Note: the procedures for non-XP computers are the same, except that the wizard described below is only for use with XP computers and Microsoft software.
The hardware side of transfering programs and settings includes the following:
- if both computers are connected to the same network, you can use the network to do the work
- If both computers have network ports, but are not connected to the same network, you can use an "ethernet cross-over cable" to do the work; note: a standard ethernet cable will NOT work in this instance
- connecting the computers via USB cables is slower than a network, but finding the right USB cables might be easier than finding a cross-over cable
- connecting computers the old -fashioned way - using special parallel or serial cables - is painfully slow, and finding the right cable is just about impossible these days (I'll be happy to rent mine to you....)
Migrate your e-mail data and settings. If you're running Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express, Window's XP's File And Settings Transfer (FAST) wizard can transfer like account information, address books, personalized filters or rules, and messages. If you're using a different e-mail client, you need a third-party migration tool.
Migrate your Internet Explorer browser settings: home page, bookmarks, cookies, security preferences, and proxy settings. FAST can handle all this on Microsoft products. If you're using a different browser, you need a third-party migration tool.
Using a third-party tool, migrate the following:
- settings from non-Microsoft applications
- installed applications - Microsoft or non-Microsoft (ever lost an install disc?)
Third-party tools include:
- AlohaBob PC Relocator ($69.95 direct) excels at transferring entire applications, and can transfer individual app settings (but not as well)
- Desktop DNA ($59.95 direct) is better at transferring individual app settings, but can transfer entire applications, too.
- IntelliMover ($49.95-$79.95 direct, depending on features) does the the same as the other two programs, but not as well as either
None of the programs does all of the migration perfectly.
Migrate the rest of your data. Most data will be in "My Documents". However, many programs save their data in other locations. For instance, Intuit products (Quicken, QuickBooks, TurboTax, etc. save data in sub-folders of the program installation folder. Hunt around and find all of that data. If you use one of the above-listed third-party tools, the program will probably find all of that data and move it for you.
