Choosing which files to transfer to new computer

BigDroner · 17 May 2018

My old HP desktop is just too darn slow even though I recently installed a SSD. I'm buying a new Dell gaming tower because it provides the hardware to better edit videos (using Davinci Resolve). I know I need to transfer programs and files to the new desktop but I don't want to start out with a bunch of stuff I don't need; the very stuff that choked up my old machine in the first place! How do I determine which files I need and which ones I can do without? I don't even understand the names of some of the stuff on here. And for example, Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom have files scattered all over the place in different folders. Do I just transfer the application or do I need to hunt down all the associated bits and pieces? It would be too simple an answer to tell me "just transfer the stuff you want". I want to be sure to include those cryptically named things I don't KNOW I want. I assume most of the stuff labeled Windows will come on the new machine, but I'm still afraid I'll choke up the new one by transferring unnecessary crap from the old one. Web searches have only turned up tutorials on HOW to transfer, not WHAT.
Any help would be appreciated.

Samuria · 17 May 2018

Welcome to the forum. You cant copy software as it will have regitery entries and dlls registered and all over the place. All you can copy is data ie photos, videos,docs etc. Have you tried hitfilm express free for editing?

BigDroner · 17 May 2018

Thanks. It still seems that I'll leave a bunch of stuff behind. I'm probably worrying unnecessarily. I just don't want to lose anything important.
No, I haven't tried Hitfilm. Davinci is also free and is a very comprehensive program.

Samuria · 17 May 2018

Its worth check hitfilm express its just been updated and simpler than davinci compositing key frames have all been updated and you can get addons and tutors on Youtube. Filmora is very good cheap but not free but you can try it for free most used on youtube

The Pool Man · 17 May 2018

If you're HP isn't minutes from dying follow the advice above and relax. If you discover something is missing a week from now, go get it. It will still be there.

EdTittel · 18 May 2018

If you download and install Macrium Reflect Free, you can use it to make a complete backup of your current installation. Then, if you install Macrium Reflect with viboot on the new machine, you can mount the old backup as a virtual drive and grab anything from inside the old image if and when you should need it. That won't transfer your applications (you'll need to reinstall them and provide valid keys where called for) but it will help you grab and go with just about everything else.
HTH,
--Ed--

Charlie210 · 18 May 2018

I would suggest you remove the hard drive from your old machine and install it in your new machine as a second hard drive. Everything will be available if you need it.

spunk · 19 May 2018

You can copy all of your personal User files (no programs or apps) to a USB HDD. attach it to the new computer and just drag over what you need. If you feel you need something else, just attach the drive to the computer and drag it over.
Once you get your new computer updated and just the way you want, make a Clone Image with Macrium Reflect and save that to your external HDD as well

NavyLCDR · 19 May 2018

Charlie210 said:

I would suggest you remove the hard drive from your old machine and install it in your new machine as a second hard drive. Everything will be available if you need it.

+1 to this!

Bree · 19 May 2018

EdTittel said:

...with viboot on the new machine, you can mount the old backup as a virtual drive and grab anything from inside the old image if and when you should need it...

As I understand it, viboot allows you to run the image as a virtual machine. You can mount the image as a virtual drive without it. You don't even need to install Macrium on the target machine, if you install it on another machine and make the Macrium boot usb you can boot from that and mount images (and make images). Obviously that's less convenient, but it does work.

(recent convert to Macrium Reflect here :))