Windows 8 : Upgrading or migrating from a previous version of Windows (part 2) - Using removable media, Using a network connection

5. Moving and transferring files by using Windows Easy Transfer

With the Windows Easy Transfer application, you can use several types of media to move files between an existing—or source—computer and a new—or destination—computer. Unlike in previous versions, you can choose from several options for moving your information. If you have an easy transfer cable—a USB-to-USB cable specifically made for this process—you can use it. Otherwise, you can transfer files over your home or business network or use a removable hard drive.

Using removable media

You can start from either your current computer or your new Windows 8–based computer. First, search for the Windows Easy Transfer tool. You begin your search from the Start menu on your current computer or from the Start screen on your Windows 8–based computer.

1. When the Windows Easy Transfer Wizard opens, a Welcome screen describes some of the types of information and files that you can transfer by using this application. Click Next.

2. Choose the medium you want to use for the transfer, as shown in Figure 1.

   

   Figure 1. Selecting a method for Windows Easy Transfer

   Your options are to use an Easy Transfer cable, a network connection, or an external hard disk or USB flash drive. If you’re not sure which method to use, click How Do I Choose?. The help file discusses each option and provides some frequently asked questions about what can be transferred between systems.

3. After you have selected a transfer option, choose the PC from which you are working.

   Windows Easy Transfer determines what additional software is needed to complete the process.

   • If your old computer is running Windows XP or Vista, you need to install the Windows Easy Transfer application before proceeding. You can find the tool at http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features/windows-easy-transfer. After you install the tool, you are prompted to choose a media type to use for this installation. At this point, Windows Easy Transfer will copy itself to your chosen media so you can install the application on your old computer.

   • If you are running Windows 7 or a version of Windows 8, the wizard displays instructions on how to launch the Windows Easy Transfer application on your old computer.

   When you open the Windows Easy Transfer application, the wizard asks you for information it will use to transfer files.

Using an Easy Transfer cable

Using an Easy Transfer cable, if you have one, is the easiest and least time-consuming option in terms of setup. However, the transfer will still take some time, depending on the amount of data you are migrating.

1. Identify the computer on which you are currently working as either the old or the new computer.

2. Complete the Windows Easy Transfer Wizard on the other computer until you have selected to use an Easy Transfer Cable and specified the computer on which you are working.

3. Return to the computer from which you are migrating and click Next to proceed.

The wizard establishes a connection by the cable to the new computer and asks you to select which files and folders should be included in the transfer. When the items are selected, click Next to begin moving the files to the new system.

Using a network connection

1. If you select the network option for transferring files, a Windows Easy Transfer key, like the one shown in Figure 2, is displayed.

   

   Figure 2. Windows Easy Transfer key

2. When this key is displayed, on the new computer, start the Windows Easy Transfer tool. Select a network, select This Is My New PC, select the appropriate operating system, click Next, enter the Windows Easy Transfer key on the destination computer, and then click Next.

3. The remote computer attempts to establish a connection with the old computer. When a connection is established, select the folders and files to transfer to your new computer and click Next.

At this point, the Windows Easy Transfer application begins reading and transferring your files from the external media. This could take some time. It is advisable not to use either computer during this process.