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Backing Up. Specifically the AppData folder

Anonymous
2020-02-09T05:57:18+00:00

Hello,

My current job involves working with a lot of computers. A lot of those involve data transfers from an older PC to a new PC.

I've always been told by everybody there to NOT transfer the AppData folder unless the client knows what they need (minecraft saves, certain tax programs store there stuff here, etc).

I recently bought an external HDD that backs up automatically. I recently decided to take a look into it, just out of curiosity.

It seems to be backing up the AppData folder.

The external HDD is by WD. Does anyone know if their software knows what to and what not to pick up in order to not brick the computer? Or is this moreso a question for them?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. DaveM121 869K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2020-02-10T07:01:33+00:00

    Hi Andrew

    When getting a new PC, the only thing that you can transfer over is your personal data, you cannot and should not transfer over system files or folders like the AppData folder, because the new PC will have a totally different configuration, also, you cannot transfer over your applications, you need to completely re-install those on the new PC . . .

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-02-10T00:37:33+00:00

    Initial then incremental. However, I plan to get a new computer soon, and I'm worried that if I transfer everything over to the NEW computer, that it will ruin or even brick the computer

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  3. DaveM121 869K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2020-02-09T07:28:31+00:00

    Hi Andrew

    Western Digital's software is not that clever, it will not have any sort of decision making like that built in.

    Their software basically backs up everything, or just a subset of data that you can choose . . .

    Are you using their software to perform a full backup, or just an initial full backup and then incremental backups after that?

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