[TNKYGAL]

I have moved computer contents many times for many folks and for myself, and the following is what I would offer as tips:

**As others have stated, save/backup all documents, photos, videos, music, etc. To insure you get everything, I suggest using Windows Explorer to follow the path C: -> Users -> [your name/account name] -> and then copy each folder that is important to you: Contacts, Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Favorites, Music, Pictures, Videos, even App Data (must have hidden files visible). As others have pointed out, take some time and clean out this content before copying to the new computer.

**I suggest using the free "Belarc Advisor" (belarc.com) on the old laptop prior to transfer. This free program will build a profile of your installed software and hardware (and more) and generate a report that shows all the programs (including the operating system) AND their respective KEYS. So IF you did not save your install disc and/or key for any program you will want to reinstall, you will be able to download the program from the publisher's website and will have your legal key so that you can properly activate the program. Again, Belarc is free AND the report is a private file on your computer and is not sent to any web server.

**Also note that programs like Microsoft Office and Adobe Design Programs (Photoshop, Acrobat Pro, Premiere, etc.) are limited install programs. You will want to deactivate (HELP sub menu) the Adobe programs from the old laptop before activating on the new. With Microsoft, there is a way to call in the activation, and when you let them know that you are switching to a new computer, they will provide a new license key. However, MS Office generally allows 2 installs, so you may not have to do that.

If you play any games on PC, use Windows Explorer to find the game in the Programs folder, then look for and copy/paste the "saves" folder to your backups. There are free programs to do this automatically, but I haven't used any of them as I find it easy to do manually and am not a gamer.

Lastly, Windows does have a backup tool that automates much of this, and it can be used with or without Cortana - haven't used it, so can't comment about how effective it is.

Hope some of this is helpful! Enjoy your new computer!