Transferring Software, Settings, and Files to Another Computer

Have you put off purchasing a new computer or switching to a different one because you dread the task of installing all the programs you use, customizing all your settings, and moving all your data files? You might not even be sure exactly what you should transfer in order to have everything you need. Windows Easy Transfer helps you choose what to transfer and leads you step by step through the process. It does not delete information from the old computer, so you don't need to worry that accidentally transferring the wrong file means it is lost forever.

You can transfer the following types of files and settings from a computer running Windows XP or Windows Vista to a computer running Windows Vista:

Folders and files
E-mail settings, contacts, and messages
Program settings
User accounts and settings
Internet settings and favorites

You can transfer files, but not settings, from a computer running Windows 2000 to a computer running Windows Vista.

You can use several methods to get the information from one computer to the other, including over a network; via DVD, CD, or USB flash drive; or by using an Easy Transfer Cable (a USB cable that connects two computers together).

Troubleshooting

While the transfer is taking place, you will not be able to use either computer. Because the transfer can take several hours, you cannot start the process from a mobile computer that is running on battery power; you must first plug it in.

To begin the transfer process:

1.	Log on to your computer as an administrator.
2.	On the Start menu, point to All Programs, click Accessories, click System Tools, and then click Windows Easy Transfer. Then in the User Account Control dialog box, click Continue.
3.	Follow the instructions in the Windows Easy Transfer wizard to specify the transfer media or method, the information you want to transfer, and the password for recovering that information.
4.	If you are transferring files and settings via removable media, start Windows Easy Transfer on the second computer, and click Continue transfer in progress.
5.	Provide the information requested by the wizard. When prompted to do so, insert the transfer disk into the second computer, select the destination drive, enter the password, and then click Next. The files transfer to the new computer.