Member Avatar for Ally71

Hi ,My Freind just got a new Puter and he would like to know if he can get the files from his old computer to his new computer,the old computer is running Windows XP,and his new Computer is Runnig Windows Vista.Step by step would be nice,so I can just print it off and give it to him.

Thank's Ally

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Short, printable plan that expands on the suggestions from and and gives a reliable step‑by‑step.

Windows has a built‑in tool (Files and Settings Transfer Wizard / Windows Easy Transfer) in Vista that will move user files and many settings from XP — it does NOT move installed programs or device drivers. The usual flow is: run the wizard on the new Vista PC, then run the wizard on the old XP PC using the Vista DVD or a copy of the wizard, and transfer via network, an external USB drive, or an Easy Transfer cable.

  1. On the Vista (new) PC: open the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard (Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools or search for "Easy Transfer"). Choose "This is my new computer" and pick a transfer method (Network, External drive, or Easy Transfer Cable).
  2. If you choose Network the Vista wizard will show a passcode. Leave it running and note the code.
  3. On the XP (old) PC: insert the Vista DVD or plug in a USB flash with the wizard copied from the Vista DVD, run the wizard, choose "This is my old computer", pick the same transfer method and enter the passcode (if using network). Select the user accounts/folders to move and start.
  4. If using an external drive, save the transfer file from XP to the drive, attach it to Vista and import.
  5. After transfer verify files, check Pictures, Documents, Music, Desktop and Internet Favorites. Reinstall programs on Vista from original installers and reattach any email data (Outlook PSTs often need to be opened/imported in the new Outlook).

Troubleshooting/cautions: ensure enough free disk space; temporarily disable firewalls/AV if network transfer stalls; run the wizard as an administrator; if the XP machine won’t boot, remove the drive and copy files with a USB‑SATA/IDE adapter or enclosure.

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Member Avatar for Laser

Member Avatar for jbennet

Run the files and settings transfer wizard on vista then stick the vista CD in the XP computer and tell it that its the old PC. It will then transfer . I did this between XP and vista across my lan a few months ago

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