Family History Compass
Changing Computers
by Juliana Smith
You'd think I'd know better. Actually I did, but the excitement of my new computer got the best of me. For the first time in about five years, I had a brand new computer of my own. It's cute and sleek and I couldn't wait to start using it. I opened the box dancing around like a kid in a candy shop. I powered up and it struck me---there's no data on it. All my "stuff" is on my old beast.
A feeling of dread began to creep in as I set my new computer aside and started contemplating how to move all my precious stuff, to this new machine. I decided on a plan and ran with it. (After all, I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night.) I moved documents, pictures, emails, and family history files. I sat down to work and realized that I hadn't moved all my settings. Oops.
While it isn't a complete disaster, it's going to take me some time to get things back to the way I'm used to. I didn't completely mess things up, but I did forget a few things, and after I backtracked and did some research I found there was lots of help available to me, had I just taken the time to do a little more research. Since we'll all probably find ourselves in this predicament at one time or another, I thought I'd share some things that worked for me--and a few lessons I learned the hard way.
Before You Move
Before you begin moving files around, there are some things you'll want to take care of first. I went through all of my folders and did some housekeeping. Files I just wanted archived I put in a separate folder so that I wouldn't have to clutter my new computer with them. The "Recycle Bin" also got a real workout that day as I deleted files I no longer needed. (This was a huge step forward for me since I am an electronic packrat!)
I made a list of the files I would need on the new computer so that when it came time to transfer, I would not forget anything. The only casualty was my favorites list. Years ago (probably with my last computer change) I backed up my favorites in with "My Documents." Thinking this was my current file, I moved that one and left my good list, so I'm going to have to rearrange things again so I can retrieve it. I'm going try to hold off for a couple days though to see if it I left anything else important behind. That way, I'll only have to do it once.
An important precaution I took was to completely scan my computer for viruses before I moved anything. While I have my computer set to scan automatically every week, I did an extra scan before I began to make sure everything was still clean. I don't want any nasty bugs on my new baby!
You'll also want to install your security and anti-virus program and on the new computer right away. Make sure your new machine also has the latest security patches as well.
Do Your Homework
After I realized my predicament, I did a quick Google search for the terms:
"new computer move files"
Look at that--a ton of articles telling me how to move my data properly. (I can hear my dad now, "If all else fails, follow directions." Someday I'll learn that lesson!) Here are a few articles I found. (There were quite a few others as well.)
Moving Files and Settings to a New PC (Microsoft.com)
www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/getstarted/bott_fstw.mspx
An Easier Move to a New Computer (PCWorld.com)
www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,54664,00.asp
I highly recommend performing a similar search, possibly also including the name of your operating system before you begin your transfer. There are a number of options available and most of the articles I found were very thorough in explaining how to take advantage of them. Having this information in advance will help you to choose the option that works best for you and your computer set up.
If you have looked at the options and think you'd have better luck performing surgery on yourself, maybe it's time to seek professional help. Many office supply stores and computer services will transfer your data for you.
To Burn or Not to Burn
Most of the articles I found recommend networking the computers or connecting them via a crossover cable. A few mentioned burning the data to a CD or DVD and moving it that way. I tried that first thinking that the DVD would also serve as my current backup.
Fortunately, before I disconnected everything, I obeyed the cardinal rule of back-up. I checked the DVD to make sure it worked. As it turned out, I couldn't open the files. The jury is still out on what is causing the problem, so I went to another alternative I had open to me--backing up my data on an external hard drive that I have connected. Another alternative might be moving the data to an online data hosting.
Now Where did I Put that Disk?
While transferring files, it's recommended that you only move the data files, and reinstall any programs from the original installation disks (or in some cases, through the software provider's website). I kept a separate box with the programs I have on my computer, so this step fortunately wasn't that difficult.
If you are upgrading to a new operating system, it's important to check and make sure the programs you have are compatible. In some cases, you may find that you need to upgrade the program.
Oh What a Tangled Web We Weave...
Once I had all my ducks in a row, it was time to switch the connections. As I pulled out my old desktop with all its connections, the USB port hub and all the peripherals I have attached, I was tempted to just shove it all back. The mass of gnarled and tangled wires actually growled at me as I attempted to separate them.
While it's nice that most computer cords have those color coded ports that match where they need to be plugged into the computer, I'm convinced they should follow suit with the rest of the cord. It would make it much simpler to follow along and find where it's plugged in to my surge protector. (Note to self: Call Bill Gates with my brilliant idea.)
For now, to make things simpler, I hit the office supply store. There are quite a few gadgets to help you gain control over the cable beast. I chose some Velcro bands that wrap around the cords to keep them orderly. Labels came in handy as I labeled the ends of the cords so that I could distinguish them.
What Now?
Once you've moved everything, what do you do with your old dinosaur? If your old machine had been giving you problems, you might be tempted (as I was) to take it to the highest point in your house and throw it out the window, seeing how far you can scatter the debris. As enjoyable as this might be, it is not the recommended approach.
First, you'll want to make sure you've gotten all the files you need. Keep it handy until you're sure nothing was missed.
Once you've decided that you truly have everything and are tired of it taking up space, you'll want to scrub any sensitive data from it. You don't want your personal information in the hands of some stranger. There is an article on wiping data off your computer at PCWorld (www.pcworld.com/howto/article/0,aid,110338,00.asp) that recommends several programs.
When you're ready to dispose of it, consider donating it or recycling it in some fashion. If you decide to pitch it, check with your local sanitation department. Because computers contain hazardous materials, your city may have its own guidelines for disposing of them.
A Happy Ending
I have learned quite a bit from this switch, and am slowly but surely getting back in the swing of things. As I reset a lot of things, I am finding better ways to organize my files. As I go through my family history files, I am finding some items that were misfiled and I'm hopeful that once I get through the transition and can sit and review things, my new computer will help me make some new discoveries.
Juliana Smith is the editor of the "Ancestry Daily News" and author of "The Ancestry Family Historian's Address Book." She has written for "Ancestry" Magazine and "Genealogical Computing." Juliana can be reached by e-mail at ADNeditor@ancestry.com, but she regrets that she is unable to assist with personal research.
Copyright 2005, MyFamily.com.
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