Files and Settings Transfer problem

Question

I have been trying to migrate my files and settings from my old Dell Dimension 4600 to my new Dell Inspiron 530. Both computers are running Windows XP and I am trying to use the Windows "Files and Setting Transfer Wizard." Since I don't have a floppy drive or a serial port on the new PC, I'm compiling the old PC's files and settings, using the Wizard, to a removable external hard drive. Then, I move that drive to the new PC, open the Transfer Wizard, and initiate the transfer.

That last step begins correctly--I've tried this about 4 times now--but about halfway through I get an error message. It informs me that the Transfer Wizard has "encountered a problem" and has to shut down. Can someone please offer a solution for this issue? I'd prefer not having to pay Dell more $$ to solve the problem--especially since I've used this tool twice before with no issue.

I appreciate any help ya'll can offer.

Message Edited by scakcox on 04-13-2008 09:55 PM

Balaji Ramanath · Answer

Why don't you just use windows explorer to navigate to wherever the files are and copy them manually?

scakcox · Answer

Thank you very much for replying. I had thought of using Explorer--it seemed like the most obvious method, especially for document files. However, what I don't know is:

Where do I look for my Settings, Internet Explorer "Favorites," Outlook "Address Book" and "Contacts," and other "non-document" files? I need to know in what directory(ies) those items reside on the existing PC's hard drive.

Then, once I do copy them, to what directory do I save them on the new PC?

And, finally, how do I "apply" the settings once I transfer them?

I appreciate any direction you--or any other usergroup member--can offer on these questions.

simpswr · Answer

I have had better luck with the FAST wizard if I first copy the file it created to the new pc . . then run from there

scakcox · Answer

Do you mean you 'save to' the new PC the files and settings collected from old one ... then direct the FAST wizard to transfer data from that?

simpswr · Answer

1. On the Old pc . . run the wizard and save the results to the hard drive . .

2. Copy the file to a removable drive

3. Copy the file from the removable drive to the New hard drive

4. Run the wizard on the new drive, point it to the file on the hard drive

scakcox · Answer

Rich, thanks for your reply again. After your initial response, I did try a similar method (the only difference being I didn't save the compiled files and settings from the "first step" onto the old PC's hardrive; I just saved directly to a USB flash drive).

Once I did that, I then saved that file onto my new PC's hardrive (into a "My Documents" folder). However, I was unable to correctly "point" the wizard to the file. It would not recognize the path I described. Can you tell me exactly how I direct the FAST wizard to the correct file?

I appreciate your patience with what must seem very "elementary" questions.

simpswr · Answer

I ususlly save the file to the file to the desktop, where it is easy to find . . . I've not used it in a while, but you should be able to Browse to the loacation where you saved the file Message Edited by simpswr on 04-15-2008 01:53 PM

scakcox · Answer

I saved the file right to the desktop (where it's plainly visible). I browse to the desktop when prompted by the FAST wizard, where I enter the exact path: C:\Documents and Settings\Steve\Desktop.

Still no success. I keep getting an error message: The location that you specified does not contain stored information. Please type a valid folder path into the edit box.

It seems I could illuminate this file with searchlights and the FAST Wizard couldn't find it. Could this be a corrupted BIOS or registry (or something!) issue?

simpswr · Answer

The gathering part of the process could have been corrupted I guess . . Can you try runningthe wizard again? . .

Windows General

Files and Settings Transfer problem

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