Migratin of files and applications to new computer

[Charles L. Cotton]

I have to get a new laptop and I hate the thought of reloading several applications. I want to use the new operating system on the new laptop, so a mirror image migration using something like Acronis is not an option.

Does anyone know if there is software available to migrate applications from one computer to another without moving/copying the operating system? I realize it would have to make registry entries on the new machine and in my case, it will be moving from a Windows XP machine to a Windows Vista laptop and that might complicate things even more. Moving files is a little bit of a pain, but nothing like reloading software, so I really hope there's a product out there.

Thanks,
Chas.

[Kalrog]

Charles, I don't know of anything that will do what you are asking. It might be out there, but I don't know it.

[Liberty]

From what I have seen, Most apps that were built to run on XP won't run on Vista anyway.
Even most of the Microsoft Staff won't touch Vista... Why would you want to run it?

[Mithras61]

To the best of my knowledge, there is software that will move your data files and profile settings, but nothing that will move applications. The basic problem is that applications usually make changes to the Registry instead of being stand-alone like in the old days of DOS, so the migration app would have to know how to export the settings on the old OS and convert them to be compatible with the new OS. The most robust tool I know of is an Altiris application, but Windows does have a migration wizard that will do most of the job for you.

FWIW, Vista can be a pretty good operating system, but make sure you give it 3GB of RAM (more is wasted, and less doesn't seem to be enough). I would look into something called "Data Executino Prevention" that shuts down applications that Vista thinks aren't responding. you'll want to know how to disable it for some applications. Also, you'll want to look at User Account Control. Some folks like it. I find it annoying, and usually disable it.

BTW, Windows 7 is supposed to release later this summer. It has a reputation so far in some tech circles as being what Vista was supposed to be...

[AEA]

I too went from a XP Laptop to a Vista Laptop. I had to manually install the programs and transfer the files. A lot of XP programs are in fact compatible with Vista but those that are not, normally have a Vista counterpart available.

I had the option of a XP down downgrade on the Vista machine, and I can still do that if I wish, but I got to fooling with the Vista and I kinda like it. I don't quite understand why it has such a bad name. I decided to keep it for awhile and may keep it until the next operating system comes out (windows seven or something like that). I understand there may be a free or reduced rate upgrade from Vista.

A reduced upgrade from XP would not be possible I don't think.

[stevehi]

There is an application included with Vista and XP that will move most of your stuff and does an ok job in my experience. Look for File and Settings Transfer Wizard or do a Google search for it. When you start to use it, make sure you have both computers up and on a network that they can communicate with each other or some type of removable media large enough to hold all the data. It took me a few tries to get the steps down to make it work but once I did, it went smoothly. Hit me with an e-mail if I can help in anyway.

[neilp]

Given the change in operating system you are not going to be able to copy installed applications from one PC to another.

The only solution I can think of that avoids the need to reinstall your applications would be to use VMware. VMware creates an image of your PC in it's entirety. The OS, applications, data files etc. You then use a VMware player utility on the target system to run the image you created.

There are some draw backs to going this route. VM image files are often very large, so they can be a pain to move around. Performance of the image can be poor, especially if you are not familiar with VMware configuration. The VM player is available at no charge. You can download a 60 day trial of the image creation piece, after that you have to purchase a license.

That said I have used VMware extensively and with a little patience it is a very functional tool.

[LaUser]

I assume that you are on a Winidows PC and want to move to a new Windows PC. Because of the operating system being what it is, you will not be able to just copy stuff over and have it work without more work.

There is a method for migrating to another PC without an operating system upgrade.
Here is a link that might help. http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/51 ... 56149.html
Part of the problem is drivers. All hardware uses drivers. If the hardware is different, new drivers are needed.

Now if you had a MAC, you could hook them together via a network cable and copy. Linux is the same.

Anyway the link should help. Good luck.

[roughneck266]

I use Acronis True Image here on the rig for the computers, problem is unless you ar emigrating to the exact same kind of computer it would be pretty much useless. It does move everything, but because of differences in drivers, BIOS and other things i am sure it wouldn't do anything else. Files and settings are no problem at all but programs, and drivers would be a HUGE problem. My two cents.

[dBex]

There are programs that will transfer your applications but it is typically better to reinstall the apps. This will get you a cleaner image and better running applications. People have a lot of problems with programs after migrating them over and wonder why their computer is running so slow. When you transfer your apps it would also be transferring some of the less desirable apps as well(spyware etc). If you have a router you should be able to set them both up on the network and transfer files between the two. That's the fastest, easiest and cheapest in my opinion.