Transferring Software

[haysi06]

I hope to get a new lappy but have a lot of software on my existing one that is on the desktop. I don't have the original discs. How can I transfer the software over to a new lappy? Any help would be appreciated. Hx

[wildwood]

Get yourself one of those cases that can house either an HDD or a CD/DVD player. I would never be without mine and is ideal for quick access to stored files that I don't want to loose.

They plug into any computer via a USB port.

[haysi06]

Thanks, do you have a pic or link? Sorry, I am a real technophobe.

[Ice.Maiden]

Use a memory stick to extract the files you need - but don't forget to scan them first before you put any back. If any viruses are present, you'll just transfer them to your new computer if you do.

[Ethel]

You can't transfer software by memory stick - a lot of vital bits are stored in the registry and elsewhere so it simply won't work.

You need a usb hard drive enclosure (caddy) that you can put your old hard drive into and use it on the new pc via a usb port. Like one of these:

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_pag e.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1846787306.1197844030@@ @@&BV_EngineID=ccdladdmkiemjiecflgceggdhhmdfok .0&page=SimpleSearchProducts&low_bound=0&up_bo und=0&criterion=hard%20drive%20enclosure&Atime Stamp=3375296866

[rojash]

There is a way of achieving it (I've done it) by ghosting the old drive onto the new machine and then performing a repair install of Windows (and all hardware drivers) on the new machine. BUT, as neildownx says, this is NOT a job for a novice.

The ONLY sensible answer to this question is "Take it to a professional"

[haysi06]

Thank you for all of your answers. I already have a 'caddy' as I had my disk drive replaced a few months ago and was able to retrieve photos and documents.

I WILL go to the local computer repair shop as he offers me a discount,

Hxx

[ACtheTROLL]

There is another ball no one seems to have picked up on .... the XP to vista barrier

Assuming "new PC actually means "new PC" there is a fair chance that we are now talking Vista ... and that some of the older progs won't work at all.

as for transferring the files ... it's a case of trial and error.
system progs (virus, firewall etc) almost certainly won't work.
BIG progs almost certainly won't work (office, autoroute Nero).
Smaller stuff .... just might ... I always "have a go" and some you win ... some you loose .... but it's often worth a punt.

I agree with neil (all of it) however ... it's going to be a huphill job.

there is a way (for the less phobic) .... and that's to clone the machine ... and then import it into VM machine.

the problem there is size ... it's OK creating a virtual machine .... but a virtual already in use pc is a big ugly jobbie.

(reading ethel's reply .... I think the caddy suggestion is just her frugal side emerging ... and not wanting to leave the old HDD for the foxes) - let's not get into the musr wipe the disc discussion .... it's been hard enough so far