Windows® 7 Tip 8: Easily transfer files & settings to your new PC

Introduction

Getting a new PC is very exciting. Thanks to Windows 7 and the Windows Easy Transfer feature, taking your important files and familiar settings with you is a breeze.

More tips

Tip 1: Using Sticky Notes ›

Tip 2: Get Faster Help Desk Answers ›

Tip 3: Easily Manage Open Windows ›

Tip 4: Jump To Your Favorite Item ›

Tip 5: Control your PC with your voice ›

Tip 6: Find more—fast ›

Tip 7: Access your favorite programs in 1 click ›

Tip 8: Easily transfer files & settings to your new PC ›

Tip 9: Turn up your music enjoyment ›

Tip 10: Personalize your desktop ›

Hassle-free move

Redesigned to be more reliable and helpful, Windows Easy Transfer takes the hassle out of moving information from one PC to another.

Quickly transfer all your important information, including

Files
E-mail messages, settings and contacts
Pictures
User accounts
Internet settings

Programs and applications are not transferrable.

You can transfer files without deleting them from your old PC using any of these methods.

Easy Transfer cable—You can purchase this specially designed USB cable from select computer manufacturers and retailers. It is the easiest and fastest way to transfer files and is recommended if you don’t have a network.
Home or small business network connection—If you are on a wired or wireless network, you can transfer your data in real time across your network.
Removable hard disk—If you own a removable hard disk, such as an external hard drive or USB flash drive, Windows Easy Transfer can copy your data to that disk and then copy the data from that disk to your new computer.
CD and DVD—When using this method, Windows Easy Transfer can estimate how many CDs or DVDs will be required to transfer your selections. Note: Both computers must be able to read and write the same type of CD or DVD format.

Pick and choose

Use the new file explorer tool in Windows Easy Transfer to choose the specific files you want to copy to your new PC. Even if a file or setting can't be transferred, your progress won’t be stopped. Windows Easy Transfer will finish transferring your other files and give you a full report of anything that didn’t migrate.

Start your transfer in a few easy steps

One click search

Download the proper version of Windows Easy Transfer to your old PC running Windows® XP or Windows® Vista (both 32- and 64-bit versions are available).

On your new computer, go to the Start menu. Type Easy Transfer in the search box and click on Windows Easy Transfer in the list of results. Note: To prevent data loss, do not start Windows Easy Transfer on your old computer first.