I bit the bullet and ordered a new computer this week from Puget Systems. It should be a huge improvement over my antiquated PC. They really treat you well and provide great service. Today I got photos of my system and the thermal imaging they use to see if there are any hot spots in the system. Don't think they do that at Frye's or whatever. But I digress. I received word it shipped today so should get in early next week. Now the problem for me is getting all the stuff I want to keep transfered to the new system. Can anyone point me in the direction of a tutorial or some detailed (I'm not a computer person) instructions on how to do this. Any special software that makes this a breeze? I would be really appreciative.
I got a new system from Puget a few months ago. Went through the same trauma. I hate changing over to a new computer. Generally, you just need to reinstall the software you want to keep using and transfer your files. make backups first. I'm sure the folks at Puget will help you. They give great service, but then that's why they ain't cheap.
Peter and Buck: Congrats on your new Puget computers. I have two: an Obsidian desktop and a 15" Traverse laptop--couldn't be happier.
OK, to Peter's question at hand, "How do I move my stuff?"
As Buck said, it's easier to install clean copies of the programs you want to use. This includes things like up to date printer drivers, printer profiles, etc..
The best way to transfer your user data is over a home network. If that's not an option then the way to go is to use an external USB HD. Here's a down and dirty procedure...
1. Plug the external drive into the old box and ensure it's recognized by Windows.
2. Copy the folders and files you want to the external drive.
3. After copying the folders/files, shut down the old box and then remove the drive.
4. Attach the external HD to a USB port on the new box.
5. Boot up
6. Look in Windows Explorer and ensure the drive is there.
7. Copy the folders and files to the new machine.
8. Voila!
I don't know, of course, how much user data you have, so you'd have to buy, beg, or borrow an external drive. If you don't have an external drive already, I strongly suggest you buy one. You can then use Windows Backup and Restore to backup you user files, programs and system image. I have an external drive for each of my computers for this purpose.
There are programs like Acronis True Image that you can use for copying files and/or creating full system backup. There may be some free ones out there too.
Good advice Preston.
External drives are now so cheap.
I keep all my photos & music on an external drive (2 in fact) which makes it easy to access them from any computer, even one that is not my own.
I started doing this because I used a PC for day to day work and a Mac for photo processing.
Jack- I chose Windows 7 as didn't think W8 offered anything critical to my needs. Old system is W7 as well which should help get a smoother transition. Apparently W7 has a built in transfer program that may help moving the files. And yes, I do have an external HD.
Discussion
7 repliesOK, to Peter's question at hand, "How do I move my stuff?"
As Buck said, it's easier to install clean copies of the programs you want to use. This includes things like up to date printer drivers, printer profiles, etc..
The best way to transfer your user data is over a home network. If that's not an option then the way to go is to use an external USB HD. Here's a down and dirty procedure...
1. Plug the external drive into the old box and ensure it's recognized by Windows.
2. Copy the folders and files you want to the external drive.
3. After copying the folders/files, shut down the old box and then remove the drive.
4. Attach the external HD to a USB port on the new box.
5. Boot up
6. Look in Windows Explorer and ensure the drive is there.
7. Copy the folders and files to the new machine.
8. Voila!
I don't know, of course, how much user data you have, so you'd have to buy, beg, or borrow an external drive. If you don't have an external drive already, I strongly suggest you buy one. You can then use Windows Backup and Restore to backup you user files, programs and system image. I have an external drive for each of my computers for this purpose.
There are programs like Acronis True Image that you can use for copying files and/or creating full system backup. There may be some free ones out there too.
I hope this helps.
--P
External drives are now so cheap.
I keep all my photos & music on an external drive (2 in fact) which makes it easy to access them from any computer, even one that is not my own.
I started doing this because I used a PC for day to day work and a Mac for photo processing.
There is an article at How To Geek that discusses Easy Transfer. The portion you want is about midway down the page.
--P