How to Transfer Programs to a New Computer
Transferring old programs to a new computer can be a chore. Fortunately, newer operating systems include features to transfer your programs, as well as your music, movies and other media. Depending on the operating system, there are tools included in the original installation. Should your operating system not have its own transfer options, there are third-party options available.
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Things You'll Need
- Transfer cable
- USB drive, DVDs or external hard drive
- Transfer software
Instructions
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Microsoft Windows Transfer
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1
Consult the "Help" file for the exact location of the Microsoft Windows Files and Settings Transfer Wizard. It may be in Programs/Accessories/System Tools, or depending on your version of Windows, the location of the wizard may be in a different place and may have a slightly different name.
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2
Launch the transfer wizard and select the appropriate files and folders, as well as programs you'd like backed up. Make sure to select files and folders from other hard drives as well.
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3
Choose your transfer medium. If you opt to use a transfer cable, plug both ends of the cable into the appropriate ethernet ports on each PC. If you are transferring over a network, make sure both computers' network settings are appropriately configured. If backing up to an external hard drive, connect the hard drive via USB, Firewire or eSATA.
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4
Wait until Windows recognizes your backup device. Click the "Backup" or "Start" button and wait for the transfer to complete. Double-check your programs, files and settings to make sure that they transferred properly.
Third-Party Transfer
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5
Connect the transfer cable to the appropriate ports on the computer. Depending on your cable, it may use USB, Firewire or an ethernet cable.
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Insert the CD, DVD or flash drive that was packaged with your transfer software. Follow the on-screen prompts and select the appropriate folders, files and programs.
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Click the "Start," "Backup" or "Begin" button. The name will vary from program to program.
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After the transfer takes place, verify that your programs work and your media files are in the proper places.
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Tips & Warnings
When it comes to third-party transfer utilities, there are many low-cost and even freeware backup options. Computer enthusiast websites and message boards can be a valuable research tool in your search for the proper software.
Transferring entire programs can sometimes go awry and require a reinstallation. If in doubt, back up any saved files for that particular program, reinstall it on the newer machine and import your backed-up files into that program.
