I have setup as many new computers over the past couple of months as I have the entire five years I've been an on-site computer guy. I have become very good at backing up data and moving from the old computer to the new system.
Before I setup the new computer I explain that I can easily transfer data files from one computer to another, but I can't transfer programs.
Typically, this doesn't appear to be a problem. That is, until I have setup the new system and moved the data. "Where's my Microsoft Word?" or "How do I get into my AutoCAD?" are examples common questions I get after the work has been done.
This is why it's important to keep all of your program disks. Some day you will need your computer worked on, reformatted or replaced. At that point you will need to reinstall the programs that are on your computer. Data can typically be saved and transferred, but you can not transfer programs.
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Tags: install, Microsoft, new computer, Word
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I just read your comments and I am confused. I have been reading several web computer help sites and they talk about transferring programs using an ‘ immage ” of the hard drive.
Norton Ghost was one program–but they mentioned a few others.
Did I miss something ??
George
Many companies claim to make programs that will transfer your programs. While I have never used one of these programs personally, I have helped many people get through the messes caused by these programs.
My typical experience is that I have to explain to these people that their computer needs to be reformatted because the programs caused too many problems by only being partially transferred.
You can't transfer programs. Of course there are exceptions. But those exceptions are just that exceptions. You can't transfer programs.
I also am not convinced, Laplnk guarantees 100% tranfer from their product PC mover There ad says…. Complete MigrationMove all your files, settings, and programs from the old to the new PC, without worrying that key registry settings or shared files will get left behind.
I guess if a guy has not used the product its hard for me to believe that it may or may not work just because. I also find it hard to believe a 100% money back guarantee is available because everyone who buys the product can get their money back when the product doesnt work. Im not a pc wiz by any means, however I do know my cordless tools work without a cord.
I guess I also am missing something George
Jim
I wanted to take the time to reply to my own comment. After now spending the last x minutes reading reviews, the forementioned product scored 4.5 out of 5 moving programs. Follow the link below for a PC tester and gain your own opinion, I believe this man would laugh at the cant transfer programs opinion, unless money was involved then I think he would bet…..
Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology, multimedia, and digital entertainment:
In January, I wrote about my experience with PC Mover from Laplink Software
http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/16/switched-on-an-image-to-protect/
Jim
I have had clients who have used LapLink and the PC mover product. In some cases it appears to work perfectly. In other cases there were problems from the start.
But, in every case I can think of, eventually there were problems. Sometimes it was a few month's later.
One example I know of was with Microsoft Word. The program moved across just fine but after a Windows update the program kept asking for the install disk. When the install disk was inserted, the Word refused to accept it because something deep down wasn't an exact match to the old system.
I also had a problem with a client who used a huge database program to keep track of their businesses vehicle maintenance records. Everything transferred perfectly until they went to print out a yearly report. At that point it would only print out records up to the point where the data transfer was made.
Whether it works or not, it is always a more reliable process to install the programs from scratch. If you are missing some program disks, the money would be better spent by re-buying the programs than buying data moving programs.