Backup using Windows Easy Transfer wizard


Windows Easy Transfer

Windows Easy Transfer is a wizard for transferring one or multiple user's files and settings from one Windows computer to another. The easy-to-use wizard allows the administrator or end user to choose what files and settings to transfer and from what users, selects a transfer method to use, performs the transfer, and then creates a report. This tool cannot be used to transfer installed programs or applications to the new system.

All programs and applications will need to be reinstalled. The wizard will generate a report suggesting what applications need to be installed on the new system. The transfer methods that Windows Easy Transfer can use are an easy transfer cable, a network share, an external hard disk, or a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive.

Windows Easy Transfer is free and available for Windows XP and Windows Vista from Microsoft.com or from the Windows 7 installation media in the folder %MediaDrive%\support\migwiz\migsetup.exe Windows 7 systems include Windows Easy Transfer installed by default and may be launched from Start menu > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Windows Easy Transfer. As mentioned there are three methods of transferring user data and settings:

1. USB easy transfer cable – transferring data from the old functional, powered on computer to the new powered on computer with a male to male USB cable.

2. Using the network – transferring data from the old functional, powered on computer to the new powered on computer that are both connected to the same network.

3. Removable media or a network share – from any old computer to a new computer using a storage repository.

Performing a Backup with Windows Easy Transfer

To back up user data with Windows Easy Transfer:

1. Start Windows Easy Transfer from the computer that will be backed up. The executable is included in the Windows 7 installation media in the folder %MediaDrive%\support\migwiz\migsetup.exe.

2. Read the introduction and click Next.

3. Select the method of transferring the user's data and settings: An external hard disk or USB flash drive.

4. Click This is my old computer.

5. The application will scan all the users and shared items that it believes must be backed up. When completed, the usernames and shared items will be checked. You may click Customize to view the selected files that will be backed up. Click Next when done.

6. Input a password for the Easy Transfer file. This allows for integrity and security of the backup file. When done click Save.

7. A standard save dialog will pop up. Choose the shared network resource, removable media location, or any location to save the file to.

8. Click Next and Close.

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Note: This article was sent to us by: Dean Raphord at 10042010

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