Migrating to Windows 7: Is "Easy Transfer" reliable?

[Vicenarian]

I know Windows 7 has something called "Easy Transfer" built in that you can use to migrate your data over from your old PC/install, but I've never actually used it. Is it reliable/stable? I've seen people complaining about issues with it, all over the internet, but I'm not sure if these are valid.

 

[xxsilk109xx]

I have never used it, I always just image the drive and do an upgrade install if its from vista to 7..

i took a computer the other day that was xp and went from xp pro to vista business, then without registering or upgrading at all, i went from vista business to 7 pro, without one incident, of course i imaged the drive first.

 

[B3ng]

Guess its too late for the upgrade method if the is already running win 7?. Id just back it and give it a whirl, whats the worst that can happen?

 

[mraikes]

I've used Easy Transfer several times now, mostly moving customers from XP to 7. So far it's worked surprisingly well, with no problems occurring.

 

[Xander]

I had endless problems with XP's transfer. With 7's, knock on wood, I've had 100% so far.

 

[Fixedathome.com]

I had endless problems with XP's transfer. With 7's, knock on wood, I've had 100% so far.

Likewise. XPs File and Settings Transfer wizard was very ropey. Easy transfer Wizard has worked every time for me so far.

Incidently for those who don't knowthere are versions of the Easy Transfer Wizard available for XP> Vista and XP> 7 available. This works much better than doing File and Settings Transfer import into the Easy Transfer wizard.

 

[Vicenarian]

great, thanks for the help guys!

 

[RegEdit]

I was very pleased by the way it migrates multiple user accounts and also migrates encrypted files and folders (such as Internet Explorer passwords). Just to be sure I'd image that drive too, or at least ask the customer what all programs they have critical data for (for example QuickBooks .qbw files get stored in drive C under programs).