Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

Transfer Old hard drive to new PC

Aug 18, 2014 6:17AM PDT

I have just purchased a new Dell computer which comes with Windows 7 Professional. I would like to transfer the data/programs/settings from my old Dell running Windows 7 Home Premium to my new computer. How can I accomplish this without messing up the new computer's settings?

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Answer
Re: transfer
Aug 18, 2014 6:26PM PDT

1. Copy the data (from your backup, via usb-stick, via external hard disk, or via your home network)
2. Reinstall the programs (from the original setup or - preferably - from a download of the latest version)
3. Manually re-enter the settings you need.
The sequence isn't important.

Kees

- Collapse -
Answer
Windows file transfer
Aug 19, 2014 4:16AM PDT

You can use MS own "easy file transfer" a free pgm. they offer. The deal is you have to get the version for XP, Win 7 should already be present.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/features/windows-easy-transfer

You need to read the manual or details to make this a sure thing. If your setup is complicated, then expect problems with it or any other method, try to reduce all the attachments if at all possible. Keep it simple. Alas, if your XP is real old, don't expect it to run under Win7 even if in XP mode.

tada -----Willy Happy

- Collapse -
Addenum...2nd post
Aug 20, 2014 1:49AM PDT

I should have mentioned, the use of a "data transfer cable" or similar wording. These usually come with s/w of their own or can use the easy file transfer as well provided both PCs have USB ports. I also should mention, that any attachments like USB ext. drives, etc.. should all be unhooked to include anything, even printers. sorry... adios -----Willy :
)

- Collapse -
Re: XP
Aug 20, 2014 5:21PM PDT

Hi Willy,

The OP says he wants to move from old Windows 7 (Home Premium) to new Windows 7 (Professional). Why the need to get the XP version?

Kees

- Collapse -
You're correct
Aug 20, 2014 10:06PM PDT

I'm so mindset on old->new file transfer that's the default goto answer. However, the info I supplied still will work. In fact you can buy the "easy file transfer cable" at WallyWorld and its sold as that it also includes the MS transfer pgms. It really is creating a simple network using required USB cable to do this. Usually old to new OS PCs, as a simple network, the problem can be tacked. Under Win 7, it should have that already be installed, thus type [easy] no brackets at start should list easy file transfer pgm. and with cable attach, proceed.

FYI- This applies to XP,Vista,Win7 and Win8

roger, roger -----Willy Happy

- Collapse -
Opting for data cable transfer
Aug 21, 2014 2:24AM PDT

After reading these replies to my original message, and reading the replies I got from a local professional group I belong to, I am going to opt for a data cable transfer system. I will be about a month before I can do so as I will be out of town for a month. I have my fingers crossed that this will work without too many hitches. It could have been so much easier if I could have found a new motherboard and processor for my box, but it is just too old to find one anymore. Kind of like me. Sad

- Collapse -
When you're ready
Aug 31, 2014 4:31PM PDT

You should also check the old PC and remove, delete or in general clean-out any old pgms. and such that no longer are needed, etc.. Do a anti-virus scan as well to assure no baddies are part of transfer, not likely though. Basically, you're trying to do as clean a transfer as possible. Once done, proceed with the data transfer and verify the "folders or directories" you want to be part of the transfer. It's really easier than you think.

tada -----Willy Happy