Let’s take a look at this software. Often, when you start up a new computer using Windows Vista for the first time, you will see a link to the “Windows Easy Transfer” program on the startup screen. If so, left-click on the icon. But should you not find it, no problem. Go to the bottom left of the screen, and left-click on the circular Microsoft icon. A popup screen will appear. Left-click on the “All Programs” icon and look for and left-click on the “Accessories” file. Scroll down the contents of that file and left-click on “Systems Tools.” At the bottom of the “Systems Tools” list you will see the “Windows Easy Transfer” file. Once there, click and carefully read the instructions.

You will read that the “Windows Easy Transfer” program requires that you transfer the data from your old to new computer via a USB cable. If you don’t already have such a cable, why not order one from computer manufacturer and have it shipped at the same time they send you your new computer? If buying said computer at a store, buy a transfer cable at the same time

I just ordered a new Dell laptop online and it and the accessories were delivered to my home just last week. (Dell will deliver anywhere in North America). My cable was part of a $25 package that included software that you could use, should your computer be an earlier model that did not include the “Windows Easy Transfer” software package.

I did not need the included software because both computers had the newer Windows Vista operating system. But whether you use the software already loaded on your computer or the software provided when you buy your cable, the transfer is relatively easy; just follow the instructions.

Within a few minutes all of the below listed data had been transferred from my old to my new computer, an operation which would have taken many, many hours using a memory stick.

1) Email messages, settings and contacts

2) Photos, music (iTunes) and videos

3) Word files and folders to include all of my old articles

4) Windows settings

5) Internet connectivity settings

6) Password settings, etc.