Windows Easy Transfer - Windows 7

Windows Easy Transfer Companion for Windows 7

The Windows Easy Transfer companion in Windows 7 is an extremely simple and easy to use utility that helps you copy your precious data including pictures, documents, music, Internet favorites, e-mail, folders, program settings, and even entire user accounts from your old computer to your new computer if you choose.

In Windows 7, the Windows Easy Transfer wizard has been tweaked from previous versions and is more robust (less likely to fail during transfers) and even easier to use.  In fact, in our opinion it is very easy to use, and it works pretty darn well too this time around.

New in the Windows 7 Easy Transfer utility is a new file explorer capability.  This file explorer allows you to easily select specific files to copy to your new computer.  Choose only what you want to copy and leave what you don’t want to copy behind.  It’s really that simple.

We also really dig the reporting feature included in the Windows 7 Easy Transfer wizard.  Basically if the Windows Easy Transfer utility locates a file or setting that it doesn’t understand, instead of hanging up, the wizard will actually continue copying away, and at the end of the transfer you can view an entire report listing everything that did and didn’t migrate successfully.

Besides reporting what was and wasn’t transferred in the report, the report also gives some recommendation of programs you may want to install on your new computer, and also it provides links to various other programs that you may find useful and want to download.

When it’s all said and done and the Windows 7 Easy Transfer has finished transferring your old files and program settings to your new computer you will feel right at home on your new system.  The Windows Easy Transfer wizard is a very handy tool for not only the less savvy computer user but also those wanting a simple way to transfer their data and settings to a new system. Pretty nifty!

Windows 7 Easy Transfer Companion FAQ:

What exactly is the Windows Easy Transfer utility?

Windows Easy Transfer is an easy to use wizard driven utility that guides you step by step through the process of transferring files and settings from one Windows computer to another.

What can I transfer from one computer to another?

According to Microsoft you can transfer most files and program settings including:

• All files and folders within the Documents, Shared Documents, Music, and Pictures folders. With advanced options you can also select additional files and folders from other locations if needed.
• User accounts and settings such as Desktop backgrounds, screen savers, taskbar options, folders, network connections, fonts, Start menu options, specific files, network drives and printers, and even accessibility options.
• E‑mail messages, settings, and also contacts.
• Various program settings will be transferred to your new computer as they were configured on the old computer.  Do note however that the Windows Easy Transfer utility does not transfer the actual programs and not all settings to every program are going to be transferred either.
• Internet settings, favorites, and cookies.
• Music, album art, playlists, pictures and videos.

Can programs be transferred using the Windows Easy Transfer companion?

No the Windows 7 Easy Transfer utility transfers only some program settings but not the actual programs. To use programs from your old computer you will want to perform a fresh install on your new computer.  After that you can try the program transfer option to transfer files and settings for those programs if applicable. The Windows Easy Transfer utility doesn’t transfer programs because many aren’t necessarily compatible with the version of Windows installed on each computer.

What are my transfer options?

There are various transfer options to choose from.  The only requirement to use the transfer options available is that both computers must be able to utilize the method you choose.  For example if only one computer is on the network the network transfer option won’t work. Let’s take a look and go over each transfer option.

Option 1: Easy Transfer Cable

To use this method you will need each computer to have a USB port and you will also need a special USB Easy Transfer Cable.  You cannot use a standard USB cable since an Easy Transfer Cable is a specially designed USB transfer cable that allows you to connect two computers via an available USB port.  You can purchase an Easy Transfer Cable from many online and local retailers.

Using an Easy Transfer Cable will be one of the easiest transfer methods for many users, especially less tech savvy folks. To use the Easy Transfer Cable simply start the Windows 7 Easy Transfer wizard on your new computer first, then when the wizard instructs you to do so plug the cable in.  Next insert the CD that came bundled with the Easy Transfer Cable into your old computer to install the Windows Easy Transfer software and continue the transfer process. It’s pretty straight forward and it will walk you through each simple step.

Option 2:  Network

To use this method you simply need to have both your new and old computer connected to the same network, with access to the same network share.  Make sure each computer is connected to the network, and then simply start the Windows 7 Easy Transfer wizard on the computer that you want your files, folders, and settings to be transferred too, usually this is will be your new computer, and then simply finish the process by following the wizards remaining instructions.  It’s actually pretty simple, and if each PC is already connected to the network with access to the same network share you are good to go.

Option 3:  External hard disk or USB flash drive

To use this method you need a USB flash drive or external hard disk and each computer must also have an available USB port.  Simply start the Windows Easy Transfer wizard on the computer that you want your files, folders, and settings to be transferred too, typically your new Windows 7 system, and then follow the Easy Transfer companions prompts.  This method is also straight forward just make sure you have enough storage space available on your external hard drive or USB flash drive.

How long does it take for the Windows Easy Transfer companion to work?

This really depends on the amount of data you are going to transfer, the speed of your computers, and even the transfer method selected.  In a nutshell, the more data transferred, the longer the process will take.  If you have a fast network the networking option is great.  We use this method often during data migrations.  The Easy Transfer Cable option is pretty slick if you have high speed USB on both computers, though you will have to fork out some extra cash for the USB Easy Transfer Cable.  USB flash drives work great for small amounts of data, and if you don’t have the ability to use the networking option or you have no Easy Transfer cable this option is also perfect.

Can malware such as viruses, spyware, or adware be transferred?

Yes, your existing files and folders can contain malware including viruses, malware, or adware so the Windows Easy Transfer companion will copy that data if selected.  The best way to lessen the likelihood of this is to perform a full system virus scan, and also run a malware program full scan on your old computer.  For example we like to use Malwarebytes and Spybot to scan for malware, though feel free to use any malware program of your choice.  Also make sure the destination system is fully equipped with an antivirus program before transferring data from the old to the new.  Once data has finished migrating it is always good to run a full virus scan on the new system and check for malware also just in case something squeezed past. 

Which versions of Microsoft Windows work with the Windows Easy Transfer companion?

The Windows Easy Transfer utility can be used to transfer files and settings from systems running Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 to another system running Windows 7 or Window Vista.  Do note that the Windows 7 Easy Transfer companion is slightly different from the version in Windows Vista however both are very similar and easy to use.  Also note that you cannot transfer files from a 64bit version of Windows to a 32bit version of Windows using the Windows Easy Transfer wizard. For more information on the Windows 7 Easy transfer wizard, and to dowload the Easy Transfer Wizard for Windows XP and Windows Vista see: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/features/windows-easy-transfer

• Windows 7 Installation Guide

• Windows 7 Upgrade FAQ