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budk1953

budk1953

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I'd like to replace my older desktop with a new laptop in the near future and was wondering - Is there a <span style="text-decoration: underline">simple</span> program that will transfer <span style="text-decoration: underline">all</span> my programs and information from my old computer to a new one?

Simple and all being key words...

Thanks,
Bud
 
To be perfectly honest........NO. Don't believe the hype.

You must reinstall every application to get their respective DLL's in place and to get their proper place in the start menu's etc.

Data files are easy to copy and transfer, programs are not.
 
Paul is right, of course.

Bud, what Operating System (OS) are you using now? I'm assuming PC & not Mac here. Windows XP? Vista?

What software do you have? Microsoft Office? For other programs, do Start, Programs & see what is there. Have you kept your original discs from the software? You may, MAY be able to re-installsome of it.

Again, like Paul said, copy your data files to a CD, flash drive or something else that can be read by the new PC.

Most come packaged with anti-virus software (Norton/Symantec or McAfee) so you should be OK there, may have to re-up your subscription to keep your virus definition file current.

Printer(s)? Do they have drivers available for your newer OS?

Colin
 
Risks make life exciting!

You *might* have success if you make a disk image of the HD on your desktop. Then copy the disk image to overwrite whatever's on the laptop.

No guarantee it would work, as I don't know the hardware details of either machine. But I have done it. Lots of things to weigh/consider. But if you absolutely do not want whatever's on the laptop HD, you can't lose anything by trying the disk image idea. Worst outcome: the laptop locks up, as the old image software doesn't "mesh" with the new laptop's hardware.

Tom
PS - one of the really fun (!) aspects of having to re-install all your old software on a new machine, is that nearly every single software app will require numerous updates and restarts. And there will always be at least *one* app you desperately need, but you can't find the original installer and/or serial numbers and install codes.

:wall:
 
Tom,

The problem with a disk image is that he will overwrite his new updated Windows installation and all of the drivers need to run every piece of hardware with who knows what type of hardware drivers from the other computer. It will also install a registry that has no information about his hardware/software and the instructions may not even let it boot up. And if it does, I wouldn't trust it at all.

It's like rebuilding anything. Only one way and that's the right way and that is one program at a time.
 
There is no easy way to move. Thats why its called moving!
Really it not worth the it.
Reload the programs watch some TV have some coffee a beer? and just accept it.
you may need different drivers and such.
I need to do it every 2 years when they issue us new laptops at work.
I reload 14 ALLEN BRADLEY apps and 8 GE FANUC ones. oh yes it always fun and theres always some glitch. 2-3 day's of caffine driven insanity. :nopity: :thirsty: :wall:
 
BWUHAAHAAHAAA!!!!

...come to th' dark side....

:jester:


It'll be a contest to ferret the apps. Save the data files and all else needs to be reinstalled.

It's called the Micro$oft Tax.
 

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Doc,

Why am I not surprised with you being a card carrying Linux user?

It's good and getting better daily. I've used a bunch an a dual boot with XP, from Mandrake to SuSE to Ubuntu, but too many proprietary business applications that need to interface through Win, so for me they are just toys to learn from.

For now, that is..................
 
It will be better by and by, Paul.

I'm a die-hard OpenSource proponent.


...for those who've abstained, my apology.

I've been posting primarily with Linux the whole time I've been here.
 
Brosky said:
It will also install a registry that has no information about his hardware/software and the instructions may not even let it boot up.
Click to expand...
It should boot, it will just take an hour-ish to go through the "found new hardware" wizards. The big problem will be the registry will not uninstall all the dead links, wrong drivers and excess crap that never uninstalled while you had the original computer running. It'll slow your new one way down. Just install all the programs clean and only move yer files.
 
I thought I said that.


...p'raps a bit more obtusely. :devilgrin:
 
I agree it's a bit of a risk (!) -

But as Bud seemed really negative about having to re- install everything, I figured it was worth a try.

And again, if he doesn't care about losing whatever is on the new laptop's HD ... copy the image, do a Safe Mode boot ... go to Control Panel/ Hardware and remove all the hardware drivers no longer needed, then reboot and let the Magic Mystery Hardware Wizard do its thing.

And keep the fingers crossed!

Of course ... on, even on a Penguin wearing a red hat you have upgrading issues. :devilgrin:

Tom
 
Yeah, sometimes it even works!

This stuff is still in its infancy. We're on our own. Some decisions are easier than others, it boils down to what each chooses as their path. Some will go down the one of ~seeming~ least resistance. All it takes is resources...

...in one form or another.
 
<span style="font-style: italic">"This stuff is still in its infancy. We're on our own. Some decisions are easier than others, it boils down to what each chooses as their path. Some will go down the one of ~seeming~ least resistance. All it takes is resources...

...in one form or another. "</span>

That is *heavy*! As I read, I happened to think ... that description could apply to so many things. Religion, politics, medicine, engineering, love, investment, even cellular structures.

Next time I need a boiler plate paragraph, I'm calling YOU!

Seriously, I agree with the "infancy" statement completely. We still call them "computers", altho' I believe that term originally just meant the "big machine" that took the place of some GS-2 federal employees paid to compute artillery ranges. Those employees had been called "computers".

Sitting at a glowing screen, madly punching alphanumeric buttons - talk about something that will be an amusing anecdote in a century or two!

Tom
 
Isn't Bud getting a new lap top, which will come with Windows Vista? Try loading the programs from the original disk. If you don't have them, then forget it. Don't transfer programs from your old computer to the new one. If you have the disks, then the only problem I see is, some of your older programs might not run in Vista. No problem there, if a program is rejected, forget it and buy an upgrade. Put all your data files on a stick or CD and transfer them to the new computer. Quite a few older programs won't work in Vista. You'll just have to try and see if they will. Some will if run under administrator, some won't. It's a Microsoft thing to get you to buy more software!
confused0031.gif
 
Hence my: "All it takes is resources...

...in one form or another."

$$$!! :wink:
 
budk1953 said:
Wow - thanks for the input, new computer will probably run Vista.
I need to pick-up some memory sticks as both CD drives have died already.

Bud
Click to expand...

I was going to upgrade my old lap top. Bigger hard drive, more memory, etc, etc. I run Linux in it. Nice play toy. It was much cheaper to buy a new one. Modern internals, BIG hard drive, lots of memory, more ports, thinner, lighter, etc. I'm glad I did as I can dump anything that's in my desk top to it. Both have Vista and it was on sale at Office Max. Linux doesn't need all the junk windows needs, so my old lap top runs like a rabbit with it in there. So now I have the best of both worlds!
happy0001-1.gif
 
two old Toshi Satellites, a Panasonic "hard" book and a Dell notebook here with Linux. They run just FINE. They strain with XP.
 
You might also consider buying an external drive that connects to the USB port. Then dump the contents of the old desktop to it. Connect it now to the new and dump what you want over. Has the advantage of providing backup of your old files too. But I wouldn't try to bring over applications, VISTA will not load things that are not thought compatible, I tried with some stuff on my machine I wanted to save. And applications you register and get updates for can be tied to the computer internal id requiring purchase of new software.
 
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