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Easy-Peasy PC2PC Transfer?

Anonymous
2024-01-22T02:44:59+00:00

I have a 10-year old Dell XPS 8700 desktop PC that is running Windows 10 and still working nicely. However, I know it can’t last forever, so I am being proactive and getting ready to purchase a new one.

I am very concerned about moving everything from the old PC to the new. Ideally I will be running both computers side-by-side, to facilitate the transfer process. Still, it sounds like it is going to be a hassle. I’ve been poking around the web for the easiest solution, as I am not tech savvy and simple is best for me. Here’s what I’ve found so far:

a) There is no easy solution. Unlike Apple computers, files can be transferred, but programs cannot (thanks, Microsoft!)

b) Available software solutions (such as Laplink’s “PC Mover” or EaseUS’s “Todo PCTrans”), which claim to move everything, including programs, is problematic and get middling reviews. It seems a “clean install” of programs is recommended, which is fine with me as I don’t have that many programs to install.

c) When it comes to moving files (documents, photos, music, etc.), I’ve read that uploading my files to the cloud via OneDrive is an easy method, but I don’t use OneDrive and I’d rather not have all of my personal info stored in the cloud. I’ve also read that cable connections between PCs may be the easiest way to go. The “Plugable Easy Transfer Cable” seems okay, and Dell has something called “Dell Migrate,” which transfers files and also the settings from my old PC, so that my new PC will resemble my old one. This idea appeals to me, since I am more than happy with my current setup.

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with Plugable or Dell Migrate. Of course, I am open to any and all suggestions concerning the transfer process in general. Your recommendations are welcome and more than appreciated!

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Install and upgrade

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-01-23T02:40:05+00:00

    Actually, it is easy-peasy (lemon squeezy.)

    The only thing that you can move successfully from one PC to another PC is your personal data. That's your Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures and Videos. There are few things beyond that. One other thing you can move is your Desktop folder, i.e., C:\Users\your user name\Desktop. If you use Office Outlook you can also move your message store.

    You cannot move installed software and drivers; they will have to be reinstalled on your new PC.

    Here's how I moved my personal data when I switched from my almost 14-year old Dell Studio XPS 8100 - which continues to run Windows 10 very nicely - to my snazzy, decked out Dell XPS 8960: I simply backed up my folders (Documents, Downloads, etc.) to an external drive, and restored their contents to the corresponding folders in my new PC. Didn't take long at all and was very easy. If you'd like to try that I will gladly supply more details on how I did it.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-01-24T02:27:14+00:00

    Thanks for your comprehensive response. I do have an external drive which I use for backups, and it's my fallback solution. But that won't transfer my "settings," which is why I am leaning toward Dell Migrate which claims to setup my new PC to look like my old one. So I'm still undecided...

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  3. Sumit D - IA 166.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-01-23T02:20:05+00:00

    Thank you. As long as your account has 2FA, your account most likely cannot be hacked.

    1. You get 5GBs of free storage. You need to pay for up to 1 TB. The 1TB plan also includes ad-free Outlook and 365 apps. There is a 100GB plan too.
    2. Absolutely yes.
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  4. Anonymous
    2024-01-23T01:59:27+00:00

    Sumit,

    Thanks very much for the reply.

    Your solution lets me backup my files/apps to OneDrive, which I am lukewarm about due to privacy/hacking concerns. But it is a solution that works, so if you don't mind, I have two questions about OneDrive:

    1. How much storage will I have? And if I need more, do I need to pay for it?
    2. Once all my info is downloaded from OneDrive to my new PC, can I the erase the info from OneDrive --- I really don't want my personal info sitting in the cloud!
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  5. Sumit D - IA 166.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-01-22T06:28:26+00:00

    Hi Steve,

    I'm Sumit, here to answer your query at the Microsoft Community.

    Did you try Microsoft Solution that is Windows backup?

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/bac...

    The other solution is a system image, but it is rare that the same would work as the hardware is different.

    Please keep us posted

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