Transfer to a New PC
You’ve purchased a new PC and want to transfer your stuff across—copying data is simple, you can either set up a shared folder on your new PC and shunt everything across, before moving it to its new home, or use an intermediary device, such as external hard disk.
That’s all well and good, but what if you want to move across key user settings, and maybe even programs, too? If you use the same Microsoft Account on both old and new PC to log into Windows, then some tweaks will come across, but if you’re looking to simply replicate your old setup on your new PC —including desktop programs and carefully crafted settings— you’ll need to get out your wallet and employ the services of a third-party program.
The best tool is PCmover ( http://pcmover10.laplink.com). The Express edition ($19.95) can move files, settings, and user profiles, but if you want to move apps, you need PCmover Professional ($39.95). Transfer via the supplied Ethernet cable, or use an external drive as an intermediary—but this greatly lengthens the process.
An alternative is EASEUS PCTrans, which comes in Free and Pro ($29.97) versions ( www. easeus.com/free-pc-transfersoftware). The former enables you to transfer data, plus two apps (the Pro has no limitation).
If you want to transfer software that’s been activated, you need to find out how to deactivate it on your old PC, before reactivating it on your new one. Also, don’t rush to dispose of your old PC once you’ve transferred everything across. Make sure it all appears to be in order, and consider taking one last fail-safe drive image of your old PC using Macrium Reflect Free ( www. macrium. com/ reflect free. aspx), ensuring that you can browse the image’s contents to grab anything that might have been left behind.