Moving from Your Old Computer

Transferring software and hardware from your old computer

    If your new computer is replacing an old computer, you may have personal data files, Internet settings, a printer or other peripheral devices, and other unique computer settings that you want to move from your old computer to your new one.

Using the Windows XP Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

    If your new computer is running Windows XP, you can move your data files and personal settings from your old computer to your new one by using the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard. You can take your display, Internet, and e-mail settings from your old computer and transfer them to the new one. The wizard also moves specific files or entire folders, such as My Documents, My Pictures, and Favorites.

To open the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard:

    1. Click Start, then select All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.

       

Transferring files

    You can manually transfer your personal data files by copying them to removable media, such as a diskette, CD, or Zip disk, or by using a home network. For more information, see Networking Your Computer.

Finding your files

    Many programs automatically save your personal data files in the My Documents folder. Look in your old computer's My Documents folder for personal data files. Use Windows Find or Search to locate other personal data files.

To find files in the My Documents folder:

    1. In Windows XP, click Start, then select My Computer.
      - OR -
      In Windows Me, Windows 2000, or Windows 98, double-click the My Computer icon on the desktop.

    1. Double-click the C:\ drive icon. The C:\ window opens.

    2. Double-click the My Documents folder. The My Documents window opens and displays many of your saved personal data files.

       

    You can often identify different data file types by looking at the file's extension (the part of the file name following the last period). For example, a document file might have a .DOC extension.

File type File usually ends in...

Documents

.DOC, .TXT, .RTF, .HTM, .HTML, .DOT

Spreadsheets

.XLS, .XLT, .TXT

Pictures

.JPG, .BMP, .GIF, .PDF, .PCT, .TIF, .PNG

Movies

.MPEG, .MPG, .AVI, .GIF, .MOV

Sound and Music

.WAV, .CDA, .MP3, .MID, .MIDI

To find files using Find or Search:

    1. Click Start, then select Find or Search, then All Files or Folders, or For Files or Folders. The Search Results window opens.

    2. Use Windows Search to locate data files by file name or file type. For help on finding files, select Help, then select Help Topics.

       

Transferring Internet settings

    You can use different methods to transfer your Internet account from your old computer to your new one.

Setting up your ISP

If your current Internet Service Provider (ISP) software came preinstalled on your new computer, run that setup program. If it asks to set up a new account or an existing one, choose to reconnect to an existing account.
If your current ISP software is not preinstalled on your new computer, locate the original Internet setup program provided by your local ISP, or contact your ISP to see if they have an updated version of their software, and install it on your new computer.
If you use MSN as your ISP, or if you know your ISP settings, use the Windows Internet Connection Wizard.

To use the Internet Connection Wizard:

    1. Click Start, then select All Programs, Accessories, Communications, then New Connection Wizard. The New Connection Wizard window opens.

    2. Configure your Internet settings by following the on-screen instructions.

       

Transferring your e-mail and address book

    Refer to your old e-mail program's online help for information on exporting and importing e-mail messages and the address book. You can often export all of your old e-mail messages or address book to a diskette, then import them from the diskette into your new computer's e-mail program. Alternatively, you may want to consider simply printing the old information or e-mailing it to yourself.

Transferring your Internet shortcuts

    You can export and import your old bookmarks (Netscape Navigator) or favorites (Microsoft Internet Explorer). For more information, refer to your Internet browser program's online help.

Reinstalling your old printer or scanner

    Older printers, scanners, or other peripheral devices may have Windows support integrated (built in), which means you do not need any additional software. Newer devices, however, usually require your original software installation CDs or diskettes.

Reinstalling a USB printer or scanner

    USB devices may have special installation instructions. Refer to your USB device's installation guide.

Reinstalling a parallel port printer

    You can usually install parallel port printers by following these steps.

To reinstall your old printer:

    1. Exit Windows and turn off your computer.

    2. Connect your parallel port printer.

    3. Turn on your printer, then your computer.

    4. If Windows detects your printer, install your printer by following the on-screen instructions. You are finished.
      - OR -
      If Windows does not detect the printer, go to the next step.
    1. In Windows XP, click Start, then select Control Panel. If you do not see the Printers and Faxes icon, click Switch to Classic View.
      - OR -
      In Windows Me, Windows 2000, or Windows 98, click Start, then select Settings, then Control Panel.

    1. Click/double-click the Printers and Faxes or Printers icon, then click Add a printer. The Add Printer Wizard window opens.

    2. Install your printer by following the on-screen instructions.

       

    Refer to your peripheral device's user guide for installation information and tips. Because most installation software is periodically updated, you should also check the manufacturer's Web site for driver updates.

Reinstalling your old programs

    You probably use some programs that did not come installed on your new computer, such as personal finance software, graphics programs, or games.

    Spend some time going through your old computer's Start and Programs menus, making note of any programs you want to install on your new computer. Locate your original program installation CDs and installation guides. Your original CDs and guides should contain any serial numbers or product ID keys that may be required for program installation and registration. Remember to check the manufacturer's Web site for important program updates.

    Tips & Tricks

    If your new computer comes with a newer version of a program, it is usually best to use the newer version than to reinstall the old one.