File and Transfer Wizard

Attempting to use FAST, just to move settings, which I have learned is the easiest way to use this tool, and I keep getting the error message after I begin the actual installation on the new computer." The files and transfer data was created by an older version. Create the data to be transferred with the version on this computer, or from the Windows XP CD." This isn't the exact language, but is the gist of it. I have created the data to be transfered with the wizard from the new computer, and from the Windows XP disk used to build the new computer, and still get the same message. Other than throwing the computer out of the window, what should I do?

 

Hi and welcome to the BBS,

There is an article at the Microsoft Knowledgebase, but it seems to relate to SP1. SP2 and Windows Updates should have covered these.

I have not used the wizard much, but one suggestion I would make is to use the same system for both recording and to make the changes. So, if you are using the CD to make the recording, go back to the CD to make the changes, that is, don't make the changes using the wizard in Windows.

There were a few choices in the wizard that had me a little confused. Check you are not making an incorrect selection.

Matt

 

The MS Files and Settings Transfer Wizard (FSTW) Tutorial

The particular version of FSTW you are using might be very important to you. If the source XP installation version does not match the destination installation version you will be in trouble. The version can be found by navigating to the file

C:\WINDOWS\System32\usmt\migwiz.exe

Right-click on the file name and select Properties. Select the Version tab. The version number will be highlighted.

I found out when I did my tests that there are (at least) 2 versions of FSTW:

Version 5.1.2600.2180

This is the "standard" version of FSTW shipped with all 32-bit XP versions (Home, Professional, MCE). When making backups that includes saving files, only files in and under My Documents will be saved.

Version 5.1.2600.2665

This is the newer version that can be installed as an optional update in all 32-bit XP versions using the Microsoft Knowledge Base article KB 896344 download (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...8-CBDB-47C0-B7C2-77C4CC37A450&displaylang=en). This version is standard in all 64-bit XP OSs.

The KB 896344 article states:

"The Files and Settings Transfer Wizard included in Windows XP SP2 does not support gathering data from a 32-bit Windows XP environment and applying it in a 64-bit Windows XP environment. "

This is very misleading and has a glaring omission! Any 32-bit XP installation can be updated with the new version of the FSTW. As a result, any updated FSTW 32-bit XP installation will no longer restore backups created with the older version of FSTW.

So, what to do ? If you are going to Restore/Recover/Reinstall on the same XP version (e.g., any 32-bit XP to any 32-bit), then just back up and restore with the version of FSTW that is included in your XP installation.

If you are going to truly transfer files and/or settings to a different XP installation then you have to know which version of FSTW the destination installation is running and then use the matching version on the source PC. I have successfully updated FSTW, made a backup, restored on an updated FSTW system and then uninstalled the FSTW update on the source PC to get it back to its original version.

Actually, all XP updates/hotfixes can be uninstalled like any other application in Add or Remove Programs. Simply check off the box at the top of the Add or Remove Programs titled Show Updates. All MS updates/hotfixes will now be listed in the form Windows XP Hotfix KBnnnnnn or Security Update for Windows XP (KBnnnnnn) under the group heading Windows XP "“ Software Updates.