What mattress was it? Are you still using it?

 

Dave: Migrating to Windows 7 is very easy, even if you're starting with XP instead of Vista.

See this article: Migrating XP to Windows 7

You only need to reinstall your software - this new Microsoft tool is pretty good at migrating settigns & files.

I did it on several PCs and found it very easy.

Edit: this utility was already mentioned above while I was typing this...

JonasM

 

Jonas has it right -- the migration is easy when two computers are involved, especially when the new one has Win7 installed, as a new system would.

I upgraded an XT system to Win7, and doing that is cumbersome because the hard drive needs a complete reformat in the process. (My Vista to Win7 upgrades didn't need that.)

And "migration" here means not just your files, but also your login, preferences, and all sorts of stuff you've learned to live with. HPH

 

Wireless router is the way to go, Dave....it just gives you the OPTION for wireless connections whenever. I bought a Belkin "N" with the new PC in 2009 and it has not missed a beat. Even though my printer is WiFi capable, I have hard -wired it...as it sits just 12" from this desktop (a remanufactured DELL, by the way...from Microcenter)

We had exactly the situation that Lainey mentioned over the T-day weekend. Kathy using this desktop; me on the little "travel" Acer Netbook ($200); Ben and Melissa both on their laptops doing "stuff". No fights/ no accusations about "hogging the computer" :exitright:

 

"JUST back all the files..."

Don't you how some folks don't respect our limits, Dave

Whatever, when I got a new PC 18 months ago, I paid an extra 20 bucks for something called a TORNADO "data transfer device" **. It's like a tension carpenter tape measure, with a USB cable coming out opposite sides. Literally, all that you do is plug the USB into the old and new machine; the software takes you thru prompts on what files you want to transfer. If I could use it, anyone can

**the homepage even shows DAVE plugged the USB cable into his old CPU...

 

This comment ^^ is an important one that no one else has commented upon. I think that the DELL Optiplex GX520 that I bought from Microcenter is a Remanufactured Business unit...sent back when a company did a wholesale upgrade. It was cheap and hasn't missed a step since I bought it; XP availability at that time was an added plus....as Win7 was not out yet.

If you are lucky enough to have a Microcenter nearby, it's a great resource for hardware, software and buying advice. Unfortunately, I think their cost-efficient remanu hardware is only available for in-store pickup. Luckily for Dave, one of the 23 stores is in Detroit/ Madison Hts, Michigan...not sure how far away that is? That store has 18 desktops available under their "REFURBISHED DEALS" listing on the header.

 

Good info, all.

Jerry, my current plan is similar. Buy a desktop (primary), small laptop (wife, travel, garage, grandson, etc.), and wifi router.

I really like the auto transfer idea, however.... I don't want to transfer everything.

Back in December 2008 I picked up the AV2009 virus, had the pc cleaned at a local store, didn't loose any files, but it left me with a hog-pog mess or so-it-seems when I look at the "tree". The pc still has the file saved after the crash, the new file, and mirror files.... confusing as all hell.

And there's my Microsoft Outlook file on my desktop. It has all my addresses in it. If I try to drag it into any place such as my documents it merely creates a short cut. I'm not sure how to move it to my external drive for saving.

BTW, I do have a 75GB alternate external drive, which is twice the size I need to save everything on my disk. So that shouldn't be a problem. And I would be doing an XP to Win 7 transfer.

One thing I know, it won't be a 'piece of cake'.

Why can't I have a geek son, daughter, son-in-law, or cousin like everyone else? I don't. My friends all drink beer and work on cars, not computers.

Got to get off, I can't stand the noise from old computer!!!!! It's driving me up the wall.

 

They are likely more fun than IT geeks.

No offense to any geeks posting here.

 

Dave-

The Tornado takes you thru files one at a time....asks if you want to move it or NOT. Here's an idea:

1) Go out and buy an ACER netbook at the local Staples or BestBuy...about 250 bucks; there are not many choices and it will be fine for "travel" and routine email/ web-surfing right NOW.
2) Plug into your modem and PLAY. All you need to install is whatever anti-virus you're using.
3) Then you can ignore the ancient desktop until you make the major decision on a new desktop.
4) I repeat my suggestion about Microcenter as a resource....if that location is not too far away. Get advice from a live body and leave store with your new PC, monitor, keyboard and wireless router

I also never figured out how to copy the Outlook contact info or emails; Jonas or one of the 'xperts might be able to tell us how to do that....

 

Which version of Office (Outlook) is on your current computer? Who is your email provider? It's possible that all your addresses (Contacts in Outlook) are stored on your email provider's server. If not they're in a .pst file somewhere in your profile folder (Documents and Settings\your account name\couple of possibilities) if you're on XP now.

Depending on the Outlook version either under Tools or Options you should be able to find all the data files Outlook is using. Those files can usually either be exported and imported or reconnected to the new Outlook.

Are you going to purchase Office for the new machine? If not then I hope your contacts are server side.

The desktop icon is just a shortcut to the Outlook application. Microsoft would never intentionally allow a migration to be that simple.

Edit: PM if you want.

Edit 2: It sounds like you have a fan bearing going bad either on the power supply or the CPU. Sometimes a good whack (with your hand, not a rubber mallet or ballpeen hammer) on the right spot on the case can shut it up for a while.