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By Kenneth Saxe, MCSE, MCSA, MCPS, MCNPS, CNE
Senior Technical Consultant
 
 

So you finally got that shiny new computer you wanted for Christmas. You got it out of the box, plugged in all the color-coded cables, and powered it on. You are thrilled with the new graphics and sound capabilities. And the speed! You can zoom around the Desktop faster than ever before.

Then you look in the corner of your den and see your old computer. It has been a rugged workhorse over the years. It was fairly reliable. Although it took forever to boot up and run programs, you could eventually do what needed to be done.

But wait! What about those word processing files, spreadsheets, Quicken home accounting files, TurboTax files, MP3 music files, Favorites, emails, contacts and countless other critical pieces of information? How can you get those over to your new computer quickly, easily and reliably?

"Surprisingly, a number of applications, printer drivers, digital camera drivers, scanner drivers, and USB thumb drive drivers are not Vista compatible."
First, you will need to determine what applications need to be reinstalled on your new computer. Locate the original installation CDs. Ensure they are compatible with your new computer's operating system. For example, if your old computer is running Windows XP but your new computer came with Windows Vista, are your applications Vista compatible? Surprisingly a number of applications, printer drivers, digital camera drivers, scanner drivers, and USB thumb drive drivers are not Vista compatible.

Then install the applications on your new computer. (Be sure to run all on-line updates after the installations)

Moving application data from point A (the old computer) to point B (the new computer) can be handled in many ways. The application itself will dictate how and if it will be accomplished in most cases. 

Some data files, such as word processing documents, spreadsheets, etc. can simply be copied to a USB thumb drive. Usually these files are located in a "My Documents" folder. After the files are copied to the thumb drive, the thumb drive can be removed from the old computer and inserted into the new computer. Once the thumb drive is recognized, the files can copied from the thumb drive to the new computer in the appropriate "My Documents" folder.

Other applications have a built-in backup/restore process that permits backing up program data onto a USB thumb drive. You would do this on the old computer first. Then you would move to the new computer and restore from the USB thumb to the new computer. Presto! Your data is moved to the new computer.

Internet browser "Favorites" can be exported to a USB thumb drive then imported into the new computer's Internet browser. In addition your email and email contacts can be exported and imported in the same manner. This is accomplished by a few menu clicks under File then Import/Export.

After you have completed migrating all your data from your old computer to your new computer it is still a good idea to keep your old computer around for a couple weeks or even months to make sure that everything was moved over successfully and nothing was missed.

Now relax and enjoy your new computer!

If you have questions about the services offered by Stambaugh Ness Business Solutions, you may contact Ken Saxe at 717-757-6999 or 800-745-8233, or you can send him an email by using the form below.

...And one more thing: Due to the danger of batteries overheating and causing a fire, be careful not to let your laptop turned on overnight.


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Our firm provides the information in this e-newsletter for general guidance only, and does not constitute the provision of legal advice, tax advice, accounting services, investment advice, or professional consulting of any kind. The information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional tax, accounting, legal, or other competent advisers. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult a professional adviser who has been provided with all pertinent facts relevant to your particular situation. Tax articles in this e-newsletter are not intended to be used, and cannot be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding accuracy-related penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. The information is provided "as is," with no assurance or guarantee of completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose.

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