Windows Easy Transfer

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Windows Easy Transfer
Windows Easy Transfer Icon

Windows Easy Transfer on Windows Vista
Developed by Microsoft
Initial release November 8, 2006
Latest release 6.0.6001.18000 / February 4, 2008
OS Windows Vista
Type File transfer
License Proprietary EULA
Website Windows Easy Transfer

Windows Easy Transfer is a program included in Windows Vista which helps users to move files and settings stored on their computers running Windows 2000, Windows XP or Windows Vista itself, to a new computer running Windows Vista. [1] It succeeded the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard included in Windows XP. The application is downloadable for Windows XP or Windows 2000. [2]

Contents

[edit] Features transferred

Windows Easy Transfer can transfer [1]:

  • Files and folders including photos, music, videos, documents, email messages and contacts
  • User accounts and user account settings (Windows 2000 Professional and later)
  • Application configuration data files and settings (Windows XP Professional and later)
  • Several Windows configuration settings stored in the registry (Windows XP and later)

The program does not support transferring entire applications themselves and system files such as fonts and drivers.[1] For transferring certain supported applications, Microsoft has released the Windows Easy Transfer Companion. [3] Also, for power users, administrators and enterprise computers, a command-line User State Migration Tool (USMT) is available. [4]

[edit] Transfer methods

There are several methods that can be used [1]:

  • Using a proprietary USB-to-USB bridge cable made by Belkin called the Easy Transfer Cable
  • Using CD/DVD, a USB flash drive or an external hard disk drive
  • Over a wired or wireless network or using an ethernet crossover cable

Notably, transferring over a Direct Cable Connection using parallel or serial cables and using floppy disks is not supported. [5] These methods were supported in the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard in Windows XP.

[edit] Frequent complaints on the Internet

Internet forums contain many problem reports, including stalled network transfers; users have apparently had to resort to manual transfer of data with the help of a leaked internal tool from Microsoft support located for download here. [1].

[edit] See also

[edit] References

[edit] External links

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