Transfer broadband connection and data from old to new computer

caroleiw

We have go our new Mesh pc ready to set up but have a couple of probably very silly questions.

We are on Virgin broadband - how do we set up the new pc. I've got the original disc we used to get connected so do we use that?

What is the best way to transfer data? Have put some stuff on cds and was going to get a usb memory pen to transfer the rest. Or it has been suggested to get an external hard drive casing to hold our old hard drive. Or get a cable to connect old to new. What do most people do when they get a new computer.

Can I transfer my Outlook Express folders/messages to the new pc. Just exported the emails but they seen to have gone to Microsoft outlook can't work out how I would get them to the new pc. Or is it best to use it as a way to clear them all out. The same with favourite lists - do I just save the favourites folder.

Might leave it till the morning when we're all fresh but then we've got a 2 and 4 year old trying to help.

Thanks in advance for any advice given - may not be back for a while.

amcluesent

Do you have Windows XP on both machines? If so, try Start->Programs->Accessories->System Tools->Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.

That may ease some of the pain of moving to a new PC :eek:

raffe

Hi,

For your broadband connection just install the CD on to the new computer and then plug the modem in, the only bit you will need to remember is your user name and password most of the CD's that come with broadband are fairly easy to install, the CD should guide you through everything you need to do.

For files either copy to CD or USB stick, there are much easier ways but i don't know your computer skills and as you are only going to be doing this once its probably easier and cheaper to spend an hour transferring from computer to computer using a CD or stick.

For outlook express you need to copy the folder Identities folder you can find it in your C drive then documents and settings pick your 'user' folder then go into the local settings folder then into application data and the identities folder wil be there, simply copy and paste it in to the same location on your new PC.

The inbuild WinXP move thing is not the best ever

madnlooney

with your old pc if you get a crossover cable and you could try running the transfer wizard. i personally set them up as a mini network but that takes abit more explaining if your not sure how to do this.

if you connected your old PC using an ethernet cable then your new pc will just need plugin up and should find the broadband. if it was connected using a USB then ull have to run the cd again.

John_M_Business

There's also a good bit of software called 'Transfer my PC' that takes most of the pain and technical know-how out of transferring a PC. Costs about £30.

My FIL used it recently and apart from one problem, all the rest of the data, email information and history, bookmarks etc. ALL came over no problem.

caroleiw

Thanks everybody,

It does not seem so daunting now. Should have asked for advice sooner. Windows 98 on this machine so cds/pen probably the best bet then.

Be doing it tomorrow night now and should hopefully at least get back on line fairly quickly.

Thanks again,
Carole