new computer and file moving

Hi Everyone
Not sure if I'm in the right area but I'll be gettting a new computer soon and I'm excited but dreading a few things. I was wondering, how do I transfer certain things from the old computer to the new. I know the programs I use that have cd's I can install them on the new computer but I'm concerned about all of the things I have in outlook express, all the updates for my virus program, I know my windows xp have something called file transfer wizard or something like that. Is this something I can use to get the files from the old to the new? I have lots of photos and graphics that I use for stationery and card making. Not sure how to get those over to the new computer. Another thing I'm concerned about is all the settings for my internet, do I have to download all of that from my ISP when I get connected. I hope I'm not asking way to many questions but this has got me in a bit of a panic.

Thanks for any info you can give someone who isn't a newbie on the computer but do need step by step directions for major things. LOL

 

Most programs will have an option to export settings (and the contents of your inbox, rules, etc for email clients). Search each programs for "export" for program-specific instructions. Then you'll be able to import into the programs after they have been installed on your new computer. If your anti-virus program
doesn't have that option, or doesn't include updates in the export, you can manually update after an install (most AV installers will ask you to do this anyway).
As you mentioned, XP has a File Transfer wizard which you can use. I am not sure if it will transfer everything (I think it mainly exports the contents of the Documents and Settings folder) you won't lose anything but some time if you were to export from each program, use the transfer wizard and then import to each program after the wizard has finished on your new PC.

 

thank you so much for your replies, I'm feeling a bit less in a panic. I've printed every thing out so I will have it handy. Thanks again.