How to Move Your Programs and Files to Windows 7

PCNet Online  - Don Watkins
Oct 10, 2009
Link to article

Okay, you're hot and heavy to move to Windows 7 but Microsoft, for the most part, recommends a clean install. Yeah, they have this incredibly complicated chart that says you can do an in place upgrade in some cases but reading it will give you a headache and they have a point; a clean install is the way to go regardless of if you're going from XP to Vista or whatever.

But yikes, reinstalling all those applications that you've shoved onto XP over the last 10 years? In my case I'd be lucky to find half the distribution CDs. And the prospect of feeding 7 the CDs I can find isn't all that appealing.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to have some magic way to simply migrate what you want to your new Windows 7 install?

No magic required, just a bit of software in the form of PCMover for Windows 7. You want magic? I'll give you simple. Install PCMover on your Vista or XP box.

1. Run, select the  "file storage device" option and select the applications you want to move.
2. Save the files you want to migrate on a non-operating system drive; either a 2nd physical drive in your computer or an external USB drive. 
3. Install Windows 7.
4. Install PCMover and "migrate" the files you've previously saved.

Optionally PCMover has a Windows 7 upgrade assistant that allows you to do it even easier. However it doesn't allow you to reformat your drive before you install Windows 7. Perhaps a
small issue, but I'm big on a re-format.

Regardless of the method you use this is a sure fire, quick way to move your programs and files to Windows 7, PERIOD!

You MAY have to re-enter the product/key codes for some applications. For instance Office required me to do so but in my case that was it.

This IS THE WAY TO DO IT. Don't spend hours rebuilding your applications, get it done in literally minutes.

Get PCMover at Laplink. It may be the best money you've ever spent on software.

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