Finish XP Migration

In the FSXW, you've gotten past the sizzle; now it's on to the steak. Now you decide exactly what gets shipped from the old computer to the new one.

After you select the transfer method (direct or file) and click Next, you'll see the dialog box shown in Figure 2-5. In this window, you choose whether to transfer files, settings, or both.

Figure 2-5. Decide what to transfer.

The check box at the bottom is also significant. It allows a much greater degree of control over how files and settings are migrated. If you select this check box and click Next, you'll get a dialog box where you can make transfer selections. For example, you can bring over your settings from Internet Explorer, preserving your Favorites list but not the Display settings, because the new system has a better monitor and video adapter. If you don't enable the check box, everything on the list to the right of this dialog box is transferred.

After making selections and clicking Next, you're prompted to return to the new system and retrieve a randomly generated password. Enter this password at the old computer, and the transfer process begins. Depending on your file selections and the speed of your network, the transfer will take anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes.

Third-Party Tools

You can also use other utilities for this purpose, including Intellimover Transfer Your PC, PC Relocater, and PC Mover. Moreover, the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard is an update of a previous version, which was called the User Settings Migration Tool (USMT). In fact, you can still get it from Microsoft's Website, should the need arise, by searching the Windows 2000 home page. The advantage of FSXW over USMT is the Wizard interface.

Note that when performing a files and settings transfer, you should first install all programs whose settings and files you're migrating. If you're importing Quicken settings, for example, you should install Quicken on the new machine before performing the transfer. The FSXW will remind you of this issue.