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    Easiest way to transfer app's, files to new laptop

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by dmeals, Mar 12, 2009.

  1. dmeals

    dmeals Notebook Enthusiast

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    Buying new laptop and would like to know the easiest way to tranfer old app's and files to new machine. If I install the same OS on the new machine that I have on the old one, can I transfer an entire program without having to reinstall it or just the data files?? Currently use Office 2003 and would like to continue with it as well as a few other programs but do not have the CD's to reload.

    Suggestions appreciated!

    Thanks.
     
    dmeals, Mar 12, 2009
    #1
  2. HerrKaputt

    HerrKaputt Elite Notebook User

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    It varies from app to app. For office 2003 in particular I'm 99% sure you will need to reinstall, as with most apps.

    Third-party programs and some games can be ported successfully just by transferring files.
     
    HerrKaputt, Mar 12, 2009
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  3. zfactor

    zfactor Mastershake

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    usually this is not succesful. very few programs can be moved. usually they will require a reinstall. they make mover programs but they do not from my experience work right most of the time
     
    zfactor, Mar 12, 2009
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  4. booboo12

    booboo12 Notebook Prophet

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    For your personal files and settings, look into Windows Easy Transfer. It's a part of Windows Vista and can be done through your home network, USB flash/external hard drive, etc. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928635 :)
     
    booboo12, Mar 12, 2009
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  5. Beatsiz

    Beatsiz Life Enthusiast

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    Recreate all your files.

    If you have a word file, retype it
    If you have a movie, refilm and edit it
    If you have an MP3, record it again and mix it
    If you have any other data, open it in binary and recreate the 0's and 1's

    And if you have windows only files, port it to run on whatever OS
    It's really not that hard, just put your mind to it.


    ;)
    Hope this helps
     
    Beatsiz, Mar 12, 2009
    #5