Transfer Files and Settings from XP to Windows 7

Software, , , , ,
03
May 2014

Onsite_PC_Solution_Transfer_Files_Windows_XP_to_7

Since Microsoft has ended support of Windows XP and it has become increasingly dangerous to continue running XP, many people have purchased new Windows 7 systems. If you replaced your Windows XP system with a new computer you will want to move your Windows XP files and settings too.

This can be accomplished with a USB drive and Windows Easy Transfer.

First, on the Windows 7 computer, click the Start button, select Getting Started, and Transfer your files.

transfer_your_files

 

When asked What do you want to use to transfer items to your new computer?, select  An external hard disk or usb flash drive.

what_do_you_want_to_use_to_transfer

 

Next select This is my new computer.

this_is_my_new_computer

When asked Has Windows Easy Transfer already saved your files from your old computer to an external hard disk or USB flash drive?, answer No.

has_WET_already

On the next screen, select I need to install it now if you haven’t installed Windows Easy Transfer on your XP computer.

i_need_to_install_it_now

Select External hard disk or shared network folder to copy the program to your USB drive.  If you have an external USB drive, you need to use the External hard disk option.

external_hard_disk_or_network

 

Next Windows Easy Transfer must be installed on the XP machine. Follow the instructions that appear in the next window. The instructions will tell you to move over to your old computer.

install_WET_on_your_old_computer

After attaching the USB drive to your old computer, launch Easy Transfer from the saved location on the USB. While the program prepares to run, a window with a progress bar appears.

please_wait_for_WET

Next, after reading the instructions on the welcome screen, select Next.

welcome_to_WET

Use your USB to transfer files by choosing An external hard disk or USB flash drive. 

what_do_you_want_to_use_to_transfer

Next you can select which user accounts and settings, along with a list of accompanying files to save.

choose_what_to_transfer

 

Selecting Advanced gives a more detailed way to save files.

advanced_save

If you so desire, you may password protect the backup.

Windows-easy-transfer-password-setting

After choosing Save, click Next, safely remove the USB, and plug it into the new machine.

file-settings-saved

Launch Windows Easy Transfer on the Windows 7 machine and click Yes when the following window appears:

has_WET_already

 

After the file explorer opens, use it to move to the location of the backup on the USB drive.

open_WET_file

 

You can restore the entire backup or pick specific files and folders to restore. Click Save to begin the transfer.

save_to_transfer

When the transfer is complete, you can view a report of it, as well as suggestions for additional programs to install.

your_transfer_is_Complete

 

The additional programs available for installation can be viewed under the Program Report tab.

program_report

 

Not all programs and settings will transfer to Windows 7, but this is one of the most seamless processes for transferring compatible program settings and files.

For more information please consult your local IT professional.

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Microsoft Extends Antimalware Updates for Windows XP Until July 2015

Repairs and Upgrades, Security, Software, , , , , ,
18
Jan 2014

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Windows XP, despite its age in the software ecosystem, still controls nearly 30% of worldwide operating system share distribution.  Microsoft announced several months back that it will cease supporting Windows XP as of April 8, 2014.  For consumers, especially those that have already upgraded to Windows 7, the news didn’t mean much.  Businesses that rely on Windows XP for their IT solution, however, the news meant that they will have to either upgrade or find an exemplary IT partner to maintain their infrastructure.

There’s no running away from Windows XP if your business relies heavily on the dated OS to run things like legacy software.  So when Microsoft announced earlier this week that it will continue to provide antimalware signature and engine updates until July 14, 2015, most were relatively happy about the news.

Old Software and Hardware Can’t Keep Up

According to Microsoft, XP users will continue to get antimalware updates because Microsoft wants to ‘help organizations complete their migrations.’  On the enterprise end, the patch updates apply to System Center Endpoint Protection, Forefront Client Security, Forefront Endpoint Protection and Windows Intune.  Casual XP users will continue to receive the antimalware patch as a part of the Microsoft Security Essentials.

Although antimalware support will last for a bit longer, Microsoft recommends that XP users upgrade as soon as possible.  The reason being, old software and hardware may not be capable of keeping up with modern day threats.

What Are the Upgrade Options?

As we’ve already mentioned in a previous post, businesses that have a heavily connected infrastructure should consider upgrading from Windows XP.  When patches and update packages stop coming, the systems will become vulnerable to hackers and other threats on the internet.  Windows 7 still has quite a bit of shelf life left in it, so upgrading to this version of Windows is ideal if businesses are seeking a similar-to-XP experience.

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At the moment, most businesses will probably stay away from Windows 8 as it is a rather new platform that will take some getting used to.

If your business is still running Windows XP, contact our IT professionals for advice on how you can extend the life of the system without official Microsoft support, or how you can leverage your current hardware and save by upgrading to Windows 7.

Lastly, Microsoft also clarified to XP users that as of April 8, 2014, the ‘no longer supported operating system’ means that users will no longer get the official security updates, non-security hotfixes, free or paid assisted support options, or online technical updates.

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