Thicko Question: I want to ...

Aspiring

... buy a new desktop PC (just the base, not the peripherals) and transfer some of the programs from the PC I use now to the new PC.

I have a Seagate external drive (can't remember the size, but it's huge compared to the stats of my PC), which I have used to backup my current PC and I wondered if the information I have "backed up" would be enough for simply transferring the information/programs I want to a new PC? Did it back up the programs automatically, or was I meant to do something specifically to back those up?

Also, I have Orange Broadband. Is it simply a case of unplugging from my current PC and plugging it into a new PC and - bingo, job done - or, do I need to do something else to make it work with my new PC?

The PC I use now is almost seven years old and the reason I need to buy a new one is because it is so old. Would it make more sense to simply pay to have the memory, the RAM and the graphics cards updated? Is that even possible without losing all the information I currently hold?

I know these will be bog basic questions for techies, but I really do not know which method/means to use to bring me up to todays standard.

Thank you.

icecube2T8

theres a simple solution but because im new to the forums i cant post a link

all you need to do is clone your hardrive theres loads of great programs that let you do ths

somebody who can post links will be able to point you in the right direction otherwize feel free to pm me and i will help you out.

With the orange broadband all you need is the driver disc that come with your router,
put it in the new computer when you have it runing how you want it and install the driver off the disc, which is normally step by step (on screen)instructions on the disc, if you havent got the disc anymore give them a call and im sure they will send you a new disc

penrhyn

You will be able to transfer your data to your new PC, however, to reinstall your various programmes you will need the original installation disks.
Assuming you are using a modem/router for your internet connection its simply a matter of swapping over the Ethernet cable.
If you use a USB modem then you will have to install it.

P.S You could clone your hard drive using something like Norton Ghost or Acronis, however you would lose the operating system that came with your new PC.

spakkker

7 years is a long time by pc standards and unfortunately any older components , if available, cost a lot more than modern stuff. Not worth upgrading.
What modem/router have you got?
You may be better off installing new versions of your software.
Will you move to vista or stay, I guess, with xp?

Aspiring

Really appreciate all the advice, thank you.

spakkker wrote: »

7 years is a long time by pc standards and unfortunately any older components , if available, cost a lot more than modern stuff. Not worth upgrading.
What modem/router have you got?
You may be better off installing new versions of your software.
Will you move to vista or stay, I guess, with xp?

Well, a new computer would have vista (presumably) so I won't have XP. Hmm, that means then that some programs wouldn't transfer anyway then doesn't it?
The modem is the one Orange supplied me with and at the moment just plugs into the hard drive (see! Told you I was tech-thickie )

Penrhyn - the programs I am most keen to keep would be the ones I have downloaded (and paid for) ie McAfee, a database style one and a craft type one: so, not disk based.

icecube2T8 - so my "backed up" files on the Seagate wouldn't be of any use then as a transfer method?

penrhyn

Sounds like a USB modem, does it have a separate mains lead?

One of these perhaps


You will have to dig out the installation disk for this.
If you have the licence keys for your downloaded programmes then its just a matter of downloading the programmes again and using your paid for key.

Aspiring

Thanks penrhyn. It's an orange "Livebox" and yes it has a mains cable (doesn't look as attractive as the one you have pictured )

I'll now hunt through to find those emails with the keys for the programs I would need to download again. Thanks.

penrhyn

OK If its a live box then you just have to swap over the Ethernety cable (f)to your new PC and it should just work.



Whoops I've gone French.

icecube2T8

Aspiring wrote: »

icecube2T8 - so my "backed up" files on the Seagate wouldn't be of any use then as a transfer method?

yeah course all your music,films and stuff will be fine you could even just keep them on your external and view them when you need to that way you can keep your nice new computer all tidy and clutter free lol ;-)

when you clone the drive it wil be the same as the hardrive your using right now, programs and all.
You might not even have to reinstall your drivers for your orange broadband aswell hope it helps

Aspiring

ice - clutter free? LOL I always begin with "good" intentions :whistle:

OK, here's what I'm doing right now (please feel free to tell me I'm a prune!)

Under "Accessories - System Tools" I've now located "File and Settings Transfer".

I'm using that to transfer what I think I'll need to my Seagate External Drive.

In the meantime, I have ordered a new base hard drive.

Now, if I have understood correctly, when it arrives, I should be able to
a) simply plug in my livebox to the new base (thank you penrhyn) and
b) if I should choose to, install the progs I need from the old PC (this one) to the new PC (arriving by weekend), I can use the stuff I have transferred to the Seagate using file and settings transfer. Correct?

I've reprinted my wep key for the livebox (in case I need it) and I've located the CD's with the progs I think I'll need plus the relevant emails for the online downloads.

Is that right?
Is there anything else I should do?
Is there any "PC housekeeping" that I should now do regularly so that, in a few years time and I go through the same pantomine, will make it easier?
Has this techno thickie understood correctly?

Genuinely grateful for all the help I have received so far. Cheers Chaps!

diable

You will transfer over your profile which should include My Documents etc etc etc but it will not copy your programs over and you will need your original software disks to install them on to your new PC.