Question Computer change over

[abletudu]

I am considering buying a new a new computer and would like to transfer everything from the old computer tom the new one except for the OS since the new one would already have that set up. What would be the best way to do this?

 

[USAFRet]

I am considering buying a new a new computer and would like to transfer everything from the old computer tom the new one except for the OS since the new one would already have that set up. What would be the best way to do this?

Except for your personal data files, you can't.

There is no function or application to split out your applications and settings from the old OS, and apply that to a new PC.


For your personal files, save to a flash or external drive, and then copy to the new PC.

 

[abletudu]

what about the programs and shortcuts including photos, videos, contacts, etc.

 

[USAFRet]

what about the programs and shortcuts including photos, videos, contacts, etc.

Programs, no. REinstall.
When an application is installed, it makes dozens, sometimes hundreds, of entries in the Registry and elsewhere. The new OS knows nothing of these.

Shortcuts? They would need to be redone, because the files are no longer in the exact same place.

 

[ohio_buckeye]

Programs etc will all have to be reinstalled. The photos, documents videos etc you should be able to copy to an external drive and over to the new pc.

 

[abletudu]

Thanks that is very helpful. Someone told me that If I used a USB to USB with a transfer adapter in it I could simply cut and paste.
A cable like this https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Transfer-Compatible-Computer-Software/dp/B005OTPVMY/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1RV61H0VSEFII&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-Va8K4C16AvTRqo5oCsEIEYiYZ4n27qidCAFA7i6-ZHcaMBEhGIBx8cWtoIHCY861lNOrlNfHrfHCgZHxOV41kD5Ds_IdqfFia98QkvvyvqGMB8G9r0UcnzrLI-4cdCh97C8QI1JRnHyv8tA_HS7rZhcPtCJBYtXRsdV9sHz8oTLZgEjaQQ-Mxf4cbVgQ6AB6xD36VNsWjRxMnPmryVfiTnL0aUp-AmS-zDg5QVydZg.iOxOD4nOhSLLjFReETyUQNY6hmF0p4An0W6un46jPTc&dib_tag=se&keywords=usb+to+usb+transfer+cable&qid=1733643688&sprefix=USB+to+USB+transfer+,aps,139&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

 

[Lafong]

Thanks that is very helpful. Someone told me that If I used a USB to USB with a transfer adapter in it I could simply cut and paste.
A cable like this https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Transfer-Compatible-Computer-Software/dp/B005OTPVMY/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1RV61H0VSEFII&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-Va8K4C16AvTRqo5oCsEIEYiYZ4n27qidCAFA7i6-ZHcaMBEhGIBx8cWtoIHCY861lNOrlNfHrfHCgZHxOV41kD5Ds_IdqfFia98QkvvyvqGMB8G9r0UcnzrLI-4cdCh97C8QI1JRnHyv8tA_HS7rZhcPtCJBYtXRsdV9sHz8oTLZgEjaQQ-Mxf4cbVgQ6AB6xD36VNsWjRxMnPmryVfiTnL0aUp-AmS-zDg5QVydZg.iOxOD4nOhSLLjFReETyUQNY6hmF0p4An0W6un46jPTc&dib_tag=se&keywords=usb+to+usb+transfer+cable&qid=1733643688&sprefix=USB+to+USB+transfer+,aps,139&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

Cut and paste what?

From the description of that product at Amazon:

" does not transfer programs, which must be reinstalled from original disks or downloaded files."

You shouldn't need a 40 dollar product to get personal data files onto a new PC.

 

[Misgar]

There are many (potentially cheaper) alternatives to buying a special USB device costing $40, but I agree copying to an external USB memory stick or portable drive is a better option, because it provides a backup in case data on your machines get corrupted.

Some options

If you can place both computers side-by-side and power them on simultaneosly, you could transfer files relatively easily via "file sharing". This of course assumes you have two monitors, two keyboards and two mice. Alternatively, you could use a KVM (Keyboard Video Mouse) switch, to share one keyboard/video/mouse between two computers.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KVM_switch

One option is to transfer files via WiFi, if both PCs have a WiFi card. This assumes you have a broadband WiFi router nearby.
https://www.supportyourtech.com/tec...es-from-pc-to-pc-using-wifi-windows-11-guide/

Another option is to transfer via a LAN (Local Area Network), if both PCs are physically wired to your broadband router using RJ45 Ethernet cables.
https://www.thewindowsclub.com/share-files-between-computers-lan-connection

If you don't have a router with unused RJ45 sockets, the alternative is a cheap 4-way network "switch".
https://www.amazon.com/Ethernet-Spl...twork+switch+tplink+4+way,aps,211&sr=8-1&th=1

Failing this, there's the old fashioned crossover cable method, which requires a special "non-standard" Ethernet 'crossover' cable. costing a few dollars. These crossover cables look the same as standard Ethernet cables, but internally, some of the twisted pairs are routed to different pins on the plugs.
https://helpdeskgeek.com/networking/connect-two-computers-using-a-crossover-cable/

If both PCs have Bluetooth, that's yet another option.
https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/send-and-receive-files-via-bluetooth-in-windows

 

[USAFRet]

Options:

$5 flash drive
File sharing over the LAN. $0
Upload to OneDrive. $0

 

[abletudu]

I appreciate all your suggestions, guess I will habve to think them over, but thanks for your help.