Seeking experience migrating data from old to new laptop computer

[davefin]

Just received a new 2021 HP Notebook computer after 9+ years on an outdated Toshiba Laptop.

Can someone, with computer knowledge, please share their experiences in the process of migrating all of the programs, data, applications from an old computer to a new one?

I believe there is software out there that makes this process "easy". I would appreciate responses from anyone that may have gone thru this and what might be the best method to use. I may know may way around computers, but I do not consider myself any sort of expert.

Please help!

[retiredguy123]

It depends on how many gb of data is being used on the old computer's hard drive. But, I would copy the entire hard drive to either a thumb drive or an external hard drive. You can get a thumb drive that will hold up to about 1tb of data, but I wouldn't trust one that large. Once you have the old data on an external device you can then copy the data as needed to the new computer. Note that, when you copy programs, often the files will copy, but the program will not function on another computer unless you reinstall it with a special disc or product code. I wouldn't automatically transfer everything to the new computer unless you are certain that you are going to use the data and programs. There is probably a lot of data on the old computer that you don't need.

[Malsua]

Just received a new 2021 HP Notebook computer after 9+ years on an outdated Toshiba Laptop.

Can someone, with computer knowledge, please share their experiences in the process of migrating all of the programs, data, applications from an old computer to a new one?

I believe there is software out there that makes this process "easy". I would appreciate responses from anyone that may have gone thru this and what might be the best method to use. I may know may way around computers, but I do not consider myself any sort of expert.

Please help!

If you're going from 7 to 10, Laplink PCmover works great, but you have to get the professional version to have all the programs move. No idea if it works on 11.

There are a lot of ways to skin that cat, but for ease of use, pcmover can't be beat.

[dewilson58]

Not so sure you want to copy programs & system data.
Lots of data and newer versions are probably on your new unit.
Jus say'n.

Copy documents, pictures, etc.
Start up your email on the new unit.
After this, you might be surprised.

Good Luck.

[retiredguy123]

By the way, if the new computer has Windows 10, the new Windows 11 will be available on October 5, so you may not want to make any major changes until then.

[davefin]

Forgot to mention, I am utilizing Windows 10 on the old computer and will also be using Windows 10 on the new one.

[daniel200]

There is many ways to transfer the data. If you have a router, it’s possible to plug both laptops into the routers Ethernet ports and drag n drop files from one pc to another .. however in some situations you may need to adjust your laptops administrative settings to make this work. You can do the same transfer via wifi … Or if you have a “crossover” Ethernet cable you can connect the two laptops directly with this cable (no router required) and drag &drop your files between devices.

The simplest method (but not as fast) is to copy the files to an external hard drive and then copy again to the new device.

I would not attempt to move programs … Just do a fresh install of the programs you want on the new device ..Moving programs seldom works well.

Don’t throw out your old laptop for 12 months …. You may find later that you forgot to move some data or directories … and then you still have your old laptop with data.

[npwalters]

If you're going from 7 to 10, Laplink PCmover works great, but you have to get the professional version to have all the programs move. No idea if it works on 11.

There are a lot of ways to skin that cat, but for ease of use, pcmover can't be beat.

That is what I used and it was worth the cost. Especially useful if you have several programs such as Photoshop, etc installed.

[sdeikenberry]

Use the cloud. Back up your old computer to the cloud, and download to the new computer. Easy peasy. If you use a cloud back up app...like Carbonite for example...it's super easy. You should be backing up to the cloud 24/7 anyway, so if you aren't...maybe start.

[ringmic88]

Just received a new 2021 HP Notebook computer after 9+ years on an outdated Toshiba Laptop.

Can someone, with computer knowledge, please share their experiences in the process of migrating all of the programs, data, applications from an old computer to a new one?

I believe there is software out there that makes this process "easy". I would appreciate responses from anyone that may have gone thru this and what might be the best method to use. I may know may way around computers, but I do not consider myself any sort of expert.

Please help!

I am paying a professional (in MA) $130 for them to install a new "Solid State" hard drive into my existing computer. Part of the new install is to "Mirror" the data I had on my old computer (hard drive) onto the new hard drive. That way when you turn on the computer with the new hard drive it looks and acts exactly like the old computer set-up. Hope this works.

[Redwood8300]

Safest way - take it to Best Buy.

[chuckpedrey]

YouBreakIFix behind the Shell station on 466

[chuckpedrey]

YouBreakIFix behind the Shell station on 466 - Jose

[retiredguy123]

I am paying a professional (in MA) $130 for them to install a new "Solid State" hard drive into my existing computer. Part of the new install is to "Mirror" the data I had on my old computer (hard drive) onto the new hard drive. That way when you turn on the computer with the new hard drive it looks and acts exactly like the old computer set-up. Hope this works.
That may work with your data files, but it may not work for Windows based programs. You cannot transfer or copy Windows from an old hard drive to a new one. You will still need to use the old hard drive to run Windows, or buy another copy of the Windows software. And, other Windows based programs may not work either. I don't see much value in putting a new SSD in an old computer, unless your existing hard drive is totally filled up or is defective. You could just copy the old computer files to a cloud drive or to an external SSD.

[MidWestIA]

Sounds like you would be best to shop for someone to do it - there is no thing you can get that just does it

[cphague]

Your original computer is quite old and may have issues you are not aware of in the OS...and may have malware/spyware you are not aware of.

Since you have a nice, new computer running properly do as some suggested and copy the data, pictures, music to a flash drive or preferably online depending on how much there is...if it is too much data, you'll likely need to pay for the online usage.

Then, as time goes by, when you find you need a program, install it and access the needed data in your cloud storage or copy that data to the new computer.

Take this as an opportunity to clear out what you don't use or need with programs and data.

[Girlcopper]

It depends on how many gb of data is being used on the old computer's hard drive. But, I would copy the entire hard drive to either a thumb drive or an external hard drive. You can get a thumb drive that will hold up to about 1tb of data, but I wouldn't trust one that large. Once you have the old data on an external device you can then copy the data as needed to the new computer. Note that, when you copy programs, often the files will copy, but the program will not function on another computer unless you reinstall it with a special disc or product code. I wouldn't automatically transfer everything to the new computer unless you are certain that you are going to use the data and programs. There is probably a lot of data on the old computer that you don't need.
Exactly right. You have a new computer. Dont just carry over all the garbage from the old. Review it all before saving it again. As for many programs and apps? Just download them again. It doesnt take that long and again….dont download garbage you never use. Now is the time to clean things up

[KRMACK55]

Just received a new 2021 HP Notebook computer after 9+ years on an outdated Toshiba Laptop.

Can someone, with computer knowledge, please share their experiences in the process of migrating all of the programs, data, applications from an old computer to a new one?

I believe there is software out there that makes this process "easy". I would appreciate responses from anyone that may have gone thru this and what might be the best method to use. I may know may way around computers, but I do not consider myself any sort of expert.

Please help!
Best Buy geek squad after you back up thumb drive

[KRMACK55]

That may work with your data files, but it may not work for Windows based programs. You cannot transfer or copy Windows from an old hard drive to a new one. You will still need to use the old hard drive to run Windows, or buy another copy of the Windows software. And, other Windows based programs may not work either. I don't see much value in putting a new SSD in an old computer, unless your existing hard drive is totally filled up or is defective. You could just copy the old computer files to a cloud drive or to an external SSD.
What you’re moving is not windows but the files. Look at the extensions of the files and let a person who knows what they’re doing make the transfer.

[rsmurano]

Take the HP computer back, buy a new Mac, make a couple of button clicks on the include migration assistant supplied program, go to lunch or go to bed, after a few hours it’s done.
Windows, you have many things to worry about: releases, hardware drivers, and more when you upgrade. Also, there are restrictions going to win11.
Good luck

[Luggage]

If it's documents data images etc photos that you want to copy, it's really simple if you use Google g-drive which is free. All you do is upload all your libraries from one computer and then log on with your new computer and download everything. Free and easy. As to programs hopefully you still have program discs or the keys

[dpmers]

I had the exact situation, took them to MMD in lady lake, $150 no issues.

[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!

[Babubhat]

Data should be stored on the cloud. Reinstall programs on new computer

[tonycirocco@me.com]

Take the HP computer back, buy a new Mac, make a couple of button clicks on the include migration assistant supplied program, go to lunch or go to bed, after a few hours it’s done.
Windows, you have many things to worry about: releases, hardware drivers, and more when you upgrade. Also, there are restrictions going to win11.
Good luck

THAT is the best advice on this thread....sorry.

[jjombrello]

Go to MMG in Lady Lake. Very satisfied with the work done there.

[gb1944]

I used MMD on 27/441 to move everything from an old computer to a new. They did a great job.

[PoolBrews]

I am paying a professional (in MA) $130 for them to install a new "Solid State" hard drive into my existing computer. Part of the new install is to "Mirror" the data I had on my old computer (hard drive) onto the new hard drive. That way when you turn on the computer with the new hard drive it looks and acts exactly like the old computer set-up. Hope this works.

Most new SSD drives (Solid State Drive) come with free software to clone your existing drive. I have done this for a number of friends. You get a drive for around $40-$50, and an external case for $10. Put the new drive in the case, plug it into a USB port, run the software that came with the drive, and you will have a clone in an hour or so depending on the amount of data.

You then swap the drive in the case for the drive in the computer, and you're up and running. In addition, you now have an external hard drive!

Caution: When moving to a new computer, you shouldn't use this technique as the new computer most likely has different hardware and will need new drivers. This technique is for upgrading an existing PC.

[retiredguy123]

Most new SSD drives (Solid State Drive) come with free software to clone your existing drive. I have done this for a number of friends. You get a drive for around $40-$50, and an external case for $10. Put the new drive in the case, plug it into a USB port, run the software that came with the drive, and you will have a clone in an hour or so depending on the amount of data.

You then swap the drive in the case for the drive in the computer, and you're up and running. In addition, you now have an external hard drive!

Caution: When moving to a new computer, you shouldn't use this technique as the new computer most likely has different hardware and will need new drivers. This technique is for upgrading an existing PC.
That is interesting. But, if both hard drives have Windows 10 on them, I don't think you can use the external drive to boot up on another computer without violating the Windows 10 license agreement. Windows uses a computer fingerprint process to enforce the license by identifying the exact computer where the software is being used. Also, I suspect that the cloning process may not work with Windows 11 because of their new hardware based security processes that do not reside on the hard drive.

[davefin]

Thanks for all of the help, except the one that said take the HP back. HP is just fine. Managed to get all of my useful data from the old to the new via a 2T flash drive. Downloaded a new version of Microsoft Office. Created new website Apps for my favorite sites.
Downloaded a new driver for the wireless Canon, All In One, printer. AND everything seems as it was before although MUCH FASTER.

Again, thank you all for your wisdom and suggestions.