Saving Software to transfer - Recommendations?

Question

I am buying a new HP computer tomorrow and was wondering how am I going to transfer my files from my existing computer to my new one. I have some software that needs to transfer (such as photoshop) but I don't have the CD's to re-install them to my new computer. I borrowed them awhile back from family members.

Could I simiply copy the file folder of the software programs onto a disk/USB Storage Stick and save them on my new computer? Or any other recommendations?

Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

Hello,
Hope this helps. You can back up your user profiles, for example
C:/documents and settings/user/desktop ...
C:/documents and settings/user/user documents ...
You will not be able to backup programs such as photo shop in such a way as to not have to reinstall the program. You can backup your photoshop settings, and documents. One thing that prevents this is the windows registry, which can be accessed by going to start ->run-> regedit, when regedit opens search for adobe by pressing ctrl-f to open the find dialog box. There are other files that prevent this type of software backup, but right now the registry is the only one that stands out in my mind. The only way I know around this would be to move the drive from the old machine to the new... But this should only be attempted if you are sure you know what you are doing.
Regards

Answer 2

That's the problem with 'borrowing' software instead of paying for it - you don't have the programs when you need them. And, no, you can't copy the directories, you have to install the program which is what makes all the connections and settings inside Windows so it works.
So look at what you get on the HP (usually lots), move your data files with the Stick and look for shareware or equivalent programs and what is left over - buy.

Answer 3

Just moving the folders will not work as registry files and other files installed into other directories will not be there. you could always make a copy of the complete hard drive and then copy it onto the new one. Other then that get the disks back from the family members and reinstawll...

Answer 4

You can't transfer software that's been installed on your computer to a new one

You need to buy a program that can do that for you. Right now, the best way is to take both computers into a computer shop and have them image your hard drive from your old one and then reconfigure that hard drive to your new one.

Answer 5

nope it will not work you can copy the file but when you put it on ur new pc it will not work at all you need da cd back or download it again on ur new pc but hp computer will have its own hp photo edit shoftware on it anyway and you can use windows xp photo edit software as well with windows xp photo edit saoftware you can do a lot

Answer 6

I recommand you to use Google Picasa to manage and edit your pictures.

Picasa is software that helps you instantly find, edit and share all the pictures on your PC. Every time you open Picasa, it automatically locates all your pictures (even ones you forgot you had) and sorts them into visual albums organized by date with folder names you will recognize. You can drag and drop to arrange your albums and make labels to create new groups. Picasa makes sure your pictures are always organized.

Picasa also makes advanced editing simple by putting one-click fixes and powerful effects at your fingertips. And Picasa makes it a snap to share your pictures ¨C you can email, print photos at home, make gift CDs, instantly share via Hello™, and even post pictures on your own blog.

free download in here, just have a try:

http://www.toolforyou.net/google-picasa/

Merry Xmas, Happy News

Answer 7

usb to usb cable, and a program that's on windows called file and settings transfer, with that you have a quick way of transfering all your old files onto your new comp.