5 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
5 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Logistics of changing to a new computer?

by Charles Washington
4 replies
I have finally broken down and purchased a new PC. I've been running an old emachine from 2003 with very limited memory and everything else.

Is there a way to transfer some of the files to my new comp? For instance, MS Office, I have an old version. Can I move it to the new comp?

And as far as Firefox and Filezilla, things like that. I dont remember half my passwords. Is there a way to move those files to the new comp, or do I have to start over?

Thanks
#changing #computer #logistics
  • Profile picture of the author backdoor23
    Programs aren't like simple data files, they need to be installed, so you can't copy them. You will need to install all programs from scratch.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1100178].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    backdoor23 is right. In fact, I took the MCSD test, and that indicates that microsoft certainly knows about the problem. THEIR answer? REINSTALL!!!!! So don't expect them to change this.

    Basically, there are only two "reliable" ways to do this:

    1. GHOST EVERYTHING, which is generally impractical unless it is a computer for resale, or a standardized platform for a company.
    2. REINSTALL.

    Of course, SOME programs create unique keys, etc... and ONLY allow reinstalls.

    Sorry.....

    The most popular problem is that there are needs to find resources, and use libraries, and/or store setup data, and the simplest way is through a common area called the registry. That is in one spot for EVERYTHING, and not with the directory you may copy/etc....

    Steve
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1100207].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Charles Washington
    Well, that sucks!

    Thanks for the help.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1100231].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Barry Unruh
      Actually you'll be much happier if you do start from scratch.

      If you moved over your programs, and all the associated registry settings, you'd also be moving over every problem your old PC has accumulated.

      Since you can view your saved passwords in Firefox, that should not be a big issue, just take a look and write them down.

      You can export the bookmarks, and import them on the new computer.

      Data files can be copied to a flash drive, and then just copied onto the new PC.

      I've done this a few hundred times for other people, I can assure you, if you image it over to the new workstation, you'll be sorry. Your experience will be much better with a fresh installation.

      The main part that sucks is the amount of time it takes.

      Good Luck with the new PC!
      Signature
      Brain Drained...Signature Coming Soon!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1100388].message }}

Trending Topics