New Computer Question

Thinking about buying a new computer. Will I be able to transfer everything from my old hard drive to the new one. How is this done. Thanks

Mike S.

A number of ways; none are foolproof.

There is some software that allows you to make "image" of the old hard drive and transfer it by copying the "image" on a number of specially formtted zip disks, CD's or (God help you)-floppies or if you are lucky by transfering via a server or high speed cable connection like a SCSI, USB or even a parallel port with appropriate software. Transfering all files including system files and programs by this method can cause serious problems because of incompatibilities and/or software-hardware conflicts between an old machine and a new one.

A better method involves copying all your document and setting files and reinstallingthe programs and system files.

I suggest you find a computer geek in your neighborhood and enlist his or (better still) her skills.

Mike. S.


A few questions. Are you going to be buying a computer with Windows XP (BTW - I like this operating system) or another operating system already installed? Will it come with basic programs?


Next, what do you mean by "everything"?


For example:


Does everything include MP3 or picture files (can be many gigabytes)?


Address books and bookmarks/favorites?


Installed programs where you don't have the original disk(s) or the original license is for one machine? There will be no easy or legal way to do this.


Regards,


Rick

A number of ways; none are foolproof.

There is some software that allows you to make "image" of the old hard drive and transfer it by copying the "image" on a number of specially formtted zip disks, CD's or (God help you)-floppies or if you are lucky by transfering via a server or high speed cable connection like a SCSI, USB or even a parallel port with appropriate software. Transfering all files including system files and programs by this method can cause serious problems because of incompatibilities and/or software-hardware conflicts between an old machine and a new one.

A better method involves copying all your document and setting files and reinstallingthe programs and system files.

I suggest you find a computer geek in your neighborhood and enlist his or (better still) her skills.

If the operating systems are compatible then its pretty easy to do if you find a computer enthusiast. If you don't know anyone then try a small computer repair shop that hires starving CS students. They will do anything for you.

I have a LAN and just transfer the data files I want that way. You have to re-install all the program files anyway, so just copy the data files to a CD (assuming you have a burner) or ZIP disk, or (god forbid) floppies.

what do you like about xp as opposed to 98 or me?

Brett,


I had Win98. I upgraded from 128K to 384K before I installed XP so that may be part of it. It is very stable and handles multiple open windows much better without crashing.


Regards,


Rick

Thanks for the help guys, I really appreciate it.

Mike S.

Often, if the computer is an older one, the BIOS must be updated in order to install a significantly larger hard drive. You should check the computer manufacturer's web site to see if a BIOS upgrade is needed, and if so, download the upgrade and "flash" it in the old BIOS.


You might be able to do yourself, but expect problems. As a precaution, remove any hammers and heavy objects from the room while you are doing it....just in case.