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General discussion

files and settings transfer from HD only to new laptop

by TheTick247 Sep 4, 2007 3:18AM PDT

My apologies if this has been covered, but it didn't seem to come up when I searched.

My old computer finally died, but I was able to salvage the HD in what is apparently good working order. I set up the old HD in an external HD case and attached it to my new computer (a laptop - old computer was desktop)wia USB cable. The old computer ran XP Pro and the new one is Vista Home Premium.

I tried running the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard, but there didn't seem to be a way to transfer the info unless the old HD was on separate computer (instead of listed as a 2nd drive on the laptop). I tried a couple of different options, but none seemed as if it was going to do the job (and since it's for my wife, doing it right the first time it paramount). I was able to copy and paste the Documents and Settings folder manually, but I'd like to transfer other things (like settings, contacts, and old email from Outlook Express) and have them go to the appropriate new folders/locations on the new laptop.

At this point getting the email, contacts, etc (outlook express) from the old HD to a new folder in Windows Mail is my priority, but other settings, etc would be nice to transfer too.

Even if I can't use the F.A.S.T. wizard, is there a way I can find the old email, contacts, etc and copy/paste it manually into Windows Mail?

Thanks for any feedback, tips you can provide.

Discussion is locked

2 Posts

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The limitation of FATS...

by John.Wilkinson Sep 4, 2007 3:37AM PDT

Is that it pretty much requires the other installation of Windows be bootable, which in this case it is not. Third-party apps are usually the same way, so manually copying everything over is the way to go.

For your/her Outlook Express data look in
drive letter:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\Identities\...
You can then use the File->Import/Export option from within Windows Mail, pointing it to the folder you found containing .dbx files.

As to all other settings, if there is anything specific let us know. Unfortunately in your situation there is no wizard to bring it all in.

John

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I'll give it a try.

by TheTick247 Sep 4, 2007 4:05AM PDT

Thanks John,

I'll give that a try and hopefully that will do the trick for the most part on the mail & contacts transfer. I'll have to see what other settings she "needs", since it looks as if it will be a manual operation instead of an automated one. I'm glad it wasn't just my own ignorance (although I'm sure that still plays a roll) that kept me from getting it done via the F.A.S.T wizard or other similar method.

If she comes up with something specific, I'll check back to see where the files might reside on the old HD.

Thanks again!

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