Changing computers XP to Windows 7

[Interpreter]

I have purchased a new desktop (Dell) operating under Windows 7 and have about 60g on the present desktop hard drive (Dell and trouble free for 7 years). I also have a 320g external hardrive available and connected via a USB cable.

 

Since I have had my last computer for some 7 years I cannot locate all the original programme disks.

 

What is the best way to transfer all 60g on my XP to my Windows 7 computer.

 

I can find Microsoft Information on XP to Vista but not XP to 7 - although perhaps the method is the same.

 

I have IE8 and Service pack 3 installed on my present desktop.

 

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Tootech]

Since I have had my last computer for some 7 years I cannot locate all the original programme disks.

 

There's no reilable way to do what you want :(

 

There are utilities out there that can transfer programs from old PC to new PC, BUT they won't move licensed software as that would mean it is installed on 2 systems.

 

Also, due to the jump from XP to Win 7 you would hard pushed to expect any transferred software to work.

 

Install what software you have CD's for, some of your other software may be available for download, and if you have the license you may be able to install it on Win 7. If not, I'm afraid it may be the end of the line.

[Interpreter]

Changing computers

 

Tootech

 

You make my point for me. It cannot be beyond the wit of IT boffins to design a programme that empties the programmes from one computer and places then on the new one whilst obliterating it from the original. How come the major software houses have not done this perhaps driven by the hardware manufacturers who want to sell more computers. There must be a way somehow.

[Tootech]

I know what you are saying, I guess it comes down to commercial viability in the end.

 

There are solutions to do the job. I have used them on occasion to migrate customers old machines to a new setup without disruption.

 

Problem I found is that is all seems to go well, but errors pop up now and then with files supposedly missing. It may have just been down to the software I transferred. I found it was more of a pain to sort out the problems then start with the clean system and install the software.

 

Using a utility to move from XP to Win 7 doesn't seem right somehow - the file system layout is different on 7, maybe it can be done successfully by the boff's :D

 

Have a look at this utility, it is highly regarded, although the homepage does not yet mention Win 7. If you go that route, let us know how you get on.

 

Laplink Software - PCmover - Overview

 

BTW, if you Google for a solution, try something like "PC migration software".

[Plastic Nev]

Hi, if you do find a way round or the software that tootech gave a link to works OK please do let us know.

Because sometime in the new year I also will be doing the same and buying a new machine with W7 on it.

I do have the original software disks and am allowed to have most of them on two computers, as long as only one is in use at the time. So that means I can legally have two versions.

However the updates to at least one, are now no longer available and were installed to the program from a download, so if it is possible to copy over at least that one it would be great.

(providing of course they will run on W7:rolleyes: )