Computer numpty question 194

[Den]

My computer is very sick. It takes half an hour to do something it used to take seconds over.

I have another one. Now, in the very small part of brain which contains my knowledge of these things lies an idea that if I just plug my existing hard drive into the replacement computer, the new one will assume the identity of the old computer.
I thought that all the memory was stored in the hard drive.
Am I speaking rubbish.

Presuming that I am speaking rubbish, how do I transfer all the gubbins wotIhave in this one over to the replacement. You know, things like bookmarks/photos and stuff, and make it speak to the interweb.

I have a pal who does these things, so if its too technical to explain easily ...just say so.

Ta you.

I can fix motorbikes.

 

[GrinningGSer]

Old computer:
Start-Programs-accessories-system tools-files and settings transfer wizard

Run the wizard and save the large file somewhere externally eg dvd/usb/removable hard drive.. it takes some time

Then run the wizard on the new hard drive and import the file that you saved.

Bingo

(I am not completely sure that it wont transfer viruses,trojans or web hijacks etc)

 

[bowser]

My computer is very sick. It takes half an hour to do something it used to take seconds over.

I have another one. Now, in the very small part of brain which contains my knowledge of these things lies an idea that if I just plug my existing hard drive into the replacement computer, the new one will assume the identity of the old computer.
I thought that all the memory was stored in the hard drive.
Am I speaking rubbish.

Presuming that I am speaking rubbish, how do I transfer all the gubbins wotIhave in this one over to the replacement. You know, things like bookmarks/photos and stuff, and make it speak to the interweb.

I have a pal who does these things, so if its too technical to explain easily ...just say so.

Ta you.

I can fix motorbikes.

Depending on your operating system, then yes I am afraid that you are talking rubbish.
Let me be more specific, If you are using win95 or 98 or 2000 you may get away with it, if XP or vista then no way. The operating system keeps record of the hardware fitted and if you change to much at anyone time the operating system just wont play, you will have to reinstall.
The best way is to fix the problem with your computer, but if your are set on transferring the data the easy fix is:- You need an external hard drive enclosure they are about 10-15 quid, take your hd out and put it in the box, connect up to your new computer and copy across all the data you need then re format it and use it as a backup drive.

The only crippler is if you store your data in the my documents folder, as you cant access it from windows, again the easy way to deal with that is to copy all the documents out of that folder first and put it somewhere else.
You will also want to back up your windows favourites (c:documents and settings/(your name)/favorites) and your outlook messages if you use outlook.
Assuming that you are on broadband the actual connection to the "tinterweb" is done by the modem and the settings are in that, you just connect up the network cable and it should find it all by its self, the only thing you may have to do is set up e mail.

Once you have connected up the new computer you copy the bits from one location on the portable drive to the same location on the new internal drive and that should be it.

 

[POG]