Getting a new laptop, what to tranfer and how to do it? (from my current laptop)...

I'm getting a new laptop in a few days and want to transfer all my stuff. I'm really new to this, so bear with me.

Are files (like pics, music, office stuff, etc) the only things I need to transfer? What about data saved on software, for example, if i have language program that has saved my progress, do i need to search for that data somehow and can they even be transfered?

What about programs? Just re-install from disk, right?

What other things should i look to transfer? Anything i should make sure i *don't* transfer or to do before i transfer so i don't put any garbage that might be lurking, on my new laptop?

I have an HDD external drive to do the transfer with, a seagate. Is there a software that can help me do it correctly or do i just drag and drop the files/folders and then drag and drop them back.


and while i'm at it, what is the right dummy-proof program to do monthly backups when i have everything set up on my new laptop.

 

First do a complete image of your existing machine to the HDD external hard drive with a program such as Free Backup Software: Paragon Backup & Recovery Free Edition - Overview. Then install Paragon on the new machine, plug in the HDD and restore whatever files you need from the image.
Programs generally can be re installed as log as the version you have is compatible with the OS on the new machine (I assume windows 7 or 8 ???)
Paragon has wizards built in that make monthly backups very easy.

 

Hey there. thanks! excellent.

I'm going from XP to 7 but I just looked through what i think are most of my programs and am pretty sure i have the discs for everything i care about. So that should be okay.

If there's anything nefarious or corrupt on my old computer could moving files from it infect my new computer? I mean, i think everything is fine, and i use CC all the time and have avast, etc, but i don't know if things can..i dunno...lurk? or be attached to files or something.

 

Good Point! I would definitely do a full scan of your present XP machine in safe mode with the Avast program as well as a malware scanner. (such as Malwarebyes free edition) before you make the system image.
Also
I am not sure about the language program and moving the user data but I am sure someone here will know especially if you post the Name and version of it. Glad to help

 

Great, thanks. Running the malware program now and dumped a bunch of old stuff before my transfer too. geez, what made me think my 5 year old computer could handle all the programs i had on it. lol.

eiw, it even found a nasty little green guy. phew. thanks!

 

I recently had to transfer files to a new computer, what I did was use Macrium Reflect to make a full image of the drive(s), then backed up all of my personal files to an external drive, then uninstalled applications that had CD keys to free up the license.