Moving data from XP computer to Win 7 HomePro computer

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This topic has probably been covered before, but I apparently was not interested then. I am buying a new Dell computer with Windows 7 Home Premium to replace my old Dell with Windows XP Home. I have a lot of data that will need to be moved to the new machine. However, I am not sure about the best way to do it. Both computers will be on a home network, as the old one will be handed down to another family member. In the past, I have burned CDs with the data to move it to a new computer, but there has to be an easier way.
Suggestions? Thanks!

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W.

See this MS Article what you want is already built in. HTH :cheers:

May the Forces of good computing be with you!

RG

PowerShell & VBA Rule!
Computer Specs

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I used Windows Easy Transfer, but i am not certain as to where the files ended up on my new computer. I am still looking for some of them. I had to fall back to “plan B”, which was to move files using a USB external hard drive.

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Years ago, we used a floppy disk to move data. We jokingly called that the “sneaker net”.

But today, we use a Flash Drive instead. It’s larger and faster than a floppy disk, and it’s the quickest and easiest way to transfer data files from place to place.

All you have to do is plug in a blank Flash Drive, then locate your data folder in XP (windows Explorer) Right Click on it and “Send To”
your Flash Drive. From the Flash Drive, you can copy your data anywhere you like.

Happy 2014!

The Doctor

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I started out with Windows Easy Transfer, using a USB external hard drive, but I am still trying to find out where they ended up on my new computer. I had to fall back to your method. Now I will have a lot of clean-up to do!

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I used PC Mover..
It worked great and it’s pretty easy to use.

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If all you wish to do is move the data from one PC to another, the method outlined by DrWho is easy and never fails.

Just look for the same data folders in Win 7 under C/user/”user name”. You will find all the same folders here.

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We have often discussed Cloning and Imaging in these forums. However for simply moving data cloning seems like hunting a mouse with an elephant gun to me. Now if the OP had wanted to move his entire HD, well then Cloning is a highly effective method.

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Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. I think DrWho has a good idea, as I had not thought about using a flash drive for data. I have an 8 GB drive on hand. However, I will also consider other options.

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A “lot” of data is rather subjective, but why not just Copy/Paste over the network, or use a data backup program to create a copy over the network?

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W.

Having just finished the XP-Pro to WIN7-Pro(64) process on three machines, let me describe my method for data and programs (BTW I only had three very old programs [pre-win95] that would not run on the new 64bit Machines).
A. Preparation
First – make a list of application you use, Divide this list into two sections “A. Installed” and “B. Portable”
Second – Make a list of “Data Storage” Folders you want to keep.
Third – Locate copies of installation files for all the installed apps.
Forth – Make a HDD clone of old machine to external storage.
B. Set-up and Data move
First – set-up New Windows machine with user accounts you desire then connect to Internet.
Second – Allow machine to update OS and pre-installed Applications.
Third – Uninstall any pre-installed cruft you don’t want.
Forth – Check your HDD for size and partition layout ({my systems have 1TB HDD’s} so I shrank the C: partition to 250 GB and set the remainder to a D: partition. Reason Programs and OS on C:, Data & Storage on D: makes backup management easier.)
Fifth – Make sure Both Machines have different names and all drives on the XP machine are Shared at the “Root” level. You can also share the Win7 Drives if you so desire so you can later work from either machine.
Sixth – Via LAN Connection, Copy Portable Applications from XP machine to Win7 Machine. Copy Data Files from XP Machine to Win7 Machine. Make sure all portable apps are set up to save Data in the correct location if you moved data from C: to D:
Seventh – Install You other apps from their installation files. Make sure to set them up to save data on your Data storage Disk.
Eighth – Turn “Root” Sharing Off on both Machines and set sharing to the folders you want.
Ninth – Make a baseline Clone of your Win7 HHD to external storage.
Tenth – Tweak and enjoy your Win7 and XP Machines until April 2014 then disconnect the XP machine from the internet.

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