities will still not work. After the programs have been installed on the new computer, the data files can then be copied from the CDs you created to the appropriate directories on the new computer. Care must be taken that data is put in the correct places, or the programs will not find it. If this sounds like a hassle, it is. Last year, when I finally got a new XP computer for myself, it only took about 30 minutes to set it up, but many hours to get everything I wanted	copied from my old Windows 98 machine to my new one. I burned over 20 data CDs, and spent the bulk of the time trying to copy the data to the correct locations on the XP machine.    Fortunately, there are several utilities on the market to automate, speed, and ease the process, but I did not use one then. With what I learned during the experience, I would not do the process manually, but would use one of the utilities instead. One that I recently used on another system is PC Relocator, available at several of the local electronics stores, online software sellers, or direct from the publisher at www.alohabob.com. According to published reports, PC Relocator has been the #1 selling PC migration utility every year since 2001.    Available in a basic version or by download for about $30, or an ultra version which includes two different sets of high speed transfer cables for about $70, PC Relocator more than justifies its cost in time savings, function, and aggravation. The PC Relocator software is installed on both computers, and will work on versions of Windows from 95 to XP. The destination computer must either be the same or newer operating system than what is on the older source computer. The computers are connected to an existing network connection, a standard bidirectional parallel cable, or the special USB or high speed bidirectional parallel cables that are included with the ultra package. USB is generally not compatible with Windows 95 or NT. The software then scans the old computer, and creates a menu of programs and data that can be selected for transfer, as well as settings, and data files. Any programs that may have conflicts or other problems on the new computer are flagged by PC Relocator for special attention. It should be noted that nothing is deleted from the old computer. The selected programs and files from the old computer, including their directories and registry entries, are then migrated to the new computer. The method of connection utilized determines the speed of the transfer; a common bidirectional parallel cable will move a gigabyte in 2 to 5 hours, while the special USB or high speed parallel cable (included in the ultra package) will move a gigabyte in less than an hour. If the computers can be connected via a network, transfers can be as fast as 15 minutes per gigabyte. At least one of our local electronics stores will perform the service with its store copy of PC Relocator at a flat rate of $59.95.    If I would have had PC Relocator a year ago when I set up my XP machine, I could have saved days of time, and lots of frustrations.
Number 254 - July 2004