Transfer your old files and information into Windows Vista

jjones | Guides | 08/03/2007 00:00am
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Although buying a new PC is by far the easiest way to get up and running with Windows Vista, it does leave you with the problem of transferring your files and folders over from your old PC. Handily, this is much simpler than you might expect, thanks to Windows Easy Transfer. This is a program that works with the Belkin Easy Transfer Cable for Windows Vista to copy your files from your old PC to your new one. Check out the walkthrough below to see how it’s done.

Useful though this is, it only works for files and program settings – not for programs themselves, which will have to be reinstalled. Unfortunately, this can be more complicated; programs written for Windows XP may not work or install correctly on Windows Vista, and anything written for even older versions of Windows can be extremely troublesome.

The best way around this is to use Microsoft Compatibility Wizard to fool an application into thinking it’s running on a previous version of Windows. You’ll find this in Control Panel – click Programs > Use an older program with this version of Windows. Pick out the application you’re having problems with, and choose a compatibility mode. If you’re having problems with the title bar or menu buttons not appearing, tick Disable visual themes or Disable desktop composition to turn off any Aero glass fanciness.

Some older applications, particularly games, will hiccup when they encounter the new security features in Windows Vista, as they can’t get at certain system files. You can fix this by checking Run this program as an administrator in Compatibility Wizard, which gives it the same access as it would have had in Windows XP.

1. Getting Started

You need the correct software on your old PC. Insert the CD and follow the prompts to install Windows Easy Transfer Wizard and the Belkin drivers.

2. Plug In

Once installed, plug the Belkin Easy Transfer Cable into a USB socket on your old computer. It will ask what you want to do – choose Transfer files and settings.

3. Link The Cable

Connect the other end of the Easy Transfer Cable into your new Windows Vista PC, and again you should choose to Transfer files and settings.

4. Wait To Connect

Windows should automatically detect the connection; wait for the message “A connection to the other computer has been detected”.

5. Choose Your Files

Put the kettle on. After that, select what to copy. Clicking Advanced Options will enable you to choose whatever files, settings and accounts you need.

6. Link Accounts

To match up what should go where, link each old account to any new accounts created. You’ll need the same number of accounts on both systems.

7. Start To Transfer

Click Next again to begin the transfer. If you really did put the kettle on in step five, make yourself a cup of tea and sit back; this step may take a while.

8. Get List

Once the transfer is complete, click Show me everything that was transferred to get a full list of every file, setting and account copied. Click Close to finish.

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