Recently, I was anticipating the task of moving folders and files from two of our dying Vista computers to two new computers with Windows 7 (64 bit). As you know, there’s reinstallations, customizations, and painstaking time. Not so much anymore, thanks to Microsoft’s “Windows Easy Transfer (“WET”)!”
WET comes standard with Windows 7, though some new computers don’t draw much attention to it, so you may have to search for it. If you have an old Vista 32-bit computer, you can simply download Windows Easy Transfer. You may have to search the old computer after downloading it, as it installs just like any Windows update.
The order you run WET on both computers doesn’t matter. One computer will ask you simple questions and guide you with the other. You’ll define “new” and “old” computers, tell WET how you want to transfer the data, such as a wireless network or USB to USB connection, and you’ll be given a numeric code to enter into the other computer. Away you go!
Keep in mind that both computers will be tied up during the transfer and cannot be stopped or operated. You’ll be told how many gigs are transferring and, after a few minutes, be given an ESTIMATED time. My 7.5GB of data took about an hour and 40 minutes at a cable speed of around 3MBS. I’d say it was more like about two hours.
But, oh, the rewards when it was through! My docs, pictures, and music were transferred. My desktop wallpaper, user account options, file shortcuts, MS Office icons–and even several non-Microsoft program icons–were carried over! My Outlook was COMPLETELY set up and customized (all pop accounts, Inbox folders, contacts, calendar, signatures, and email rules)!
Something strikingly interesting and very convenient: when I installed Firefox, my favorites toolbar was completely intact! Of course, there were several programs I had to reinstall and customize (Cute FTP Pro, Tweetdeck, Chrome–to name a few). WET will give you reports on what was transferred as well as programs you should consider reinstalling.
Overall, the wait was well worth it! Thank you, Microsoft, for making an almost overbearing task quite a bit less overbearing!
For more on Windows Easy Transfer, visit Microsoft.
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