PC migration

PC migration

Moving data and applications to a new computer. It involves moving folders and Registry entries from the old computer to the new one. This can be done manually; however, there are numerous PC migration programs that make the job easier.

Data Vs. Software Migration
Moving only data from the old to the new computer is generally easier than moving the application. Although data can comprise numerous file types (data, indexes, etc.), the files generally reside in only one or two folders or a handful at most. If all related files are copied to the same folders in the new machine, this is usually all that is necessary, and the application can be re-installed in the new machine.

Software applications require moving all folders as well as all Registry entries, which may be spread throughout the Registry database. If none are found, some applications re-establish all Registry entries when they start up. In such cases, only the folders would need to be copied; however, this is the exception, not the rule. Moving Registry data is the primary advantage of using a PC migration software package.