With Windows 7 just over the horizon, lots of people are going to be wondering how to transfer their files, settings, and e-mail to the new operating system.
The goal, of course, is a complete transfer with minimum hassle. The reality, often, is a bit more complicated. Read on for some solutions.
Q: I’m using Windows Vista and will be buying a new computer with Windows 7 on it as soon as I can. What’s the easiest way to transfer my files? Should I buy a cable and use Windows Easy Transfer?
A: As you know, Windows Easy Transfer is a file and settings transfer wizard that comes with both Windows Vista and Windows 7. It’s also available as a free download for XP users (http://tinyurl.com/2tabn5).
Both Microsoft and other vendors sell a special Easy Transfer Cable that can be used to connect and transfer files between two computers. This is a bi-directional USB cable designed especially to work with the transfer wizard. The cable can cost anywhere from 20 to 40 dollars, depending upon the source.
You don’t need to buy the transfer cable in order to use Easy Transfer, however. Easy Transfer will also allow you to connect the old and new computer over a network and transfer files that way. Or you can have Easy Transfer create a transfer file on an external disk or USB drive that you can then open on the new computer.
The latter method of transfer, in fact, seems to work the best. It’s not uncommon for transfers using the special cable or using a network to stall or to require an inordinate amount of time — overnight, in some cases — to complete. Having Easy Transfer create the intermediate file, by contrast, will probably get your files and settings onto the new computer in less than an…