Windows Easy Transfer

Windows Easy Transfer

Windows Easy Transfer on Windows Vista
Developed by	Microsoft
Initial release	November 8, 2006
Latest release	6.0.6001.18000 / February 4, 2008
OS	Windows Vista
Type	File transfer
License	Proprietary EULA
Website	Windows Easy Transfer

Windows Easy Transfer is a program included in Windows Vista which helps users to move files and settings stored on their computers running Windows 2000, Windows XP or Windows Vista itself, to a new computer running Windows Vista. ^[1] It succeeded the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard included in Windows XP. The application is downloadable for Windows XP or Windows 2000. ^[2]

[edit] Features transferred

Windows Easy Transfer can transfer ^[1]:

• Files and folders including photos, music, videos, documents, email messages and contacts
• User accounts and user account settings (Windows 2000 Professional and later)
• Application configuration data files and settings (Windows XP Professional and later)
• Several Windows configuration settings stored in the registry (Windows XP and later)

The program does not support transferring entire applications themselves and system files such as fonts and drivers.^[1] For transferring certain supported applications, Microsoft had planned to released Windows Easy Transfer Companion but never released the final version. ^[3] Also, for power users, administrators and enterprise computers, a command-line User State Migration Tool (USMT) is available. ^[4]. Also see the USMT Wiki

[edit] Transfer methods

There are several methods that can be used ^[1]:

• Using a proprietary USB-to-USB bridge cable made by Belkin called the Easy Transfer Cable
• Using CD/DVD, a USB flash drive or an external hard disk drive
• Over a wired or wireless network or using an ethernet crossover cable

Notably, transferring over a Direct Cable Connection using parallel or serial cables and using floppy disks is not supported. ^[5] These methods were supported in the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard in Windows XP.

[edit] Frequent complaints on the Internet

Internet forums contain many problem reports, including stalled network transfers; users have apparently had to resort to manual transfer of data with the help of a leaked internal tool from Microsoft support located for download here. [1].

[edit] See also

• Management features new to Windows Vista

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Windows Vista: Windows Easy Transfer