Transfer data Old to New PC.
- Thread starter EJB
- Start date
Quickest way is to temporarily swap the hard drive in to the new computer if you don't want to do that to can network the pc's share what ever folders on the network you want to copy over. dont think you can simply connect two pc's by usb without a special cable
Don
There are ways of doing (Indeed you can get paid products that will do it on mass e.g. https://web.laplink.com/product/pcmover-home/#tabs2 or https://www.zinstall.com/) but arguably you are better off just moving any important documents and files using an external hard drive (which helps avoid taking any built-up rubbish e.g. unnecessary software/old registry settings etc across).
Some other options here:
www.computerworld.com
Some other options here:
How to migrate to a new Windows PC
All your files, apps, and settings are on your old computer. Here’s how to move them to your new Windows PC, from either Windows or macOS.
Soldato
Options I'd be looking at:
- Remotely share folders over a network and transfer
- Depending on how much data (and if you're ok with it) utilise onedrive to remotely back up required folders - obviously speed of internet is a factor here.
- Use the external drives to backup everything and then transfer over. A backup of important data isn't a bad idea anyway.
- Grab an external usb caddy for the old pc drive, take it out of old pc, stick in caddy then transfer over.
The external USB drive is likely the easiest option and a good way to 'clean out the junk' as you go, plus you get a secondary backup at the end of it on the external drive(s).
I'd also consider if you don't already do this to have a second drive (assuming case can take second drive) for your 'data storage' so it's not on the same drive as your OS, makes life a lot easier if you ever need to reinstall windows (disconnect drive, reinstall, reconnect, re-link folders to username)
- Remotely share folders over a network and transfer
- Depending on how much data (and if you're ok with it) utilise onedrive to remotely back up required folders - obviously speed of internet is a factor here.
- Use the external drives to backup everything and then transfer over. A backup of important data isn't a bad idea anyway.
- Grab an external usb caddy for the old pc drive, take it out of old pc, stick in caddy then transfer over.
The external USB drive is likely the easiest option and a good way to 'clean out the junk' as you go, plus you get a secondary backup at the end of it on the external drive(s).
I'd also consider if you don't already do this to have a second drive (assuming case can take second drive) for your 'data storage' so it's not on the same drive as your OS, makes life a lot easier if you ever need to reinstall windows (disconnect drive, reinstall, reconnect, re-link folders to username)
-
OP
- #5
Thanks so far.
My big hiccup is how to run two Desktops with one monitor at the same time.
I am swaying more and more to external hard drives to move data...don't really want to physically move internal drives.
I make regular backups so external space isn't a problem.
PS. Old PC is one SSD and one hard drive whereas new PC is one SSD only
PSS. All Windows 10 and 11.
My big hiccup is how to run two Desktops with one monitor at the same time.
I am swaying more and more to external hard drives to move data...don't really want to physically move internal drives.
I make regular backups so external space isn't a problem.
PS. Old PC is one SSD and one hard drive whereas new PC is one SSD only
PSS. All Windows 10 and 11.
Last edited:
Don
Depending on what connections the monitor and pcs have, you could connect one pc via e.g. VGA, and the other via DVI and switch between the two via an "input" button on the monitor
-
OP
- #7
Thank you all...will try that when the time comes...otherwise I will probably copy what I can on external drives and reinstall where appropriate.
Recently set up a new laptop to mirror one of our PCs so I won't be completely in the dark.....then our second and No 1 PC has to be replaced....I might get it all right by then!?
Again, Thank You all.
you need something like a kvm switch device..monitor, keyboard and mouse connect to device, then both pc's connect connect to device also...then just flick switch to move from one pc to other. You can program to do on keyboard..Think used to have shift+alt+1 for pc 1, shift+alt+2 for pc 2, but you can program any combo, but that depending on the switch and cost
just google below..cost £29.99 for kvm setup which can take 2 pc...£30...button on top with led ring green/blu depending which pc you're on
if you're going to be sharing data, maybe worth maybe investing in a nas device...
just google below..cost £29.99 for kvm setup which can take 2 pc...£30...button on top with led ring green/blu depending which pc you're on
KVM Switch HDMI 2 Port Box,ABLEWE USB and HDMI Switch for 2 Computers Share Keyboard Mouse and one HD Monitor,Support UHD [email protected],with 2 USB Cable and 2 HDMI Cabl
above is just a cheap example I haven't tried, and no hot keys so can't say whether it's good or not. Can't remember the one I had at work, but was pricey amd linked 3 pc to 6 screensif you're going to be sharing data, maybe worth maybe investing in a nas device...
Last edited:
Soldato
If it's just general data, documents, photos etc - if your external drive(s) are large enough, just copy it over and then copy it back onto your new PC for simplicity sake.
Make sure you keep a backup btw i.e. on the external drive and/or cloud backups are very handy too, for any critical data/photos/files etc you don't ever want to lose.
Make sure you keep a backup btw i.e. on the external drive and/or cloud backups are very handy too, for any critical data/photos/files etc you don't ever want to lose.
-
OP
- #11
-
OP
- #12
PS to my thread....
Ordered my Custom build on Wednesday 18th received afternoon Friday 20th.....WOW.
Transferred everything via external hard drive which worked well.
Now to change my wife's in a few weeks time...hers is used for business and pleasure so important it's correct.
My change over took a couple of days...Sat/Sun...at my age that's a real win!
Thank You..Overclockers
Ordered my Custom build on Wednesday 18th received afternoon Friday 20th.....WOW.
Transferred everything via external hard drive which worked well.
Now to change my wife's in a few weeks time...hers is used for business and pleasure so important it's correct.
My change over took a couple of days...Sat/Sun...at my age that's a real win!
Thank You..Overclockers
so what did you get? Pic? EnjoyPS to my thread....
Ordered my Custom build on Wednesday 18th received afternoon Friday 20th.....WOW.
Transferred everything via external hard drive which worked well.
Now to change my wife's in a few weeks time...hers is used for business and pleasure so important it's correct.
My change over took a couple of days...Sat/Sun...at my age that's a real win!
Thank You..Overclockers
-
OP
- #14
A modest workhorse with a few upgrades except a downgrade to the Graphics card to stay below £1000.
Had to stop gaming a few years ago but still run intense photo editing programmes which require memory and not too much graphics power.
Second one due in a few weeks.
www.overclockers.co.uk
Had to stop gaming a few years ago but still run intense photo editing programmes which require memory and not too much graphics power.
Second one due in a few weeks.
ocuk gaming kinetic h5m - micro atx intel h510 configurable comet lake home pc | OcUK
Order now online and benefit from fast delivery.
www.overclockers.co.uk