Move to a New PC Preloaded with Windows Vista

Although buying a new PC system loaded with Windows Vista might have saved you time, you’ll probably still need to transfer your files and documents from your old PC to the new one and install your desired software applications.
You can manually round up and transfer your personal files and documents using an external separate hard drive, USB flash drive, or network sharing. Another way to transfer files from an XP computer to your new Vista computer is to use Windows Easy Transfer, which automates the transfer.
Windows Easy Transfer also helps transfer other items such as user accounts, email messages, contacts, and other settings that aren’t easy or possible to do manually. Moreover, you can also download and use the Windows Easy Transfer Companion, which can transfer many of your software applications. This saves a great deal of time and the headache of reinstalling all of them.
To download Windows Easy Transfer and Windows Easy Transfer Companion, visit www.microsoft.com/downloads.
After being installed, the Windows Easy Transfer and Windows Easy Transfer Companion utilities can be accessed from the Start menu, as shown in Figure 1.20.
Follow these basic steps when using Windows Easy Transfer to transfer your files and settings:
1. After you open Windows Easy Transfer, you’ll see the welcome screen that describes its functionality. Click Next to proceed.
2. You then need to choose and configure your desired transfer method by following the directions in the application and referring to the following:
Use an Easy Transfer Cable: This method uses a special USB cable (typically 8 feet long), which you connect to each computer, to transfer your files and settings in real time. Although you’ll need to purchase the cable for around $40, this method provides the quickest transfer speed, using USB 2.0 at 480Mbps, and is typically the easiest option.
Transfer directly, using a network connection: This method uses a network connection between the PCs, which can be on a (wireless or wired) network or via a computer-to-computer (ad hoc) connection. The transfer can be made directly (in real time) or you can copy the data to another PC or network storage device and then transfer the data to your new computer.
Transferring via a network connection will take longer (around 100Mbps for wired and 25Mbps for wireless) than using the Easy Transfer method. However, if you have an existing network connection between the computers, this method doesn’t require any additional investment.
Use a CD, DVD, or other removable media: This method involves copying your data to removable media and then transferring the data to your new computer.

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