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Follow these steps to migrate your data from 1 Microsoft Windows PC to another
We've all been here before: have an old computer and want to buy a new one. Or maybe we already have a new one, but we can't use it because we absolutely dread the fact of having to move all of our files over and re-install our programs again. "I lost the CD's!" or "I don't know how!" "I have SOOOO much stuff in this old machine!" and "I just don't feel like it." The fact is, your computer is only going to get older, and it's inevitable that you will have to replace your old computer. The one thing this guide CAN help you with, is making the process less painful. Believe it or not, it's possible to transfer over most data, so that you DON'T have to re-do all your IE Favorites or forward all the emails to yourself. Some of you will want to use the built-in migration tool that comes with Microsoft Windows. I actually don't recommend doing that. Here are the steps you keep yourself organized, in control, and not frustrated. - IF YOU ARE DOING A FULL REFORMAT, for whatever reason it is, it is best to make a full backup before you wipe out your hard drive. Do a full backup! Great imaging programs like Acronis, or you can also copy your most important folders by hand to your backup media "hard drive, DVD, CD". - Think about where all your files are saved. For most people this is everything in My Documents and Desktop. If you are a QuickBooks or Quicken user, the data files are often saved in C:\Program Files\"QuickBooks or Quicken" And then look for your company or file name. Some programs also save data in the root C: directory. NOTE: A lot of your data files will be hidden whether you hid it on purpose or not. It's not worth the risk to move everything and find out you missed some hidden stuff. To show all hidden files, open up a folder and click on Tools > Folder Options. In the window that comes up, click on the "View" TAB, and put a check on "Show hidden files and folders". Click "Apply" and "OK". Ok, so find all your files... and make a list of file directories to transfer.
Example:
My Documents
All of desktop
C:\bob's stuff
etc.
- Now to transfer your email files: If you have Outlook Express, there are several free Outlook Express Backup programs out there like www.softwarepatch.com/software/oebackup.html But you can also backup your stuff by hand. To save emails go to C:\Documents and Settings\"username"\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{BCAEEF1C-..... etc. \Outlook Express and save ALL the files that you see in there. The only files that really matter are the .dbx files but I always save all "just in case". To save contacts, go to File > Export > AddressBook and choose comma separated values.
If you have Outlook, it is much simpler. You simply have to save your .pst file. It can be found in the folder C:\Documents and Settings\"username"\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook\Outlook.pst Some people have more than 1 .pst file. If you see more than one, it's recommended that you save them both. This .pst file contains your emails AND address book.
I will upload information for other email clients at a later time. - Now to save your Internet Explorer Favorites Bookmarks: Go to C:\Documents and Settings\"username"\ and save the Favorites FOLDER (it's often shaped like a star). You will be copying this folder to the same location on your computer later. - Now that we've got most of your stuff located and/or backed up. It's the easy part! Just transfer them over! Copy your files wherever you want them to go. For emails...it is recommended that you copy the files over first and THENNNN setup your POP3 email accounts on Outlook. I hope this guide helps and I will add more detail to it later.
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