Windows Easy Transfer

Are you looking forward to getting a new computer running Windows Vista but dreading the process of moving all your personal files from your old PC onto the new one?

Well, now you don't have to dread it.

Windows Easy Transfer helps you to easily move the files and settings stored on your PC running Windows 2000, Windows XP, or even Windows Vista to a new PC running Windows Vista. Windows Easy Transfer will automatically transfer things like:

User Accounts
Files and folders
Email messages, settings, and contacts
Photos, music, and videos
Windows settings
Program data files and settings
Internet settings

There are a few different ways that you can use Windows Easy Transfer to connect your two PCs together to begin the transfer process.

Easy Transfer Cable

An Easy Transfer Cable is a special USB cable that is designed to work with Windows Easy Transfer by creating a direct link between your old PC and your new PC. Using one of these cables is the easiest and fastest method for transfer and particularly recommended if you don't have availability to a network. Easy Transfer cables will work on PCs running Windows 2000 (files only), Windows XP, and Windows Vista.

You can purchase an Easy Transfer Cable from many computer manufacturers or retailers. To ensure the cable is designed for Windows Easy Transfer, be sure to look for a "Certified for Windows Vista" or "Works with Windows Vista" logo on the packaging.

Here's how it's done

Install the small software application that was included with your cable (or download here) on your current PC.
Plug the cable into both computers.
Windows Easy Transfer will launch and guide you through the transfer process. Your information and files will transfer at approximately 20GB per hour.

Using a home or small business network

If you already have a wired or wireless network, this is a great way to transfer all of your data. You can use your network to transfer all of your data in real time across your network or by using a shared folder on the network.

Using an external hard drive

If you own an external hard drive, Windows Easy Transfer can copy your data to that drive and then copy data from the drive to your new computer.

Using CD or DVD

Windows Easy Transfer can use your PC's CD or DVD burner to transfer your data. This solution is not ideal but might work well if you're moving only a small amount of data that can fit onto one disc. If you have a larger amount of data that won't fit on one disk, it is possible to use this method of transfer by using multiple discs.

That's it. Just choose a data transfer method, choose the data you want to transfer by following the easy to understand on-screen wizard, and then let Windows Easy Transfer do the work for you. When the transfer is complete, your new PC will be up and running with Windows Vista, setup with everything you need.

To learn more about the details of the Windows Easy Transfer process be sure to read more in Windows Vista Help.