I have a couple of programs I'm going to throw on a CD and transfer from a desktop to a new laptop and, I know this is supposed to be basic-level knowledge stuff, but can I throw the shortcuts on the CD or am I supposed to use the setup.exe files for each program because I don't think I have most of them anymore?
2007-07-03 05:07:05 · 6 answers · asked by Bobby D 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
You can't just use the shortcut, because it will link to something that does not exist on your laptop. You need the installation files / disks for the programs. Most programs make "links" within the system to allow themselves to run, and just copying even all the files under that program will not correctly make those links.
2007-07-03 05:11:19 · answer #1 · answered by Yahzmin ♥♥ 4ever 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please remember that it may be illegal to copy your software to the laptop, if you do not have a valid licence for use on 2, or more, computers.
Normally you need an installer, or a program that will prepare the software for transfer. Some backup and utility programs provide this functionality. e.g. Norton Cleansweep.
The problem is that the installation not only expands the program and its data files, it creates registry entries and shortcuts too. Trying to make sure that you copy all of these to a different Pc is almost impossible.
If you have a valid licence for the software you should be able to download an update, or trial version, from the manufacturer's site and transfer your registration to the laptop.
2007-07-03 12:24:49 · answer #2 · answered by Steve F 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are programs available to move programs from one computer to another. Unfortunately, these programs need to be installed before you try to move the other programs so that they can "watch" the installation and "know" where to copy files from.
Windows also has a Migration tool designed for exactly what you are trying to accomplish.
Otherwise, the only way to move programs is to re-install them on the new computer and then copy only the data files from one computer to another. If you can run both computers at the same time, then buy yourself a CAT-5 crossover cable and plug it into the ethernet port (RJ-45) on each computer and copy the files directly from one computer to the other. You'll need to enable the guest account on the destination computer while you're doing the copy.
2007-07-03 12:13:47 · answer #3 · answered by JimDandy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some program needs setup.exe to install some files to harddrive, place shortcut, arraging start menu and do something in registry. So, copy the folder in C/prorgam files/ then paste it on a new drive may caused the program failed to executed.
2007-07-03 12:13:07 · answer #4 · answered by maxiangelo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The exe setup programs should give you the option to create the icons, if in the rare case it doesn't all you need to do is go to the folder the exe file is in and right click and then click "create shortcut", then move the shortcut to your desktop.
2007-07-03 12:16:59 · answer #5 · answered by synxz001 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need installation files.
if you let me know what you looking for I might be able to locate install files for download.
PM me at Yahoo msnger.
2007-07-03 12:11:05 · answer #6 · answered by onlyfor7dollar 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋