I need to transfer user files from one computer to another

chuckiechan · 18 Apr 2021

My elderly friend has an old HP, and bought a new HP computer (Boxed) kit with Win 10 built in.
I, as the local computer wizard am tasked with moving her data from the old to the new. (She lives 35 miles of traffic away.) There is a back up drive attached to the old one, but I'm wary of using it. I plan on using a spare external back up drive to "copy from old, paste to new".

Quick and simple is my goal. My guess is she has less than 1/4 terabyte in user data.

Which is the best way to go:
Transfer "user" files
Transfer "Libraries" or just copy docs, pics, videos, etc.

Thanks in advance. Sorry about the lack of specs.

dalchina · 18 Apr 2021

Depends where she stores her data and how many other drives there may be.

Then think email-favourites-passwords- program license codes that may be needed on the new PC..passwords..

You can transfer user profiles using e.g.
Free PC transfer/migration software for Windows Computers - EaseUS(R) Todo PCTrans Free
The free version is limited to 2 programs and 500Mb data.

Once new PC is set up, consider at least creating a disk image of its initial state to an external drive.

RolandJS · 18 Apr 2021

You can also use TeraCopy for Source (DOCs, TXTs, XLS, etc.) to Target, however, as previously indicated, you need to know what directories were used for her data.

Samuria · 18 Apr 2021

Is the old pc windows 10 if so set it to sync sign into new pc and windows will do it all for you if it has a ms. Account

chuckiechan · 18 Apr 2021

Ill check that out. Possibly in the box may be some software or instructions.

Berton · 18 Apr 2021

To add, the default Libraries and Quick Access and the folders listed between This PC and the C:/boot/system drive are merely shortcuts to the actual folders in C:\Users\USERNAMEHERE [right-click to check the path], go there to copy the data. Always possible to have folders not located there so would need to 'read' the drive.

I need to transfer user files from one computer to another-image.png

Ghot · 18 Apr 2021

I would NOT transfer the User files.

I would just transfer, bookmarks, licenses, and things like pics, videos, important documents etc.

You didn't say what OS was on the old computer (I'm assuming it has Windows 10 also).
If any other OS, then definitely do not transfer User files.

The main reason I say... do NOT transfer User files is that, with a brand new User profile, she will get a nice clean start.
Also... right after you move things and update... make a backup.

chuckiechan · 19 Apr 2021

Im going to try the easiest route first - a cut and paste.

But first of first I will put away my man card and read the documentation in the box!

For now, I will rate this solved, and thank all of you for your input.

Ghot · 19 Apr 2021

chuckiechan said:

Im going to try the easiest route first - a cut and paste.

But first of first I will put away my man card and read the documentation in the box!

For now, I will rate this solved, and thank all of you for your input.

Copy/paste is safer.
We just had a thread a couple weeks ago, about a cut/paste gone wrong.

Paul Black · 19 Apr 2021

Hello @chuckiechan,

There are quite a few things to think about when performing the transfer.

One of the most IMPORTANT things you need to do is to make sure that they have ALL their Software / License Keys. These are very good at extracting that sort of information . . .

> Belarc Advisor - Shows in your Web Browser.
> Speccy - Download Page.

I hope this helps.