Need help moving files from XP to Vista

Factual Questions
1

So I just went out and bought a new Vista machine this weekend. The machine totally rocks but the jury is still out on Vista.

Before I set up the new machine I went through the Windows XP File and Settings Transfer wizard to make sure they I had all my ducks in a row and could get all my stuff back after the switch.

Booted up Vista and tried to run the Easy Transfer thingy only to find it does not recognize the file format used in XP. Only Microsoft could plan something so stupid.

Anyway, in researching the problem today it seems I have a couple of options, one is to shell out some dough for a program like Laplink’s PCmover which is about $50 or I could buy a cable and use the Vista Easy Transfer program (and the cables seem to run about $25-30 as far as I can see).

Any advice on which option is best?

Also, I want to copy my Outlook Express e-mails and settings over, but it looks like I cannot use my Hotmail (from Microsoft) account in the new Windows Mail (also from Microsoft) app without paying for premium Hotmail service.

Does anyone know if I have to pay to use a client to access my Hotmail and is there a way to transfer over my OE seetings/mail etc?

I have seen something online for Windows Live Mail, but I have not found much information about it (yet). I’m going to keep looking in to that but if anyone has any knowledge or experience, I would appreciate any advice.

Cheers,
Rick

2

My advice: take the machine back to the supplier, and exchange it for the same machine with XP. Nearly all reputable manufacturers are offering machines with either XP or Vista, due to customer demand.

When both machines are XP, you should be able to transfer things with much less trouble.

3

What he said.

4

If you have a router, network the computers and transfer the files that way. Network cable shouldn’t be $30 unless you’re buying it 50 feet at a time. Getting the computers to talk to each other can be challenging when you’re dealing with Vista vs. XP but it can be done.

Forget Windows Mail, as it is a stripped version of OE. Windows Live Mail will let you access your Hotmail account for free. See here:

5

Thanks for the heads up about Windows Live Mail. I just found something on that online today.

I did manage to copy the Windows Easy Transfer app to my external hard drive, so all I need to do is hook it up to my old PC and see if that works.

I will post back here and let everyone know what happens.