Moving to a new computer

[dlanter]

I will soon be upgrading my laptop and dread moving all my programs to the new machine especially since many of them were downloads and I don't have the original zip files to reinstall. While doing a google search about moving files to a new computer, I came across a program called SoftRescue that supposedly can move everything from one computer to another.

A further google search for reviews of this program found mixed opinions ranging from miracle to trash. Has anyone had any experience with this or similar programs to make this kind of move easier? If it matters I will be moving from an XP Media edition machine to a Windows 7 Pro 32 bit one.

Thanks for your opinions & help.

[srwatters]

Be wary of any program on the windows platform that claims to be able to do this with all applications. There are always exceptions that will miss registry settings, config files, or program executables (dll, etc.). I've never seen one work completely. True you might get a lot of stuff moved, but I'll bet anything that the program can move, you can find the installer for. It's the last 10% that will cause it fits.

At least in my prior experience. The Mac seems to do much better at this, but then it's a different beast.

[dryicerx]

Every program installs differently (not just files, but registry crap, along with supporting system dependencies and files), so your mileage will really vary depending on the application you are trying to migrate. Personally, I wouldn't trust a application migration program ever.

And the fact that you are migrating from a XP to Windows 7... I wouldn't keep any hopes up.

[dlanter]

Thanks for the info Scott & Janitha.

I was just rereading the website for that software and they admit it might not work for every program. "80%-90% of todays programs, including most system service related programs, will work. However; some programs will not work on the new PC."

Like you said, that last 10% might be a pain. If I had the original installation files for everything there would be no problem, but ...

[Charles Putnam]

Moving data is one thing. Programs are another. Best recommendations (having done this several times for myself, the wife, and others):

1. Use an external hard drive to back up your data. Use Windows Easy Transfer and copy over the respective data folders. Don't forget to back up separately your contacts and e-mails. The reason I recommend doing a "double" back up is just in case Windows Easy Transfer doesn't catch something.

2. If your new computer comes with shovelware installed, do a clean install. Some computer makers install lots of stuff that you really don't need.

3. If you're getting a laptop, definitely upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate as it includes Bitlocker and Bitlocker to Go.

4. All versions of Windows 7 include the ability to do a system image. Once you get all of your applications installed (and before you put any data on it), create a system image (you'll need an external HD for this). That way, if something goes array later, you have a clean copy of the OS and all programs.

5. For antivirus/security suite, take a look at Microsoft Security Essentials. It's free, better than Norton and McAfee, and is almost as good as Kaspersky.

[Flea77]

To start with, I would not recommend using a program to transfer your programs. The first problem with that is that it does not always work. I would be impressed if it worked on 50% of your software. Second reason is that it will copy all the crud along with it, which you do NOT want. This will slow down and potentially cause issues. You can usually get in touch with the software vendor for your downloaded software and they will be happy to get you another copy at little to no cost.

Next, I would highly recommend you go to 64bit instead of 32bit unless you have a specific reason not to. Photoshop (CS3, CS4) works fine, as does Lightroom 2.x. In fact, I have run across very few apps that did not work well, and those were really really old (did I mention really?). When I say old, one example would be Microsoft Quickbasic 6 which I still use to maintain one piece of software and that is from 1987, and there is a workaround for it.

Allan

[Rson]

Originally Posted by dlanter

I will soon be upgrading my laptop and dread moving all my programs to the new machine especially since many of them were downloads and I don't have the original zip files to reinstall. While doing a google search about moving files to a new computer, I came across a program called SoftRescue that supposedly can move everything from one computer to another.

A further google search for reviews of this program found mixed opinions ranging from miracle to trash. Has anyone had any experience with this or similar programs to make this kind of move easier? If it matters I will be moving from an XP Media edition machine to a Windows 7 Pro 32 bit one.

Thanks for your opinions & help.

1: Second on the 64 bit move.

2: Ditto on "moving" applications. Think of your program as a tree, You see the trunk and leaves but underneath is a system of roots. Programs are the same, there are files all over the place, registry entries and more that a program uses to run.

3: i can help if you need, PM me.

[dlanter]

Thanks for all the useful info guys, I appreciate the help. I had a feeling that a software being able to make the move sounded too good to be true. I'll have to start finding & saving the installation files for all my downloaded programs.

A couple of you recommended the 64bit version of Win 7, that brings up another question. My laptop is my work computer as well as personal. I was told the programs that I use for work will not be supported for 64 bit & there are no plans for an upgrade. So, I was under the impression that trying to use those programs on a 64 bit machine might make them even slower than they are on a 32 bit machine. Am I misinformed about this as well? By the way, the programs I am referring to are Java based and are used for wireless diag & programming of autos. (I am a GM shop foreman)

Thanks again for all the help.

[Flea77]

That makes things a little different. When you say "work machine", could you elaborate a little more? Is it supported by an IT department? Have you contacted the IT department directly?

I can not think of any apps that run "faster" on 32bit vs 64bit. If they run on 64bit, they run the same speed or faster (because they can use more ram).

All that being said, if you purchase a retail copy of Windows 7 you will have both 32bit and 64bit discs and can try the 64bit and see if they all work acceptably. If they do not, just reinstall the 32bit. Just make sure that you do not take the time to install all your personal apps and data before you make sure it all works.

Allan

[dlanter]

Allen,

The laptop we are referring to is mine but there are 4 programs that I use daily for work & it is those programs only that I am concerned about compatibility. At work our "IT dept." is one guy and the only thing he will be doing with my laptop is setting up the company's network connection & passwords which they won't let me have access to.

General Motor's IT dept. is actually a division of Ratheon. The last time I spoke to them about another issue, I brought up me wanting to upgrade and asked about Win 7 & 64bit compatibility with their software. He repeatedly said that they would not support their software on 64 bit machines and he would not elaborate any further.

[dryicerx]

Have you tried running those apps on a win7 box? The IT guys might not "support" it on Win7 64bit, but the app might just work anyway.

An alternative is a really 'ghetto' solution, but you can image your current XP machine as is (trim out any data files or other apps to size it down)... and run it in a vmware on the new Win7 laptop. I'd save this as a last resort. (this is assuming your applications are non graphics intensive or do not interact with any special hardware).

[dlanter]

No, I or anyone I work with have not tried these programs on a Win 7 machine yet. The hardware that is controlled (or monitored) with these programs is used wirelessly so there will be no hardware driver issues to worry about. They can be hard wired through USB, but I never use it like that. The only other hardware that I would be using either at home or at work would be three different printers & two scanners.

I think Allen made a good point about trying the 64 bit version first and going back to 32 if it didn't work. The machine I was seriously thinking about getting will come preinstalled but I will check on the possibility of getting the 32 bit version if I had to. Not sure, but I think it would be a free downgrade from Microsoft.

[DSL_PWR]

Have you thought about cloning the drive to a dual boot setup? Then you can boot to XP with your original programs, etc and then gradually move over to Win7 as you find out if programs work, etc... I guess this will depend on the type of laptop you are getting too.

[klynam]

DLR_PWR has a good suggestion w/ the dual-drive / dual-boot environment. Drives are so cheap these days, I almost always do this instead of "upgrading" an existing installation.

Most recently, I did this w/ my Vista (pre-installed) computer and have been running Win7/64-bit on a separate drive for several months with no issues.

In fact (and so far) all of my 32-bit programs have automatically installed as 32-bit programs in a separate programs directory and run perfectly fine on W7-64.