Desktop PC Migration Software

[RebateMonger]

I'm wondering if anybody has tried recent desktop PC migration software? I mean the stuff that claims to move one's entire PC (INCLUDING APPLICATIONS) from XP to Vista, etc. You are starting, for instance, with a working XP computer, you buy a new Vista PC, and want to move EVERYTHING to the new Vista PC without having to re-install and re-configure your application programs.

Example: Laplink PCmover Essentials

Over the years, I've seen lots of bad reviews of this kind of software. Usually, they seemed to cause more problems than they created.

But I've noticed that Dell now offers a migration package when you buy a new Vista PC. If there really IS a good migration program, I'd certainly like to hear about it.

Thanks,
RebateMonger

 

[masi33]

Hi,
I have the same kind of question. Unfortunately I never get straight answers. Last one started to write about legal issues on tranferring software. I read about Acronis true image, but there were no review on the migration tool. Did you find out anything? I really would like to know, since my computer is 5 years old and I would like to build a new one. It would be a nightmare to re-install software and settings!

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: masi33
Last one started to write about legal issues on tranferring software. I read about Acronis true image, but there were no review on the migration tool. Did you find out anything?

I've learned nothing new since I posed this question.

Yeah, OEM licensing is a problem. OEM MS Office, for instance. But usually the BIG complications and time-waters in a migration are things like games, accounting programs, and other stuff for which folks have lost their install disks.

While, technically, software like Acronis' and StorageCraft's will allow you to move the entire PC at once to brand new hardware, it definitely violates Microsoft's OEM EULAs. That's one reason I hardly ever buy OEM software for businesses.