Issue 13.14
I am not advocating moving to Windows 8 unless you have tried it and like it. However, if you have a computer with Windows XP as the operating system, you will likely be looking for a way to upgrade your computer or transfer your files to a newer or different computer sometime this year. As a general rule, Microsoft only allows an upgrade in place (which allows you to keep using your programs as well as your data) for the next family of software. In other words you can upgrade from XP to Vista or from Vista to 7 or from 7 to 8 and you can keep using your programs without having to reinstall them.
If you move two steps (XP to 7 or Vista to 8) you have to reinstall your programs but can keep your data, pictures, files etc. You can do this by using Windows Easy Transfer and either a transfer cable or an external hard drive. Moving three steps (from XP to Windows 8) does not seem to work with this method
Moving from XP to 8 is quite problematic. The method I use for this is to make a complete file by file backup to an external hard drive of all files I want to keep. This could be just the pictures, documents, music and other personal files, or it could be all the files on the old computer so I won’t worry that I forgot something that was saved in an unusual place. Then I reattach the external drive to the new computer and transfer everything into the hard drive there. I have to reinstall all programs that I want to use since none of them have been transferred. Usually there are some programs that were on the XP (old) machine that no longer work on the new (Win 8) computer. The same is true for drivers that control the printer, scanner, camera and even sometimes the mouse or keyboard. If newer drivers are not available from the manufacturers of these items, you may have to replace them.
I realize that all of this is quite confusing and can be very frustrating if you are trying to do it alone. Sometimes people tell me they just gave up and got a new computer and threw away the old one, even though they lost all the pictures, music and other personal files they had collected for 10 years or more. I am always sad when I hear that because it is possible to save those files and use them with your newer computer. You may need a tech to do it for you if it is too much trouble, but it is possible and definitely worth keeping the things of lasting value, especially pictures and videos that are not replaceable.
If you have a full backup of the files you care about, it makes the change-over much easier and more satisfying. That is one of the reasons why I recommend that people remember – always back up anything on your computer that is important to you.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 32 years, 23 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or shaun@musicomp.net.