New computer - upgrading to XP

I just purchased a new computer with XP installed. I need to move my 98SE files and some of the programs to the new computer. What is the easiest way to do this? I do have an external drive. I also need to keep my Outlook Express old emails, address book, etc. Will appreciate any and all help! As you can tell, I have never done this before!

Thanks!

 

It could well be that all you will need is XP's Files and Settings Transfer Wizard. Open it in XP in Start > Programs > Accessories > Tools. Follow the prompts for instructions on making the transfer.

Programs, of course, can't be transferred---they will need to be reinstalled on the new machine.

If you need further assistance with something the Wizard doesn't cover, let us know.

Good luck.

 

I believe XP has some kind of a settings transfer wizard to transfer files and settings from your old PC, but I've never used it.
I would prob just slave the 98 drive into the new PC and copy what I need.
Or, you could transfer it all to the external drive and move it that way.
Or, you could peer to peer network if your old PC has a NIC.

The progrms cannot just be copied to the new drive. They won't work. You must reinstall them from the original media.

Abraxas just beat me to the post.

 

pkl--First of all, you can only move personal data (like My Documents, Favorites, downloaded setup files, My Pictures, etc.). You cannot move installed programs (since that involves Register entries).
WinXP offers a Transfer Wizard.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/expert/crawford_november12.mspx
Note you will need a Null Modem Serial Cable. Be sure the plugs at each end are appropriate for your PC's.
Or if you know how to hook up your old hard drive to the new one, you can cherry pick the appropriate files to transfer. Or if your old PC has a CD burner you can burn these files and then transfer to the new PC.
In general, do not replace WinXP folders with the old folders, but rather transfer the contents (usually files) of the old folders into the WinXP folder of the same name (Favorites, My Documents, etc.) if WinXP has already created such folders.
Transferring emails and address book is a little more different/difficult. Use either DBXtract
http://www.oehelp.com/DBXtract/Default.aspx
or
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/270/6/70.ASP

EDIT--Looks like I was the slowest typist.

 

A couple of more questions....

I sincerely appreciate your fast responses!

Excuse my lack of knowledge....I need further help. As an example, I have a program called My Mailing List...this program contains a list of all of my addresses for Christmas cards and labels I have created. I would hate to have to recreate it...but, how do I transfer it over to the new PC. I understand that I would have to manually add the program to the new computer but I need the files created in it. Also, if I back up everything to my external hard drive, how do I get it from the hard drive onto the new computer.

Very frankly, this whole process of moving from an old computer to a new one is very daunting to me (can you tell?)....I have so many "must have" files that I need to access.

Again, any help will be appreciated. Please stay with me!

 

Most programs that work off some sort of SAVE file usually keep that file somewhere. You just have to get hold of that file. When you reinstall the program, you can usually then point to the files it needs.

 

This program probably has a file or database you can move to the new PC. When you install the program, it will probably see this db and incorporate it automatically or allow you to choose a file to open.

It should be this way for any program that accumulates data.

The tricky part is determining the file to save.

Also many programs have a backup or export and import function. Look under "File" or "Tools" (if exist).

 

RayH and jheibeck_--As has been mentioned, moving installed programs often (usually) does not work because installing the program has made entries into the Registry. You probably cannot find those entries, and the structure of the Win98 and XP registries are often different. The best is to find the install or set up file (usually an .exe file but location will depend on where you downloaded that file) transfer it and reinstall. Of course, if you have program CD's you can reinstall from there.
And there are programs like PC Relocator (formerly Aloha Bob) that claim to be able to move install programs. Never used them.

 

I believe that's what we both said.