transferring stuff to a new computer

[surrealillusions]

I need a new computer, however, how do you transfer all your stuff from the old computer to the new one? And what about programs, can they be easily transferred or do you have to re-install everything?

:)

[BeeDeeDubbleU]

Have a look at Acronis software. I use it for backup but I understand that it makes program transfer much easier.

[ronin]

how do you transfer all your stuff from the old computer to the new one?

I used to save all my files and some of my programs to one or two CD-ROMs and then download any new versions of the software I use (skype etc.) on to the new computer from the web.

Now that I have more stuff, I've discovered that a thumb-drive or external hard-drive makes the whole process of transferring files and folders from one machine to another much easier and quicker.

Don't do what I did last time and save a copy of your desktop email client while forgetting to save the emails themselves. D'oh!

[bunltd]

Acronis rocks! Recently upgraded to a roomier hard drive and we just imaged everything over then made the new disk the master and booted right up, nothing to reinstall, everything just like it was. YMMV, since that probably wouldn't work if you were changing from XP to Vista.

added--> we use it for backups too.

[D_Blackwell]

I'm probably in a very small minority, but when I get a new box my preference is to move as little as possible. I've seen so many brand new, squeaky clean boxes trashed on day one from all of the junk that gets transferred over.

This changeover is pretty easy with files. I spend a week or two (or more:)) cleaning up my files. (Basically I start once I've decided to start shopping.) They go into two main groups.

Group 1: Organization and multiple external backup of stuff that will probably never see the light of day again, but can't bring myself to quite get rid of entirely.

Group 2: Files that will definitely make the transition. I get them in ship-shape organization, and ship them over to the new box.

Group 3: Stuff that should be deleted forever, which is usually a lot.

Programs can be a lot bigger problem, especially if they are heavily customized or expensive. Choices have to be made there. My choice is to start from scratch with as much as possible. Completely clean new installs, with notes of my customizations. This is a whole lot more problematic with some programs, but if necessary, you can may be able to transfer them individually; sometimes programs can be come 'intertwined' with others. It helps if you've retained original install programs and have customization notes. I keep a .txt for each program that I run and the edits that I've elected to make. (Also helpful if I break something:)) For most programs I can install a new clean copy, then just follow my note for customizations.

[BeeDeeDubbleU]

My own PC is now three years old and I really should upgrade but the prospect is frightening.

[surrealillusions]

ok, thanks for the replies.

Seems its not easy work, but overly difficult either.

Time to find a decent priced computer for what i need now..

:)

[Visit Thailand]

I'm probably in a very small minority, but when I get a new box my preference is to move as little as possible.

I agree. I try to move as little as possible and then do it file by file through an external hd. May take a little longer but I have better piece of mind.