Windows Easy Transfer
Encyclopedia
Windows Easy Transfer is a file
transferring program included in newer versions of Microsoft Windows
operating system
which allows the switching files and settings between two PCs. The program aides migration of Windows XP or earlier to a new computer running Windows Vista
or Windows 7. It succeeded the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard included in Windows XP
. The application is downloadable for Windows XP.
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard is a similar feature available in previous versions of Windows. This tool, and the backup files it creates, are not supported by Windows Vista or Windows 7. This means that users who follow a typical Backup->Erase->Install->Restore path will be unable to recover their files or settings. A work-around is to plan ahead; install the Windows Easy Transfer for Windows XP first, then proceed using that solution rather than the Files and Transfer Settings Wizard for Windows XP.
The program does not support transferring entire applications themselves and system files such as fonts and drivers. For transferring certain supported applications, Microsoft had planned to release Windows Easy Transfer Companion but never released the final version. Also, for power user
s, administrators and enterprise computers, a command-line User State Migration Tool
(USMT) is available.
Transferring over a Direct Cable Connection
using parallel or serial cables and using floppy disk
s is not supported. These methods were supported in the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard in Windows XP.
Also, Windows Easy Transfer does not support transferring from a 64-bit to a 32-bit system.
File
File or filing may refer to:Tools:* File * Filing * Nail filePaper or computer records:* File folder, a folder for holding loose papers* Filing cabinet or file cabinet...
transferring program included in newer versions of Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
operating system
Operating system
An operating system is a set of programs that manage computer hardware resources and provide common services for application software. The operating system is the most important type of system software in a computer system...
which allows the switching files and settings between two PCs. The program aides migration of Windows XP or earlier to a new computer running Windows Vista
Windows Vista
Windows Vista is an operating system released in several variations developed by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablet PCs, and media center PCs...
or Windows 7. It succeeded the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard included in Windows XP
Windows XP
Windows XP is an operating system produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops and media centers. First released to computer manufacturers on August 24, 2001, it is the second most popular version of Windows, based on installed user base...
. The application is downloadable for Windows XP.
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard is a similar feature available in previous versions of Windows. This tool, and the backup files it creates, are not supported by Windows Vista or Windows 7. This means that users who follow a typical Backup->Erase->Install->Restore path will be unable to recover their files or settings. A work-around is to plan ahead; install the Windows Easy Transfer for Windows XP first, then proceed using that solution rather than the Files and Transfer Settings Wizard for Windows XP.
Features transferred
Windows Easy Transfer can transfer :- Files and folders including photos, music, videos, documents, email messages and contacts
- User accounts and user account settings
- Application configuration data files and settings
- Several Windows configuration settings stored in the registryWindows registryThe Windows Registry is a hierarchical database that stores configuration settings and options on Microsoft Windows operating systems. It contains settings for low-level operating system components as well as the applications running on the platform: the kernel, device drivers, services, SAM, user...
The program does not support transferring entire applications themselves and system files such as fonts and drivers. For transferring certain supported applications, Microsoft had planned to release Windows Easy Transfer Companion but never released the final version. Also, for power user
Power user
A power user is a user of a personal computer who has the ability to use advanced features of programs which are beyond the abilities of "normal" users, but is not necessarily capable of programming and system administration...
s, administrators and enterprise computers, a command-line User State Migration Tool
User State Migration Tool
The User State Migration Tool is a Microsoft command line utility program intended to allow advanced users, comfortable with Scripting language, to transfer files and settings between PCs. This task is also performed by Windows Easy Transfer, recommended for general users...
(USMT) is available.
Transfer methods
There are several methods that can be used :- Using a proprietary USB-to-USB bridge cable known as the Easy Transfer CableEasy Transfer CableThe Easy Transfer Cable is a USB 2.0 device which is used to connect two computers together. The connectors are both USB-A male connectors to connect to each PC, but the cable also has a small box in the middle which contains the needed electronics and chipset to allow the two connected computers...
- Using CD/DVD, a USB flash drive, or an external hard disk drive
- Over a wired or wireless network or using an ethernet crossover cableEthernet crossover cableAn Ethernet crossover cable is a type of Ethernet cable used to connect computing devices together directly. Normal straight through or patch cables were used to connect from a host network interface controller to a network switch, hub or router.A cable with connections that "cross over" was used...
or (if at least one of the computers is new enough to feature Auto-MDIX) a plain ethernet cableEthernet over twisted pairEthernet over twisted pair technologies use twisted-pair cables for the physical layer of an Ethernet computer network. Other Ethernet cable standards employ coaxial cable or optical fiber. Early versions developed in the 1980s included StarLAN followed by 10BASE-T. By the 1990s, fast, inexpensive...
.
Transferring over a Direct Cable Connection
Direct cable connection
Direct Cable Connection , is a feature of Microsoft Windows that allows a computer to transfer and share files with another computer, via a connection using either the serial port, parallel port or the infrared port of each computer...
using parallel or serial cables and using floppy disk
Floppy disk
A floppy disk is a disk storage medium composed of a disk of thin and flexible magnetic storage medium, sealed in a rectangular plastic carrier lined with fabric that removes dust particles...
s is not supported. These methods were supported in the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard in Windows XP.
Current issues
There are currently issues transferring data from systems in different languages. Files could not be recovered on those situations, and the backup could be only opened using an operating system with the original language.Also, Windows Easy Transfer does not support transferring from a 64-bit to a 32-bit system.
See also
- Management features new to Windows VistaManagement features new to Windows VistaWindows Vista contains a range of new technologies and features that are intended to help network administrators and power users better manage their systems...
- Easy Computer SyncEasy Computer SyncEasy Computer Sync, developed by Bravura Software is a commercial utility program used to synchronize files and folders between computers, using an Easy Transfer Cable...
- another product designed for the Easy Transfer Cable