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onethatcares

(16,563 posts)
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 07:32 AM Jul 2024

what do I have to do to change to a new desk top?

I'm not a techie by any stretch of the imagination and the keyboard on my existing sticks, the mouse works when it wants to and it's a windows 10 model.
How do I transfer all the data (stuff) i have to a new model and what should I becareful of doing?

existing is an HP and I plan on replacing with a new HP

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what do I have to do to change to a new desk top? (Original Post) onethatcares Jul 2024 OP
My suggestion: lastlib Jul 2024 #1
Any chance of finding an IT guru on NextDoor? Nittersing Jul 2024 #2
Call the manufacturer of your anticipated new MOMFUDSKI Jul 2024 #3

lastlib

(24,801 posts)
1. My suggestion:
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 08:12 AM
Jul 2024

Back up all data files to an external USB drive (which you should be doing anyway). This includes archiving e-mails and address books. From there, it's pretty easy to plug in the drive to the new machine and upload files to it.

Programs are another matter, because some (most) will have to be re-installed. Drivers for devices like printers will have to be updated for a new operating system; that can be a real trip, particularly for older devices. Get help if you're not comfortable doing any part of it.

USB drives aren't terribly expensive; my 1-TB drive was only about $65, and I've gotten a lot of use out of it.

I would also suggest you partition a new hard drive, with the original partition for operating system and programs, and one partition for your data files. That's not hard to do in Windows 11, but it's a little tricky, so maybe get some help there. But it pays dividends. Data is less likely to get lost if the drive crashes for some reason.

Feel free to ping us if you need help! Good luck!

Nittersing

(6,833 posts)
2. Any chance of finding an IT guru on NextDoor?
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 08:28 AM
Jul 2024

I found a guy who does house calls and have used him a few times. I'm also in a metro area and know that's not an option for everyone.

 

MOMFUDSKI

(7,080 posts)
3. Call the manufacturer of your anticipated new
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 08:34 AM
Jul 2024

computer. Ask if they will walk you through the transfer. My Dell guy in India walked me in to putting all my stuff on my new Dell desktop. He was fabulous.

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