Tools for Backing Up Your Hard Drive - Transferring Programs
(Page 6 of 6 )
Transferring Programs: Before we come to transferring programs there’s one trick worth mentioning, and it probably takes less time than anything else anywhere in this article. It’s the simple process of using the source PC’s hard disk in the target PC, complete with the operating system, settings, programs and files. If the source hard disk has a more recent version of Windows (like XP Home/Pro) there’s no quicker way of setting up a new PC.
Is it 100% safe? Nothing is, but this usually goes without a hitch if some simple precautions are followed. Starting the old hard disk up in the source PC itself - in safe mode - allows the deletion of all drivers, including motherboard drivers. Then plugging the disk into the target PC will allow Windows to pick up all the new devices (other drivers can be installed where necessary).
Often the new PC has a substantially larger hard disk and/or a faster one, and it would be a shame to leave it out of the picture. Ghosting the source hard disk on to the new drive could give the best of both worlds. The old PC would still be fully usable and the new PC would be a copy of it.
Caution: Check the licence restrictions for all the software; it may not be legal to run multiple copies of a program on a single licence. Also, XP will probably require reactivation on the new PC as the new PC’s hardware is likely to be substantially different. There are downsides to this method in that rubbish from the old PC is being carried over including temp files, a bloated registry, faulty programs and Terminate and Stay Resident (TSR) programs.
Migration Software: There are millions of software applications out there that do a myriad of different and wonderful things. Why isn’t there one that will just examine the source PC and transfer all that is need to the target PC? Well, there isn’t one, there are several. Yes, that’s true! They are called Migration packages. Unlike a ghosting or imaging programs they won’t just make the target PC’s hard disk a copy of the source PC disk. They typically work by being installed on the source and target PCs, then analysing the source PC’s operating system, settings and applications; then setting up the target PC appropriately. The full range of programs available to handle the transfer of data, settings and programs are covered below.
Transfer MyPC: Easy to use but requires a USB or parallel DCC connection (cables provided) and it’s a use once and throw away product.
Intellimover: This transfers data and settings and offers you the choice of selecting what gets transferred over and what doesn’t. It comes with support for DCC connections and LANs.
StepUp: Migrates both data and applications, it’s Shareware, so very affordable but doesn’t seem to support Windows 2003. Supports a variety of connectivity – from DCC to LAN.
PC Relocator: Transfers applications, Windows and internet settings and data, but it’s a bit pricey and desgined more for engineers who are responsible for a lot of migration rather than the one-off user.
VCOM hasn't continued to support PC Commander, which leaves no other known software for this task except for options like Microsoft’s USMT, which isn’t designed for the average user and the Windows XP File and Settings Transfer Wizard. (Viola! It sounds like the ideal solution. But avoid it; it’s very selective in what it does, doesn’t like non-Microsoft programs, can be very tricky to setup, and has problems with moving applications across different versions of Windows.)
Considering programs exist that are just the ticket why did we take the trouble to explain the different ways of connecting the PCs together and transferring data? The answer is that none of the above programs are infallible. It is often the case that some applications are not copied over, that some settings need to be redone, that if a particular program already exists on the target PC it won’t get overwritten – like Outlook Express, and that the Windows installation on the target PC may actually get damaged in the process. Older Windows 95 programs may not be compatible with XP and they have their own library of possible problems when copied over to an XP installation.
(Remember the caution earlier about backing up? Now stop just thinking about backing up.)
Even when the process seems to have been implemented smoothly older, bloated files or folders that were slowing the source PC down may be doing the same to the target PC. A large number of cookies, temp files, and even long forgotten Terminate and Stay Resident (TSR) programs could be transferred over to the target PC resulting in slowing it to a crawl.
Should these programs fail, give only limited success, or leave you disillusioned with migration software you’ll need to go back to the start of this article and find a data transfer method more suited to your situation.
| DISCLAIMER: The content provided in this article is not warranted or guaranteed by Developer Shed, Inc. The content provided is intended for entertainment and/or educational purposes in order to introduce to the reader key ideas, concepts, and/or product reviews. As such it is incumbent upon the reader to employ real-world tactics for security and implementation of best practices. We are not liable for any negative consequences that may result from implementing any information covered in our articles or tutorials. If this is a hardware review, it is not recommended to open and/or modify your hardware. |
