Plan ahead when moving data to a new PC

By the day after Christmas, many of you will be sorry you got a new computer as a holiday gift because you’ll be facing the task of setting up a new computer.

I just went through the process myself. I replaced my wife’s aging PC with a new one and moved her files. I started that job on a Monday. It’s Friday now. I’m mostly done.

If you read about the process online, you’d think an idiot could get it done in an hour or two. Well, I’m still tweaking and discovering programs I forgot to install.

But getting that new PC settled into your home is a big deal. You’ll want to move your e-mail and Web settings to the new machine. And there are photos you’ve taken, music files, Aunt Vera’s recipe for spaghetti sauce, plus all the little tweaks you’ve made to customize the way your computer works.

As usual, you can profit from my mistakes as we take a walk through the process.

I’ll make the assumption that your old machine runs Windows XP and your new one has Vista PC. Even if that’s not the case, many of the same tips still apply.

Let’s start with a mistake almost everyone makes. Most of us get too antsy to take the new computer out of the box and get it up and running. My advice: Wait.

First, fire up your boring old PC. Take a look at the programs you’ve installed and gather the installation CDs you’ll need to install them in the new machine. It’s possible to move programs from one PC to another, but it’s a much better idea to install them fresh from the installation discs.

If you’re moving from XP to Vista, you may need new drivers —- little programs that let devices such as printers and scanners communicate with your computer. That’s especially true if you’re moving to a 64-bit version of Vista. If you stumbled across the “64- bit” part, I’ll let Microsoft explain things to you at this site: http://tinyurl.com/68auem.

Devices purchased recently may include 64-bit versions of drivers on the installation CD. But it’s likely you’ll need to check Web sites of the companies that manufactured your printers, scanners, multi-function devices, etc. for new drivers.

Now we’re finally ready to take that new PC out of the box. Install all the programs you plan to use before you transfer data and settings from your old machine. Use the discs you gathered and go at it.

With that done, you’re ready to transfer data and settings. Luckily Vista comes with a program called Easy Transfer.

It can use several methods for the transfer: (1) Over a home network, (2) using DVDs or flash memory sticks, (3) an external hard disk, or (4) by connecting the two computers with a special USB cable. The cable provides the quickest and easiest way to get the job done, and it can be purchased at most computer stores. I’ll also include a link to one of the many places it can be ordered online (as usual this is an example, not a recommendation for or against that company): http://tinyurl.com/55avcg .

As far as the Easy Transfer software itself, it can be found on a Vista machine by opening Accessories and then System Tools. Because it does not come with Windows XP, you will need to download a copy for your old PC here: http://tinyurl.com/2tabn5.

The actual transfer of data and settings is automatic and seamless. Just fire up Easy Transfer and follow the on-screen directions. Once that’s done, you can move any files it missed using a DVD or your home network.

Connect your printer and other devices to the new computer. Many will work just fine with no tweaking. If that’s the case, please leave well enough alone. But if they don’t work, you’ll need the original installation discs that came with the product and, in some cases, new drivers or even installation programs that you downloaded earlier.

After all that is done you might spend a pleasant moment or two thinking the job is complete. But then face this reality: There are files on that old machine that you forgot to move. Husted’s Second Law of Consequences says those forgotten files will be crucial to your job or your sanity.

That’s why it’s smart to keep that old PC around and capable of running for at least two months. That will make retrieving those files easy.

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BILL HUSTED’S COMPUTER TIPS

E-mail blocks won’t get rid of spammers

Q: I use Outlook Express as my e-mail program. It has an option to block senders, and I have been using it to slow down e-mail spam but it doesn’t seem to help. Does it really work?

KEVIN STEWART

A: You answered your own question correctly. You have been using it but have discovered that it doesn’t help. Here’s why. Spammers tend to jump from one address to another to avoid having their e-mail blocked. And, for the real scummy spammers, jumping around is even more important: They need to hide from the authorities. So, while Outlook really does block that specific address, there’s usually not much point in that. I don’t know of a good way to eliminate all spam. But there are ways to cut down on the amount of it you receive. Some Internet providers offer free software that helps. Or you can buy programs such as anti-spam programs offered by Norton and McAfee. One program that gets good reviews is Cloudmark. It can be found here: www.cloudmark.com/desktop/.

Q: I am considering ordering a 50-inch plasma television from the Internet. What is your opinion about doing this? I can save a good bit of money.

HUDSON WARREN

A: When you ask if it’s a good idea to buy something “from the Internet,” that’s like asking if it’s a good idea to buy something “from a store.” It’s way too general. The Internet offers Web merchants who are terrific and some who cheerfully lie and cheat. And, just as it is true in stores, if prices seem too good to be true, it’s especially important to check things out a bit. One thing to watch, especially with deals for cameras and consumer electronics, is “gray market” goods. These goods are imported directly from the country where they’re made —- it’s not illegal, but the importer bypasses the normal U.S. distributors. In many cases, there is a problem getting the U.S. distributor to honor the warranty of gray market goods

Help from a reader

A recent column offered one solution for moving music from old vinyl record albums to CDs or DVDs. Fred Marx offered another way to go: “A company called DAK.com has software that is somewhat unique in that one program copies the LP music to your computer, and another program eliminates the scratches and hisses from old LPs prior to downloading to a CD. And it works. The turntable that DAK includes is a Sony model. Also included is DAK 2800 PC preamp/fader. I noticed that Frys is selling the Sony turntable for $50 off the $150 price.”

HAVE A QUESTION?

Please send your questions to Bill Husted at tecbud@bellsouth.net. While he reads every e-mail, not all are answered. E-mails are selected for publication based on the likelihood that the answers will be of general interest.