Wanting a new computer

by lisa_blakey Mar 12, 2007 7:25AM PDT

I have wanted a new computer for about 4 months now. I did all kinds of research into what I would need to do, how much it would cost, etc because I thought I would be going from an XP to XP os. Now I am being told if I want a new computer it has to come with Vista. So I have a few questions (and I have looked, so please forgive if this has been answered a 100 times).

1. I have a few programs on my computer (MS Money, Sims, etc) that I would like the info from. It would be nice to not have to start all over after hours of hard work. Will I be able to bring that info from the old to the new or will I have to recreate it? If I can bring from old to new, are there any instructional websites on how to do that with Vista? If I have to recreate, are there any short cuts?
2. I want to bring all of my MP3 files (there are 1000?s) from the old computer to the new one. Is that possible? How do I do it?
3. Does the iPod and its program work with Vista
4. Have there been any more problems with hardware working (i.e. printers, palms, flash drives, etc)? I have read there were problems with certain brands missing drivers for Vista. Where would be the best place to go to find out if my hardware will work? If there is a problem, and you have the original program disc, is that enough?
5. How do I make sure I don?t bring problems from my old computer (i.e. any viruses, spy ware, or mal ware) to the new one?
6. Is there anything else I need to know?

Thank you very much for your help. Though I feel I am knowledgeable about computers, this one has definitely left me stumped, and I want to do it right.

Discussion is locked

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Some answers...

by John.Wilkinson Mar 12, 2007 10:03AM PDT

1.) The Transfer Wizard will make life easier when it comes to transferring settings and personal files over. However, saved game files from The Sims and others will have to be found and copied over manually. You'll have to research where the saved games are saved to, then copy-and-paste to the corresponding location on the new computer once the games are installed. Unfortunately there is no simple way here. (Note that C:\Documents and Settings\Application Data will likely be the main place, and that it is a hidden directory

2.) There are many ways. One would be to get a USB transfer cable to directly connect the two computers, and then copy-and-paste the MP3s over. You could also remove the hard drive from your current computer, connect it to the new, and copy-and-paste from the one hard drive to the other. If neither is an option, you would have to use CDs, a flash drive, or an external hard drive to facilitate the transfer, even though it will take longer. Also, keep in mind that if is is music that requires licenses, you will have to re-download the licenses...they cannot be simply copied over.

3.) Yes, the iPod can by synced with Vista. Apple still has a few bugs to work out in iTunes, but it's still usable and the problems should be resolved soon.

4.) Yes, compatibility is a major issue. Vista includes thousands of drivers, but you'll still encounter devices where you have to download them manually, assuming they exist. Before setting everything up, visit the website of each device's manufacturer and see if there are updates available to make them Vista-compatible. They may 'simply work' with what Microsoft provides in Vista, but it's not wise to rely on it.

5.) Unfortunately the only way is to scan your entire computer with antivirus and antispyware software since malware can infect just about any file.

6.) There will be compatibility issues, guaranteed. Most, however, can be dealt with, so if you encounter a problem just let us know.

Good luck.
John

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What i would do

by jabronne332 Mar 12, 2007 12:59PM PDT

Put all your music on data cd's, or data dvd's if you have a dvd burner. You probably should have done this already by now. Put your game saves on a cd, they should be in c:programfiles/sims/saves Your other programs you should have on disk somewhere. When you get vista install antivirus software FIRST. Scan everything on the disks with updated antivirus software before saving it to your new computer. If you have gotten the music illegally, consider not bringing it over or deal with the adware/spyware because you deserve what you get for stealing. You probably havent done anything wrong like that so you wouldnt have a problem.

You can still buy pc's with xp. I think you would be happy with vista ultimate or home premium.

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A few more questions. . .

by lisa_blakey Mar 13, 2007 12:32AM PDT

1. Is the "Transfer Wizard" a device, a action, or a what? Where can I find it?

2. Is it poss to take the hard drive out of the old computer?

3. Is it true that I will have to reinstall programs no matter what (i.e. reinstall MS Money, then transfer all of my personal info later)?

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Answers...

by John.Wilkinson Mar 13, 2007 3:49AM PDT

1.) Windows XP has the Windows File and Settings Transfer Wizard and Vista has "Easy Transfer," both of which are pre-installed utilities. Once you have Vista up and running, I would launch Easy Transfer from the Start menu and follow the on-screen prompts to transferring your files and settings over.

2.) Yes, you can remove the hard drive from your old computer. It is wise to purchase a "grounding strap" to prevent static shock from damaging the computer when you open it up, but wearing non-static clothing, avoiding shuffling your feet, and repeatedly touching the metal case is an alternative. Open it up, locate your hard drive, unscrew it, disconnect the power and data cables, and do with it as you like.

3.) Yes, you will have to reinstall all applications. the reason is that Windows programs rely heavily on the registry and shared system files, which cannot be simply copied over, and without them the programs will fail. Some, such as MS office, are even specifically designed to fail in such situations to prevent piracy.

John

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Find a fairly new, used XP computer instead

by RoboChemE Mar 12, 2007 2:08PM PDT

I'm totally frustrated with Vista. My wireless connection doesn't work and Vista drivers aren't available for my peripherals.

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I would also like to know. . .

by lisa_blakey Mar 13, 2007 3:37AM PDT

1. Can I clone my old hard drive and put it in with my new hard drive? If so, what are the pros and cons; how do I go about doing it; and is it worth the time and/or effort (i.e. is there a faster and/or easier way to move the info to the new computer)

2. How do I properly dispose of my old hard drive and computer so that I am following the law and protecting my information

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The considerations...

by John.Wilkinson Mar 13, 2007 3:58AM PDT

1.) Yes, it is possible to clone your hard drive using third-party software. However, there are several considerations:

* It will clone everything, including Windows XP...it cannot be set up to simply copy your programs over for placement in Vista.

* If the OS was pre-installed by the manufacturer or is an OEM version you purchased you are not permitted to transfer it to any other computer, period.

Now, if it is a retail copy of XP, the best option would be to simply transfer the old hard drive to the new computer and have two drives installed. Cloning would not be the best option in your situation.

2.) Before disposing of your old hard drive you should always use the free program DBAN to securely erase your personal data. I know California law requires special disposal of various electronics, but for the most part you can simply throw it in the trash can if you like. However, I would give serious thought to using it as a secondary hard drive, perhaps for backup purposes, provided it is still functional.

John

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Thank you John

by lisa_blakey Mar 13, 2007 4:35AM PDT

You have been a wealth of info

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