How do you transfer your data from an old desktop to this laptop? My stuff is in documents, do I have to purchase word to restore on laptop?
137330
Files can be transferred by simply copying and burning to a cd and simply move to the new computer. Microsoft also offers a programs and settings wizard for upgrading operating systems but its not designed to transfer data from and old to a new computer. I would highly suggest just saving your important files to a cd or DVD and copy them to your new computer. As far as Microsoft Word or programs you will need to use the software installer you purchased to install on the new computer.
137331
I had a dying desktop, so it was challenging to rescue the old files. Finally was able to offload everything to a backup hard drive (I just cherrypicked the files I wanted to save), then uploaded them to my new laptop, plus had a backup copy ready made. Took most of a weekend. I had close to a hundred GB of data, mostly music mp3's and photos, so the CD solution was not reasonable. An object lesson - it pays to keep your files backed up. You can save your Word docs without purchasing Word, but you will need to buy Word eventually. You can use a notepad program instead to read your old files, but very tedious, and much of your info will not be readable. I had a dying desktop, so it was challenging to rescue the old files. Finally was able to offload everything to a backup hard drive (I just cherrypicked the files I wanted to save), then uploaded them to my new laptop, plus had a backup copy ready made. Took most of a weekend. I had close to a hundred GB of data, mostly music mp3's and photos, so the CD solution was not reasonable. An object lesson - it pays to keep your files backed up. You can save your Word docs without purchasing Word, but you will need to buy Word eventually. You can use a notepad program instead to read your old... » Read More I had a dying desktop, so it was challenging to rescue the old files. Finally was able to offload everything to a backup hard drive (I just cherrypicked the files I wanted to save), then uploaded them to my new laptop, plus had a backup copy ready made. Took most of a weekend. I had close to a hundred GB of data, mostly music mp3's and photos, so the CD solution was not reasonable. An object lesson - it pays to keep your files backed up. You can save your Word docs without purchasing Word, but you will need to buy Word eventually. You can use a notepad program instead to read your old files, but very tedious, and much of your info will not be readable. « Show Less
1580993
You can transfer any document or photo from your old computer, just attaching a portable DVD writer to you new computer. Another way is using icloud.
977178
It depends what you mean by all files? Normally photo's documents etc should be on an exteranl drive so all you need to do is reload your programs and then connect the drive with your files. If you have them on your pc's hard drive just copy them to the zip and then move them back to your new pc or upgraded pc.
2043734
There is a way to swap files, but why did the computer fail??? If it was due to a virus, you'll unfortunately be swapping that to the new computer. If not, your in luck, you can connect the hard drive as a slave to the new hard drive and download. Look on Cnet.com or instructibles.com to lead you the way. Good luck!! I know how much my files and docs. mean to me and I would hate for them to be corrupted - DVD storage is the way to go, unless you have access to a cloud. Hate to say this, but let this be a lesson learned, I lost allot of files I wish I still had from the late 90's and 2000's - Be smart and use external storage, Peace Brother or Sister
1714646
Yes. My son's desktop is Windows 7 and his new laptop is Windows 7 as well. He had no problem transferring data except he had to take sure neither system went into hibernation because on the first try it did and he had to start the transfer over.
44434
I tried this on a few computers with mixed results. Essentially the newer your computer, the more likely it is that the transfer will work.
1580996
I use flash drive or "passport" to download from old cpu, and then download into Vaio. Hope this helps.
1092463
No. The PC might have come with a short-term trial version (I don't recall) but you would have to buy or import a copy for permanent use. (I loaded my old copy onto the new PC, and it works fine.)
182299
Yes this will work all u have to do is a restore. If that doesn't work just save all data on usb drive. Then transfer data. That's what I had to do because I had 1 corrupt file so it wouldn't restore but saving on the usb worked
2079517
I was able to transfer all the files I chose, including past TurboTax Files. My new computer included newer Office package, so did not transfer that. This is a GREAT, EASY way to transfer to a new laptop/desktop all of your old 'stuff'. Was very easy for this (me) non-computer guy to use. I used it for both my files and my wife's files from one desktop to two different laptops. Hope this helps, Wayne M.
316241
I have always been skeptical of syncing data files and would suggest backing up and restoring your data file as you work from laptop to desktop and vice versa - or having your desktop be also the server and then access it from your laptop.
998977
It was easy for me. What I did was save all of my files and data on my old laptop to a flash ("thumb") drive and then when I inserted it into the Gateway, it was easy to transfer onto the new laptop. Programs may need to be re-downloaded on to the new laptop though, depending on how your old laptop saved them.
1879559
That's interesting. I just kept mine in a box, but that was fortunate because when the new drive failed they were able to retrieve my data (again) from my original drive. I would think a computer place that does repairs could help you.Sounds like a great idea, good luck.
92123
Hi! I hope so because the computer I have now let me down and I will need it for the new one... But I am sure you can, if not, you could make a copy from your computer to "download" it to your new one. I do not know how but I know you can do it.
2167157
I would also like that information. I am sitting on the fence and wondering which I should buy PC or MAC?Also how do I transfer my folders? I also have a laptop that is a PC and want to be able to use it as well. My family all say get a desktop MAC. But I am not sure it is worth it for me. I am a writer and I get my e-mail and that is about it. I hate being on the learning curve with the MAC. What to do?
1082298
Can't upgrade on any laptop, only desktop. And you don't need disc install....windows 7 and newer will take care of itself. Windows xp and vista will need disc install
1271681
No you cannot transfer installed programs, only files. And you may want to set up a transfer folder with only the files you want and know to be safe, otherwise all files will be transferred, and if your old pc has a virus or any sort of corrupted files they will be transferred to your new pc. But the transfer cable is awesome I was extremely happy with it.