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For The Computer Cognoscenti

post #1 of 23
9/11/09 at 9:01pm
Thread Starter 
I've just purchased a new computer and am wondering the best way to move my data from my old computer. Thanks...
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post #2 of 23
9/11/09 at 9:02pm
Mac or Windoze?
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post #3 of 23
9/11/09 at 9:04pm
Just put them next to each other. Hope for osmosis http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...ovember12.mspx
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post #4 of 23
9/11/09 at 9:08pm
Buy an external hard drive enclosure ($40 max,) then physically remove the drive(s) from the old PC and use said enclosure. In addition to moving over the data to your new drives, you'll have a nice backup system.

You can also then safely trash the rest of the old PC without worrying about personal data theft.
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post #5 of 23
9/11/09 at 9:12pm
Get. A. Mac.

All you need to do this on a Mac system is a firewire cable (included.) The software for making the transfer is already on the system.
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post #6 of 23
9/11/09 at 9:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve B. View Post
I've just purchased a new computer and am wondering the best way to move my data from my old computer. Thanks...

If you just want to move data from a few locations, then an external HD is probably the best way to go. If you want to do things like keep settings, bookmarks, etc. then you're looking at a more involved process.

I agree with tagut that Apple makes it very, very easy with Migration Assistant. It's really seamless.

Edit: I guess you could also use something like this http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing...s/migrateeasy/

I think Windows has some kind of built-in transfer thingy but I've never used it and I think you'd have to connect the computers via a LAN cable or some such.
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post #7 of 23
9/11/09 at 9:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by tagutcow View Post
Get. A. Mac.

Mac copying Windows. Who'd have thought?
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post #8 of 23
9/11/09 at 9:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by tagutcow View Post
Get. A. Mac. All you need to do this on a Mac system is a firewire cable (included.) The software for making the transfer is already on the system.
That's ridiculous. The only software required for a data transfer is the OS. What you need is the hardware. Where's Slim when you need him?
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post #9 of 23
9/11/09 at 9:52pm
The nice thing about the Mac (and I'm a Windows fan typing this from Win 7 right now) is that Migration Assistant transfers everything intact down to re-opening the same tabs/windows in your browser.
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post #10 of 23
9/11/09 at 9:53pm
@OP if you don't want to diddle around and aren't really computer-savvy, there's something like http://www.laplink.com/pcmover
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post #11 of 23
9/11/09 at 10:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rambo View Post
That's ridiculous. The only software required for a data transfer is the OS. What you need is the hardware. Where's Slim when you need him?
Technically, you don't even need that. You can technically transfer data to an off-site backup system and retrieve it later. But I'm assuming that transferring the OS's settings and options, plus saved media and data from one physical unit to another is what we were discussing. Both Windows and now, evidently Mac OS have native built-in transfer software. I don't really see any reason to not use it.
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post #12 of 23
9/11/09 at 10:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tokyo Slim View Post
Technically, you don't even need that. You can technically transfer data to an off-site backup system and retrieve it later. But I'm assuming that transferring the OS's settings and options, plus saved media and data from one physical unit to another is what we were discussing. Both Windows and now, evidently Mac OS have native built-in transfer software. I don't really see any reason to not use it.
You don't even really need that. If you've got an external case with the old drive in it, all you've got to do is open up 2 separate windows and move the files back and forth. Settings and whatnot might be more difficult but if all you're interested in is pictures and large files, just grab them and go.
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post #13 of 23
9/12/09 at 1:00am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pennglock View Post
Buy an external hard drive enclosure ($40 max,) then physically remove the drive(s) from the old PC and use said enclosure. In addition to moving over the data to your new drives, you'll have a nice backup system.

You can also then safely trash the rest of the old PC without worrying about personal data theft.

Really the best thing you can do.
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post #14 of 23
9/12/09 at 3:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pennglock View Post
Buy an external hard drive enclosure ($40 max,) then physically remove the drive(s) from the old PC and use said enclosure. In addition to moving over the data to your new drives, you'll have a nice backup system.

You can also then safely trash the rest of the old PC without worrying about personal data theft.

this is the best way, if you can pull it off. If it's mac to mac, there is a "migration assistant" program that is pretty easy too. If it's mac to windows / visa versa, I don't know. Just put your doc's on an external HD and then bring them over.
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post #15 of 23
9/12/09 at 5:37am
Quote:
Originally Posted by tagutcow View Post
Get. A. Mac. All you need to do this on a Mac system is a firewire cable (included.) The software for making the transfer is already on the system.
firewire FTW! USB 3.0 is coming out. it always makes me wonder why PC side doesnt integrate such technology, not even in USB 3.0! use an external harddrive to transfer ur stuff. put everything on the external harddrive, then copy the files from the external harddrive onto ur new computer.
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