Windows Easy Transfer
Buy an Easy Transfer Cable
You can purchase an Easy Transfer Cable from many computer manufacturers or retailers. To ensure the cable is designed for Windows Easy Transfer, be sure to look for a "Certified for Windows Vista" or "Works with Windows Vista" logo on the packaging.
Buy an Easy Transfer Cable now at Windows Marketplace
Windows Easy Transfer helps you easily move the files and settings stored on your PC running Windows 2000, Windows XP, or even Windows Vista to a new PC running Windows Vista. Windows Easy Transfer will automatically transfer things like:
User accounts
Files and folders
E-mail messages, settings, and contacts
Photos, music, and videos
Windows settings
Program data files and settings
Internet settings
There are several ways that you can use Windows Easy Transfer; choose the way you prefer to connect your two PCs, choose the data you want to transfer, and then let Windows Easy Transfer do the work for you.
Easy Transfer Cable
An Easy Transfer Cable is a special USB cable that is designed to work with Windows Easy Transfer by creating a direct link between your old PC and your new PC. Using one of these cables is the easiest and fastest method for transfer and is recommended if you don't have access to a network. An Easy Transfer Cable will transfer data from PCs running Windows XP or Windows Vista to a PC running Windows Vista.
Here's how it's done…it's as easy as 1-2-3
Install the small software application that was included with your cable (or download the software here) on your current PC.
Plug the cable into both computers.
Windows Easy Transfer will launch and guide you through the transfer process. Your information and files will transfer at approximately 20 GB per hour.
Using a home or small business network
If you already have a wired or wireless network, this is a great way to transfer all of your data. You can use your network to transfer your data in real time across your network or by using a shared folder on the network.
Using an external hard drive
If you own an external hard drive, Windows Easy Transfer can copy your data to that drive and then copy data from the drive to your new computer.
Using CD or DVD
Windows Easy Transfer can use your PC's CD or DVD burner to transfer your data. This solution is not ideal but may work well if you're moving only a small amount of data that can fit onto one disc. If you have a larger amount of data that won't fit onto one disk, it's possible to use this method of transfer by using multiple discs.
To learn more about the details of the Windows Easy Transfer process, read more in Windows Vista Help.