Data Transfer Question
 

Okay, what will I/do I need to transfer stuff from my old PC to the new shiny laptop when it arrives?

Much of what I do/use is already on the external hard drive, but some programs I use that I do not have CDs for and things that run off the c: how the heck can I migrate them?

Help!

You can't just copy programs over. You need to have an installation file, either on a CD or downloaded from the web. If you don't have the CD, you might be in a bit of a bind unless you want to search the peer-to-peer networks for copies to download.

Good luck not sure how Matt helped me but he did.

It's a sticky wicket to be sure.

There are some applications for that but I have no personal experience with them to say if they work or not.

Personally I setup a virtual PC inside my new PC and make a full copy of the old pc. But I'm weird that way.....

What programs are you talking about specifically, we may be able to help with some.

Well, to be honest, I have most CDs. A few things like AVG are download (I do not think I ordered a backup CD) And there are a lot of crappy programs I do not use that I do not want on the new PC.

So maybe it will all be good.

Tada, problem solved! That'll be $150 please.

Wait until I get the thing and ask further questions, it will be your opportunity to earn even more monopoly money

AVGFree is a download.

If you paid for AVG they should be able to provide you with the code (and it's a downloadable software)

Some day I am going to come up with a good system of keeping track of important things that I can readily access in cases where I need the original install code, router passwords, etc.

I make notes, but they promptly get lost. And when I figure out (or reset) the router password, I am going to make a P-Touch label and stick it in the stupid router.

Only thing I can think of would be getting a 3-ring binder and putting it all in there, keeping it near your desk/software. Not that I've done that, but it would probably work.

Yeah, my desk drawer holds a myriad of post-it notes with access IDs and passwords and install codes. There has to be a better way.

I think Goonie came up with a good suggestion! I think I will avail myself of this, it's a great idea!

Ideas and implementations are two different things. It all comes back to: what is the item that I can have that will ensure that I will be able to find it when I need it yet won't be in the way until then?

I need a permanent, non-destructible flash drive in my brain for these things.

Tattoo the information on your scrotum. You'll likely never ever lose it and only people you trust will ever see. . . oh wait, I forgot who I was talking to.

Never mind.

Oh bwahahaha

Spybot is not an antivirus app. It's an anti spyware/adware app. It's still a valuable tool to have (as is Adaware), but it does not take the place of equally necessary virus protection (e.g. AVG or Norton).

..or Nod32 (or so my PC-using friends have told me).

I use both Spybot and Adaware, though the former seems to be more effective. Both are free.

Which reminds me: I am overdue for running these.

I love Adaware and AVGFree.

I used to use ZoneAlarm but a recent AVG update made it think ZoneAlarm was a virus.

I use avast! for antivirus; free and frequently updated.

I'm currently running Norton (it came bundled with the computer). I recently decided I've had enough of norton, and when the subscription expires in December, I'm going with AVG.

I haven't had virus software installed in maybe a decade. Still never had a virus.

So all those people out there screaming about antivirus software are like doctors overhyping HIV. They're just in the pockets of Big Software.

The first paragraph is true. The second paragraph not so much. The third paragraph is three sentences long up to this point -->. The fourth paragraph is a work in progress.