If I have 2 WinXP PCs, how can I transfer one PC to another if I don't have the install CD's?
2006-10-24 05:23:26 · 6 answers · asked by justaguyaskingaquestion 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
Windows based programs must be installed - they cannot be moved because of the many entries most make into registry files, .ini files, and various services and dynamic links. Just moving the 'program' usually will not work - there are very few exceptions. DOS programs, on the other hand, generally can be moved - as long as they do not require edits to the autoexe.bat and/or config.sys files.
2006-10-24 05:29:30 · answer #1 · answered by GuessAgain 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most modern Windows applications will require an installation of some kind, because the program will make changes to the Windows registry during installation. It really depends on the program you're trying to move.
If you're not able to find the CD, perhaps the program is available online. If so, you can download it, and possibly back up your preferences on the old PC and restore them on the new PC to make the two applications as similar as possible.
There's a recent (but small) trend to move towards portable applications -- programs that don't require registry entries. I think they're worth checking out. What's so great about them is that you can put the application on a USB flash drive, and carry the application from computer to computer without having to worry about what's installed on the computer you're currently at. It's very convenient.
2006-10-24 12:38:00 · answer #2 · answered by ccm 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This depends on the complexity of the program. As most windows programs write information and startup information to the windows registry, you can not simply copy the files from one machine to another. There are some programs that can be transferred by simply copying the files to another machine, as they do not utilize the windows registry in any way, but they a few a far between. Most of these programs that can standalone are for specialized uses and are not commonly used by run of the mill users.
2006-10-24 12:32:17 · answer #3 · answered by Interested Dude 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Through a network is one way. If your computers are networked together, you can do that. Or if they are not, buring the program to a CD or copying it to a large spaced USB key (you can find good ones at good prices just about anywhere now), and transfer it that way.
2006-10-24 12:32:24 · answer #4 · answered by EoC 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes you can. it is a long prosses so email me at bronxrox@gmail.com. ill give you an in depth discription.
2006-10-24 12:27:20 · answer #5 · answered by Demetri N 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can't. You have to install it.
2006-10-24 12:25:26 · answer #6 · answered by Alex 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋