Using software to migrate files from old computer to new computer

Is it worth it? Does it work well?

[AAnnAArchy]

I'm finally getting a new computer and I'm wondering if the software to migrate files from the old computer to the new one works as well as the reviews say. I vaguely remember reading an old post here (did a search, couldn't find it) where someone used a program and it didn't work that well. I don't think I have anything really complicated to move. I'm going from XP Pro to XP Pro, the computer comes loaded with my beloved MusicMatch program and I've already saved most of my photos to an external hard drive. I would really love it though if I could just send everything over with a few mouse clicks.

Also, any ideas on how to write over the old hard drive easily, before I donate it to a charity? No need to have any traces left of my personal info for scavengers.

[nancyb]

here's the thread [webmasterworld.com] I started when I got my new 'chine. I used a $50 program instead of the cheaper one with fewer options so I could tx the document folder structure. I had some old apps that I no longer had the discs for and this program allowed me to tx them as well.

I stickied you the program name, but there were also some other good alternative suggestions in that thread.

You know that old saying "when all else fails, read the directions", well I shoulda finished reading before jumping in. Had I done that it would have been really easy with this program!

[digitalghost]

I'm kind of partial to PGP to wipe files and disks. The level of encryption is strong enough to defeat all but the serious cryptologists.

[AAnnAArchy]

Ah, that was exactly the thread I was looking for. Thanks. I was looking at another, slightly cheaper (on eBay, at least) program, but I'm willing to pay a bit more to make the process easier. I know I can do it the hard way, but I hate technical computer stuff. I like my computer up & running with the least amount of fiddling. I bought everything that I need to keep the new computer useful for at least a couple of years without me having to open it up to add anything. I'm an internet person, not a computer person.

[AAnnAArchy]

dg <<The level of encryption is strong enough to defeat all but the serious cryptologists.>>

Okay, just out of curiosity, what would it take to defeat serious cryptologists? And really, just curious -- my hard drive is full of completely legal, yet mildly offensive stuff, should one be easily offended.

The software that I decided on has a program that transfers programs & files, plus backs up & wipes the old drive.

[digitalghost]

If you want to remove the data, Degauss the drive. There's no such thing as ubreakable encryption. The best you can do is make breaking the encryption too expensive to bother with, or so difficult that the statute of limitations runs out. With PGP, odds are high that even with military code breakers on the case, that the statute of limitations or the budget will expire.