Transferring Data from Old PC to New PC (Both Win 10)

[WWGD]

Hi all,
So my old Win 10PC is slowing down and I am buying a new one. I want to transfer data from the old to the new without having to remove the HD. Wil just connecting the two PCs with a SATA cable enough to do the job? Is there a simpler, faster way?

 

[jedishrfu]

Honestly, I would get a large enough usb drive and copy your personal stuff to it and then use it to copy to the new machine.

Alternatively, you could place them both on your home network and copy files that way too.

And MS has a tool to do it:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/transfer-your-data

and ComputerWorld suggests:

https://www.computerworld.com/article/3585794/how-to-migrate-to-a-new-windows-pc.html

 

[russ_watters]

Hi all,
So my old Win 10PC is slowing down and I am buying a new one. I want to transfer data from the old to the new without having to remove the HD. Wil just connecting the two PCs with a SATA cable enough to do the job? Is there a simpler, faster way?

Honestly, I would get a large enough usb drive and copy your personal stuff to it and then use it to copy to the new machine.

Alternatively, you could place them both on your home network and copy files that way too.

Yeah.

So I literally just had this issue a couple of months ago. My Eclipse 2017 laptop came with a 128 GB SDD for the OS and a 1 TB spinner, and 128 GB just wasn't big enough anymore for the OS. After upgrading the SDD, I tried plugging it back in as an external drive, and it wasn't readable - didn't even show any data. The spinner neither. I never did figure out how to make them readable. Supposedly there's a way to fix security settings and take ownership, but I never got the data to appear. So I ended up swapping the old drive back in, copying everything off both, and starting from scratch with fresh drives on the new install.

 

[256bits]

Yeah.

So I literally just had this issue a couple of months ago. My Eclipse 2017 laptop came with a 128 GB SDD for the OS and a 1 TB spinner, and 128 GB just wasn't big enough anymore for the OS. After upgrading the SDD, I tried plugging it back in as an external drive, and it wasn't readable - didn't even show any data. The spinner neither. I never did figure out how to make them readable. Supposedly there's a way to fix security settings and take ownership, but I never got the data to appear. So I ended up swapping the old drive back in, copying everything off both, and starting from scratch with fresh drives on the new install.

Would encryption do that?

 

[anorlunda]

This is a bit off topic. I wish PCs and Macs would make the process as smooth as Android phones. The last time I got a new phone, there was a transfer app. I put the old and new phones in close proximity. They detected each other and communicated wirelessly (audio? bluetooth? wifi? NFC? I don't know which, but I did not need any passwords). Then they transferred all data, files, pictures, address book, text messages, installed apps and app settings, custom parameters under settings, ring tones, the name and login for my mobile hotspot, all data in all categories. After 15 minutes, it was done.

Maybe iPhones can do the same. I don't know about iPhones.

If phones can do it, then laptop or desktop computers ought to be able to do the same. Lobby your suppliers.

 

[Vanadium 50]

That assumes the old phone still worked. Last time I did this, the old phone was bricked.

The fundamental difference is that your phone has a much clearer idea of who it's one true owner is than a PC, which is much more likely to be shared. This leads to other differences, like which and how much data is on disks owned by Google vs. disks owned by you.

 

[WWGD]

Would therebe a way of copying a restore point from PC1 to PC2? Or copying the registry file? Would we use some Ghosting program? Sorry if I (seem ?) lazy, just don't think I know enough to filter advice from online searches on the topic.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Would therebe a way of copying a restore point from PC1 to PC2?

Sure, but the restore point is a collection of files. This is no easier than moving the original files.

Why won't the solution @jedishrfu posted work for you?

 

[WWGD]

Sure, but the restore point is a collection of files. This is no easier than moving the original files.

Why won't the solution @jedishrfu posted work for you?

I realized I just asked for how to transfer data, but I would prefer to be able to transfer settings as well. My bad for not thinkingnthis through when doing my original post.

 

[Vanadium 50]

And some of those solutions do transfer settings. It's right there on the link.

Note that not all settings will transfer. For example, if you are using a LAN to transfer the data, you obviously can't transfer the network name.

 

[pbuk]

Transferring all settings from an old Windows PC (specifically the registry) is IMHO a bad idea: it is likely that there's some stuff in there that was slowing your old PC down, and the last thing you want to do with your bright shiny new PC is load it down with all that mess.

In fact you can often gain a significant improvement in performance of a Windows PC simply by reinstalling Windows (from scratch i.e. after reformatting the hard disk - and from the current Microsoft installation media, not anything provided by the PC's vendor which will include 'bloatware' slowing your machine down).

 

[jedishrfu]

So true for Windows in particular. I always felt the registry itself was bloatware with way too many keys and cross linkages. A very confusing database of metadata and program settings.

 

[pbuk]

On a connected topic, it seems likely that MS will announce the release of Windows 11 on Thursday (24 June 2021). Support for Windows 10 is likely to end in October 2025.

Support for [edit: most versions of] Windows 10 will end on 14 October 2025 (this is already announced).

 

[dlgoff]

Is your PC a laptop? For my desktop PC I just put the old drive in the tower and copied files form one drive to the other. Now the second drive is my backup drive.

 

[glappkaeft]

If phones can do it, then laptop or desktop computers ought to be able to do the same. Lobby your suppliers.

Apple has Time Machine (since 2007), Migration Assistant and even a Windows Migration Assistant to handle this. There are also several tools for Windows as the link above shows.

 

[MikeeMiracle]

There exists a migration tool from microsoft that can copy your profile, applications & data from one computer to another. This can work either by copying data to an external HDD and then back onto the new PC or direct if you have a network connection between the 2 computers. I think it was called the User State Migration Tool.

 

[Svein]

This tool: Laplink?

 

[pbuk]

This tool: Laplink?

Good grief I remember when laplink came in a box with a parallel port crossover cable when that was the only practical way of transferring data in bulk between PCs.

These days everybody has a home network and paying for file transfer software is insane.

 

[Svein]

These days everybody has a home network and paying for file transfer software is insane.

The trouble with "File copy" across a network is that a small number of files will not get transferred (open files, hidden files, locked files etc.) Even backup programs have trouble here.

 

[anorlunda]

Another problem with file transfers is that you must choose what to transfer. That can be tedious. No matter how much effort you use, there will still be doubt that you got it all.

That's why I liked the Samsung smart switch app so much. I start it, walk away, and 15 minutes later I had a clone. All needed categories of data and files were copied.

 

[darth boozer]

These days everybody has a home network and paying for file transfer software is insane.

Windows 10 does not support HomeGroup networking any more. I have to use a USB flash drive if I want anything printed from my laptop as my printer is connected to my old XP PC.

 

[Svein]

Windows 10 does not support HomeGroup networking any more.

So what? Define your own workgroup and include your laptop and XP PC in it. Problem solved.

 

[darth boozer]

So what? Define your own workgroup and include your laptop and XP PC in it. Problem solved.

That didn't work!

 

[Svein]

That didn't work!

Hm. I have done that several times. If there is a problem, there is always something you have forgotten (like sharing out your printer).

 

[darth boozer]

Hm. I have done that several times. If there is a problem, there is always something you have forgotten (like sharing out your printer).

File and printer sharing is enabled on both. The laptop uses WiFi to the router, the PC connects to the same router via Ethernet. The setup worked perfectly before the latest Win 10 update. Now, while they can both connect to the internet, they cannot "see" each other.

 

[pbuk]

You may need to enable the SMB 1.0 protocol on Windows 10.

 

[darth boozer]

You may need to enable the SMB 1.0 protocol on Windows 10.

Yes, I found that on another site. Also ended up with an update to the router firmware and now it's all working again. Even just discussing problems with others is a great help, thanks to all.

 

[WWGD]

Thank you all. A followup:
Can do both data backup and cloning in Windows 10, from Control Panel
Ended up doing a data backup on a Lexar USB. Cloning requires a different formatting for the USB.
Edit: Now comes the paranoia of losing the USB. I remember a friend that connected it to his key ring. Will try that, though I carry my keys in my pocket and the drive will take a beating when I take it out and put it back in.

Path is : Control Panel\System and Security\Backup and Restore (Windows 7)

I guess I will have to buy another USB and use NTFS instead of FAT32 .

I guess it's not possible to use different partitions for different sectors?

 

[jedishrfu]

What? Why are you carrying it around? You should stash it in a safe place. If you have a bank box place it there. Just find a safe place.

You could store it in your car but would likely need to protect it from the heat or cold using a box of some sort. If you have a musical instrument with carrying case, you could stash it there.

Its best NOT to store with or in something of value lest it be lost if that item is stolen.

 

[sysprog]

I guess it's not possible to use different partitions for different sectors?

It's not impossible e.g. to emulate multiple devices on a single device; a partition table is just 1s and 0s -- it doesn't directly affect the moving parts of the hardware.

 

[pbuk]

I guess it's not possible to use different partitions for different sectors?

Do you mean different formats for different partitions? Yes of course; you can set this up in Disk Management.

 

[WWGD]

Do you mean different formats for different partitions? Yes of course; you can set this up in Disk Management.

So I can partition the USB?

 

[pbuk]

So I can partition the USB?

Sure. It will have to be a big one if you are planning to clone a Windoze installation onto it though.

Why not just put the old SSD in an external caddy?

 

[Svein]

So I can partition the USB?

https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/clean-install-windows-11. Partway down he explains how to set up two different partitions.

BTW. AOmei has a program that can clone a system disk - and it is free.

 

[WWGD]

https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/clean-install-windows-11. Partway down he explains how to set up two different partitions.

BTW. AOmei has a program that can clone a system disk - and it is free.

Thank you, Windows 10 does it too, so that it's free.

 

[WWGD]

What? Why are you carrying it around? You should stash it in a safe place. If you have a bank box place it there. Just find a safe place.

You could store it in your car but would likely need to protect it from the heat or cold using a box of some sort. If you have a musical instrument with carrying case, you could stash it there.

Its best NOT to store with or in something of value lest it be lost if that item is stolen.

How about storing it in One drive or some other cloud storage?

 

[WWGD]

Ok, so I am finally backing things up on a cheap drive. Is there a way of obtaining more detailed information of how my backup is coming along? Activity monitor is being very parsimonious. Anyone know where/how I can get more detailed information within Windows10?

 

[sysprog]

Ok, so I am finally backing things up on a cheap drive. Is there a way of obtaining more detailed information of how my backup is coming along? Activity monitor is being very parsimonious. Anyone know where/how I can get more detailed information within Windows10?

You didn't say exactly what you're using to do the local backup, or how you've configured or instructed it, so we can't very well know precisely how you should watch it, right?

 

[WWGD]

You didn't say exactly what you're using to do the local backup, or how you've configured or instructed it, so we can't very well know precisely how you should watch it, right?

I bought a cheap generic external drive. I just followed up Windows 10 methods; the path Control Panel/Backup and Restore/Create System Image

That was it. Backup is ready now but I am curious on how to keep track of it.

 

[StevieTNZ]

I bought a cheap generic external drive. I just followed up Windows 10 methods; the path Control Panel/Backup and Restore/Create System Image

That was it. Backup is ready now but I am curious on how to keep track of it.

Just let it do its thing and I'm sure it'll let you know once its done. Do you plan on installing the image you've taken on a new PC? I tried that once, and I had to re-activate every program that was installed. (mind you, this was replacing a dying HDD with a new one)

 

[sysprog]

I bought a cheap generic external drive. I just followed up Windows 10 methods; the path Control Panel/Backup and Restore/Create System Image

That was it. Backup is ready now but I am curious on how to keep track of it.

That isn't a complete backup. I suggest that you use a full-disk-imaging product such as clonezilla.

 

[WWGD]

That isn't a complete backup. I suggest that you use a full-disk-imaging product such as clonezilla.

Thank you. It seems I may then have to install some flavor of Linux , per your link.

 

[sysprog]

Thank you. It seems I may then have to install some flavor of Linux , per your link.

You don't have to 'install' clonezilla to run it; you can run it from a 'live' version -- https://clonezilla.org/clonezilla-live.php -- please feel free to PM me if you would like advice regarding the specifics . . .

 

[jedishrfu]

Here's a youtuber discussing the best long term storage schemes to use with pros and cons.

 

[sysprog]

. . . discussing the best long term storage schemes to use . . .

For long-term archival storage I keep a supply of M-Discs.

 

[Vanadium 50]

You like them? I have a drive or two that will write them, but never tried them. Worth the money?

 

[StevieTNZ]

Those discs will be handy to have. I guess now the question is, does your computer have a DVD-RW (or whatever) drive?

 

[sysprog]

You like them? I have a drive or two that will write them, but never tried them. Worth the money?

For some data, I like the idea of archiving on media that will likely last hundreds of years, but for normal data, I use USB drives, e.g. Seagate Backup Plus.

 

[jedishrfu]

For me there are two key aspects, backup shelflife and multiple multi-site backup.

I've seen a few cases in my time where really bizarre things happen. In one case, a coworker was migrating his PC-XT files to a new PC-AT using the provided floppy disks. What he didn't realize was that these disks were specifically for the PC-AT drive and required a higher write current to record data properly.

He dutifully backed up his files to these disks and formatted the PC-XT harddisk before beginning his transfer to the new PC-AT. Incredulity, panic and then horror set in as he discovered that there was nothing saved on the floppy disks.

I've seen similar issues where someone was in the wrong directory or used an unfamiliar script that deleted all files on the harddisk because an argument ie subdirectory or filename was missing and a command like: DEL c:\ was run or in my own case rm -rf /bin on a unix box.

I've seen casette tapes get mangled in the recorder (cassette tape was popular with early PCs like the TRS80, Sinclair...)

I've seen CDs get mangled when placed in the CD drive too quickly with the door catching it at the wrong angle. I've seen floppy get demagnetized because your kid ran a strong magnet (the infamous superduper red horseshoe magnet) over the floppy to see if it could pick it up.

I've seen static discharge accidentally take out a USB stick at the wrong moment.

In the end, it seems that external USB drives are best. They carry their own R/W hardware, are heavily tested, can be copied at a fairly high rate and are more flexible than digital tape ie directory/file retrieval.

You can run diagnostics on them to insure files are still good. As long as USB is around, they should still be readable. Other media like CDs, DVDs, BluRay... require the appropriate hardware to read/write them and will fall out of use like the floppy disks did before them. You can have multiple external drives connected at the same time for camparison tests...

There are ways you can use external drives to do partial backups to limit the number that you keep around with some being sent to offsite storage in a bank vault or other safe places.

Here's some tape (works for external drives too) rotation strategies to consider if you're serious about backup management.

https://www.recordnations.com/articles/tape-rotation-2/

 

[jedishrfu]

For long-term archival storage I keep a supply of M-Discs.

I found this youtube video on M-Disks and their pros and cons.