Using programs copied from one hard drive to another???

[redgtxdi]

So I worked on a family member's computer this weekend. The thing just wouldn't boot & I tried every trick on AT, google, etc. etc. No joy!

I ended up hooking up that HD externally and literally drug the entire contents of *that* HD into a folder on the *new* HD. (I had an old 60GB layin' around and his old one was only 10GB, so easily copied over)

Now, he's got some stuff on a program called "paper port" (?) that he said he scanned in from years past. The files are all there but he says he can't open them. I guess I ignorantly didn't think to consider any unusual file types.

Is there a way to make the program useable as it's copied over??

TIA

 

[0roo0roo]

to copy a system drive you need to use an image program like driveimage xml clonezilla or true image etc
you don't just drag and drop. things won't work.

as for unusual files, doesn't matter if they are unusual.
it only matters you have the correct program to open them. he must have installed some software to open that proprietary or odd file format on the old pc. he needs ot install it on whatever pc he's using to open the files.

 

[Athena]

Originally posted by: redgtxdi
Now, he's got some stuff on a program called "paper port" (?) that he said he scanned in from years past. The files are all there but he says he can't open them. I guess I ignorantly didn't think to consider any unusual file types.

Paper Port isn't really an "unusual" file type; it's a scanning utility that was bundled with a lot of scanners. The original publisher was ScanSoft, which became Caere, which became Nuance.

If he still has the original disks for the scanner, you can install PaperPort on the reconstructed system and get access to the files. If he's lost the software, you can pick up PaperPort on eBay.

Note: You don't need Omnipage; an older version (compatible with your OS) of PaperPort alone will do for your purposes.

 

[redgtxdi]

Thanks.

Actually, what I meant was "files that can't be opened w/ a basic XP install & maybe Office and/or PDF".

He, now, also says he had files from MS Money that he can't open either. (obviously).

He really needs to find those original programs.

In a worst-case scenario, if I have to image his drive later, can I put it within his current XP install or would I need to reformat the drive and create a separate partition???

Thx

 

[0roo0roo]

if you have the data files its all fine. all thats required is that the programs need to be reinstalled. ms money/office/pdf reader