[TurboZamboni]

thanks in advance...

[Starstruck]

The Satellite uses Vista and the new HP is Windows 8.1.

At least your are moving out of the fire into the frying pan.

[Conan the Librarian]

You could also get a Thermaltake hard drive dock

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5352947&CatId=2785

for example.

You take the hard disk out of the old computer, and, plug it into the box and use it like a flash drive. Plug it into the USB of your new computer and transfer files directly.

If the hard disk is still good, you can use it as back up and plug it in and out like a flash drive repeatedly (make sure you run the safe remove command before you do so).

This will work on most newer systems that have SATA drives in them. You have to go a slighly different route if it is just an ATA drive. Check your system out first.

[AppyPappy]

You cannot “transfer” programs. You have install them on the new computer.
You cannot transfer settings, as with Outlook. You have to look at the settings and set them up on the new computer. You can transfer the .pst files and then open them.
You can transfer your documents/pictures/music from the Documents area.
Are you using a router/network?

[kitchen]

I don't claim to understand the full capabilities of xxcopy, but I've used it to change drives or transfer between computers several times with success.

[minnesota_bound]

Use a USB drive. A 16gb one is $10
http://www.amazon.com/s?rh=n%3A3151491%2Cp_n_size_browse-bin%3A1259715011

I have 2 of these (overkill but I use them for my family photos and videos and movie jukebox for the tv:
WD My Passport Ultra 2TB Portable External USB 3.0 Hard Drive with Auto Backup - Black
http://www.amazon.com/Passport-Ultra-Portable-External-Backup/dp/B00EAS8M0S/ref=lp_3151491_1_4?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1405274539&sr=1-4

To move all your files you go to on your old XP pc.
c:\documents & settings then your folder. Your files are in the Desktop, My Documents and Favorites folders.

In Windows 7 it is c:\users folder then your folder. Your files are in the Desktop, Libraries> My Documents etc. and Favorites folders.

Thunderbird email backup
http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folder_-_Thunderbird

Find Firefox profile to backup the bookmarks and settings.
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/profiles-where-firefox-stores-user-data

Firefox> Bookmarks> Show all bookmarks.
A seperate window opens. Click on Import and Backup
Click on Backup and also do the Export Bookmarks from HTML
(you will have 2 backups in case anything goes wrong)

IE: File> Import and export

Chrome: Bookmarks. (that button in upper right with 3 lines)
Select Bookmark manager.
Click the Organize menu in the manager.
Select Export bookmarks.

[uncommonsense]

Don't forget your bookmarks under:

C:\Users\yourusername\Favorites

If you use Outlook or a local eMail client, don't forget that too!

Copy down all of the keys for your purchased software before your Toshiba dies. You'll need them for reinstalling.

I like the idea of a 32 or 63 GB SD card. Make sure to get a Class 6 or above (much faster xfer).

You can download Microsoft SyncToy here - nice free tool to sync or backup data between devices.

[uncommonsense]

Also, I don’t recommend using a USB Flash drive if you have an SD slot - they’re MUCH slower than a Class 6 or above SD card. If that’s all you have, then brew some coffee and break out a good book.

[kjam22]

For about 20 bucks you can buy an enclosure for the old computer’s hard drive. Hard drive comes out easy, install in the enclosure very easily. This device connects to your new computer via usb. Your computer will read the old hard drive like it would any external device. Put enclosure in your desk drawer and you will always have it and the data.

[kjam22]

I told you wrong... $12 at tiger direct.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

Data that you have created or saved (pics, docs) can be easily moved using an external USB drive. Move this data to the USB drive then move the data from the USB drive to the new laptop.

Programs such as AVG, MB, Outlook or Outlook Express, etc. will need to be installed first on the new machine. Moving all of your Outlook contacts and old emails can be done. Google "moving Outlook data to a new PC" and there will be plenty of info on the process. I would suggest switching to Thunderbird email client. It is better than Outlook and making a move like this is easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

[GGpaX4DumpedTea]

ping

[discostu]

Buy an external drive shell for laptop sized drives (they’re usually like $20). Crack open the old laptop, put the HDD in the shell. Now you can copy everything to the new machine, and you’ve got a portable drive.

[catfish1957]

Good luck. I have owned a PC since 1986, and learned the hard way that the best way is storing anything important or of value on a external drive of some sorts, (along with your regular hard drive).

This redundancy has made life easier for me through the years, and will protect you whether the next hardware upgrade is planned or an emergency.