New computer

from WinCustomize Forums
I'm getting a new computer and was just wondering about how to get all the stuff that's on my recent computer on to my new one.
3,082 views 13 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Well .... First of All from me.

Disconect ur HDD from the old one. Connect it to new one through secondary data cable.

Start the pc, from ur OS .... copy the file you need from old one to new one.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Well congrats Richard..
There are actually a few ways to transfer data, direct cable connect is a common way.
You connect a bi-directional cable to the 2 PC's your working with. I believe they have Firewire adapters to do this now days, it's been awhile for me, I still have one of the old "printer style bi-directional's" (simple way to describe it)

Another way is to simply slave your existing drive into the new machine. you gain a drive, all your stuff is on it and it's a snap! But that isnt to say that there couldnt be complications.

Im sure some of the people here have a few other great idea's, those are just 2 of the most basic..

Good Luck!,
Zero.
WindowBlinds - Free yourself of the default settings, customize your desktop.
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
What about this thing called PC mover? As for the way you guys talked about, you guys give me way more credit than I have. I've never attempted anything like this and I don't really know how to go about it.Like where do you attach cables and so on?
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I bought a program the last time I got a new computer that made the transfer painless. It even came with a USB cable with a PC connection on both ends. The name of it escapes me right now. Guaranteed USB is slower than Firewire, but not all PC's have Firewire.
This program allowed me to choose what programs, files and settings to migrate over. I believe I might have only had one or two programs that didn't work right after that. I set it up, connected the computers and it did the rest. A couple hours later it was all done.
Certainly if you can simply install the old hard drive and copy files, but settings and such are generally not possible that way.
I actually will be getting a new pc soon myself and will have to use the program. I still have it, just don't recall the name right now.

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Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Ah well I'll put my two pence worth in.

If you have an ipod then you can transfer it all on to that and then over to the new PC. I do this when I reformat my HD. Of course you need an ipod

Any ways, best of luck and congrats on the new PC.

God bless
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
A "Bi-Directional Parallel Port Cable" connects to basically your printer ports of each PC, and then there is the USB method and the 1394 Firewire method..
And then there is Xero's method..LoL!, but you know what, that probably works!

There is a pretty indepth help file in the windows help section, just do a search for "Direct Cable Connection" in the microsoft database. It tells you step by step the proceedures for each type of connection.

Although that software that Ghos was referring to sounds pretty simplistic!that may be the route to go.

Zero.
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
A new computer - alright!!!

Looks like all the bases are covered already - unless you are just into the slow manual method like me:

1) Back-up all important files to disc - DVD if possible

2) Start with only the OS installed if possible

3) Install Anti-Virus and Firewall

4) Install programs one at a time, rebooting between each install, and defragging the drive about every 3 program installs or so.

5) Install files, e-mail addresses, Favorites

6) Reboot computer, and defrag twice

7) Verify Internet access

8) Start customizing again

Note - this is very old fashioned and probably not the choice of any but a few manual freaks like me.

Have fun with the new machine!!!
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I do it that way Corky.
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Pay somebody!
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top


What about this thing called PC mover?

I have heard that people have a lot of luck with that.  It includes a direct connection cable and software that searches what you actually have installed and helps you move it.

I used a cross over cable when I got my new PC.  It is just a specialized network cable (you connect it to the network ports on the PCs).  You then just create a network between the two with the network wizard, and off you go.  If you have a home network, you could just hook it up to the network, but most people don't, so the cross over cable works well.

PC Mover might be a good option for you, though, especially if you are no longer sure what is still on the old computer.