Transferring Program files etc

[bruce5755]

If I were to buy a new computer, how do I keep all my programs/files etc and transfer them to the new unit. Do I need an external hard drive to move them all to?

[Loosehead]

Usually all the files you care about will be under "My Documents" and take up a small proportion of the total space so assuming this is the case then just copy the whole directory to a writable CD and then onto your new computer. 

[boobesque]

no. you have several options.

1. you can remove the hard drive from your old computer and install it into your new one. this is probably the easiest and cheapest way, but you may want to look up how first as you need to understand slave systems, drive letters etc.

2. you could use a usb cable to migrate all of your files from your old hard drive to your new one. this would take a while but would basically be a clone of your old file layout.

3. you can use a backup image program (norton ghost, r-drive, acronis true image to name 3 decent ones), to copy your hard drive onto dvd's which you could then use to replicate your old system on the new. this is also recommended even if you are not transfering files as you can use the backup image to restore your files if you get a virus or accidently delete something that you need. or totally screw up your pc,.

4. you can, as you suggested, use an external hard drive

5. just save the files that you want to dvd and reinstall them onto your new cpu. this option is quick and easy and you do not risk copying and virae (unless you choose to) which would be transfered via the other methods if you had any.

there are probably more but these are the easiest. you should research each and decide which is best for you. also, make sure that you research your chosen method thoroughly as you may lose all of your data if you miss a step or screw it up.

[simsfreq]

You could also get a flash drive, not as big or expensive as an external hard drive but does mostly the same thing, and very very useful! You can pick them up now for around �20-�25

[Tim Baxter]

Don't forget that if you want your programme files transferred then you will need to 'ghost' the whole disc from old to new because windows will need to know where to 'look' for specific files.  You can't just copy them across.

[Tim Baxter]

Also, if you change your hard drive to a different PC then the old hardware Windows drivers probaly won't work in the new PC.