eMachines Windows Vista FAQ

eMachines recommends Windows Vista® Home Premium.

Which method should I use to transfer my files and settings?

There are several choices. Be sure to choose a method that works on both computers. For example, if you do not have a DVD drive on your old computer, you cannot use DVDs for this procedure. Note that floppy disks cannot be used with Windows Easy Transfer.

Easy Transfer Cable
What you need: An Easy Transfer Cable and a USB port on each computer.

An Easy Transfer Cable is a specially designed USB cable that can connect two computers and be used with Windows Easy Transfer. It is one of the simplest ways to transfer files and settings to your new computer and works with Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Vista.

Note: A standard USB cable cannot be used to transfer files and settings between computers.

Network
What you need: A home network with both computers connected to it and able to share files.

Connect both computers to your network, start Windows Easy Transfer on the new computer, and then follow the instructions.

DVDs or CDs
What you need: Writeable DVD or CD drives on both computers and enough writeable discs to hold what you want to transfer. (A dual-layer DVD holds about 8.5 gigabytes (GB), a single-layer DVD holds about 4.7 GB, and a CD holds about 700 megabytes (MB).) Both computers must be able to read and write DVDs or CDs. Check the information that came with your computer to see if you have a CD or DVD drive that can read and write CDs or DVDs and whether it can read and write to a dual-layer DVD.

Install Windows Easy Transfer on your old computer, and then choose what to transfer. The more you choose to transfer, the more discs you might need.

USB flash drive or external hard disk
What you need: A USB flash drive (this requires a USB port on each computer) or an external hard disk compatible with both computers.

Install Windows Easy Transfer on your old computer, and then choose what to transfer. If you transfer using a flash drive, try to use one with enough storage space for the entire transfer.

Note: To decide what method to use, consider how much you are transferring. If you are transferring everything from all users or all of your user account files, or if you select many files while making a custom selection of which files and settings to transfer, an Easy Transfer Cable or a network is a good option because the transfer can take a while and you will not have to worry about having enough room for everything. If you are only transferring a few files or folders, then consider using removable media such as CDs, DVDs, or a flash drive, any of which might be as fast as using an Easy Transfer Cable or a network.

Note: This information provided by Microsoft.