What needs to be saved from old computer

[grateful for your help]

Hi! I bought a refurbished computer with Windows 7 pro to replace my old XP computer. Aside from "My Documents", what should I be trying to save onto an external hard drive from my old XP computer, please? In particular, do I have to save any thing from "Program Files" or "WINDOWS"?
Thank you very much for any assistance & your time!

 

[USAFRet]

Hi! I bought a refurbished computer with Windows 7 pro to replace my old XP computer. Aside from "My Documents", what should I be trying to save onto an external hard drive from my old XP computer, please? In particular, do I have to save any thing from "Program Files" or "WINDOWS"?
Thank you very much for any assistance & your time!

Just your personal documents. Nothing else is any use.
Your applications? Reinstall.

And for the "My Documents" - don't save that whole folder, just the actual docs inside. You may run into permission issues trying to access the actual folder from the new PC.

 

[fricklesmn]

Hello,

generally no, you will not transfer anything from the "Program Files" or "Windows" folders, any programs from old computer need to be installed from original media and/or downloaded file. If you use Firefox or Chrome for web browsers, you will want to Backup/Export your bookmarks to your external hard drive, and if you use Internet Explorer, be sure to copy your "Favorites" folder from "Documents and Settings\**Username**"

Also if you happen to use the old "Outlook Express" email client, you will need to export your address book and copy your Data Store... Though i would recommend if you were using ANY email client software to discontinue use of them and start using the web-based version of your email.

Good luck!

 

[grateful for your help]

Hi! I bought a refurbished computer with Windows 7 pro to replace my old XP computer. Aside from "My Documents", what should I be trying to save onto an external hard drive from my old XP computer, please? In particular, do I have to save any thing from "Program Files" or "WINDOWS"?
Thank you very much for any assistance & your time!

Just your personal documents. Nothing else is any use.
Your applications? Reinstall.

And for the "My Documents" - don't save that whole folder, just the actual docs inside. You may run into permission issues trying to access the actual folder from the new PC.

Thank you very much for the propmt, helpful reply, USAFRet!

 

[grateful for your help]

Hi fricklesmn! Thank you very much for your detailed reply! Very helpful and very appreciated!