Migrating Files and Settings

[rtorres15]

What's the best way to Migrate Files and Settings for a customer running XP, Vista and 7 ?

[Xander]

I've had XP's migrator fail so many times I've stopped using it. I'll usually run it and, while it's running, start backing stuff up manually.

I've had great success with 7's Easy Transfer. Can't remember if I've used it in Vista, though.

[diggauk]

Are you migrating because of a reinstall of the original OS, or because of an OS upgrade?

If it's because of a reinstall, I normally image the drive on to an external, then wipe and reinstall the OS. Then copy across all the needed files.

If it's an OS upgrade, I would use the Windows Easy Transfer for 7, as it's been a great tool and takes away all of the guess work.

[Fixedathome.com]

Originally Posted by Housecalls

I've had XP's migrator fail so many times I've stopped using it. I'll usually run it and, while it's running, start backing stuff up manually.

I've had great success with 7's Easy Transfer. Can't remember if I've used it in Vista, though.

I've also had a lot of success with the Easy Transfer Wizard. There is a download available to use it on XP as well.

[RegEdit]

As far as XP goes, you might try some or all of these for redundancy....
- Todo drive image backup for safety
- Back up with XP Files & Settings Transfer Wizard (Use same XP CD for export and import)
- Back up license keys w/ Belarc Advisor, License Crawler
- Back up passwords with Nirsoft
- Use Keyfinder 2.0 to recover Window product ID
- http://www.technibble.com/tools/windowsid/ to ID Windows version OEM, Retail, Corporate, Volume License
- Back up Certificates with MMC.exe
- Backup email with MozBackup
- DriverMax backup

[trapped]

I've had a string of bad luck with Easy Transfer over the network. I have had no problems transferring using an external HD it just takes a little longer.

[stevenamills]

I see Zinstall advertising here - has anybody tried it. A hhundred bucks a migration seems pretty steep.

I haven't found a migration tool I like since Gates bought Aloha Bob and buried in the bowels of Redmond - never to be seen again.