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Transferring files to new computer

15 years ago

While on the subject of getting a new computer - I will need to transfer files. I have used a USB memory stick to transfer some file from my laptop to my pc.

I know I can download some "free" programs - like Open Office instead of buying MS Office.

I have Quicken 2004. I will probably have to upgrade that. What do I do with the 2004 program to not only save those files but still have access to them? I think that there is a similiar free program out there Money something - If I go that route, then what?

I am definitely more hardware smart than software smart - and not too smart on either!

Thanks for your input!!

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Comments (6)

ravencajun Zone 8b TX
15 years ago
you need to check with their manufactures website to see if they have put out anything for those older programs to make them compatible with windows 7 many are not.
mike_kaiser_gw
15 years ago
Certainly Open Office is a viable alternative to Microsoft Office depending on your needs because the two platforms are not 100% compatible. Certainly you can try Open Office and see if it meets your needs.

I don't know about Quicken but I would imagine there is some kind of "export" feature. Whether you use that in a newer version of Quicken or move on, is up to your. I hear good things about Mint (.com) but haven't used it personally. Microsoft has discontinued Money.
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On ebay you can find a device I like called a disk drive 'rack' or carrier. You put it in like a floppy drive, on the other 1/2 you put in any disk drive. Then you can plug in the disk like a floppy and run it anytime you want to look at the drive. This could be something for $14 that would help you to move files from old , hard drive, to a new one $60 for 750gb on amazon. JDMADERA has the disk racks for serial (SATA or parallel) or you can use an external hard drive, or any drive with an external adapter $14. I personally like the reasoning of buying a new drive to put all my files on it. I get a new drive, I copy my old files and test the new drive for a while before I commit to it , and have the chance to sell my old drive while having a backup. Another idea: If many files are text based then zip or RAR them and mail them to yourself. Many mail sites accept 2mb up to 20mb mail attachments. That might handle most of your documents and that way you have them backed up. It's a secondary backup.. you should still have them somewhere else but one site I use has been good to me for 5 years, for free, holding 40mb of stuff. I apoligize if I didn't answer your Q excactly. I'm in a hurry and tried to offer what I could to what I thought I saw in your post.. in a 30 second quick read. Andre
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If the files on the Maxtor were put there by a Backup utility then they can only be Restored by the same utility. As Mikie said, this is doable but involved. Import / Export is normally the easiest, 'assuming' your email client supports that, otherwise you should be able to cut and paste. With the Maxtor on the XP machine it becomes the Destination Drive for the Export or Cut files. Once that is done, hook it to the Vista machine and it becomes the Source Drive for the info. All of this assumes a comfort level using Windows Explorer (not Internet Explorer). halb
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You can "export" your email addresses to a USB drive and "import" them on your new computer File->Export->Address Book->Text File-> using "Browse" find the location of your USB drive. Name your file and follow the steps in the wizard to finish. On your new computer go to File->Import and follow the steps to import the data from your USB drive You can do the same for exporting/importing your Internet Favorites. It is located under File->Export. Just follow the wizard. I have never had any luck moving the actual email files. I am sure there is a way - but every attempt I have made has failed. I know there was a software you could purchase to "back up" OE, and then restore it on a new machine. I didn't want to buy anything though. You could try forwarding the emails (from your old machine) that you want to keep to yourself - then retrieving them on the new machine.
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RW type disks, whether it be CD or DVD, should only be used for short term storage. Either type disks will let you transfer files to a different computer. If you use the RW type disks you can edit the files on the disks. If you use the R type disks you can copy the files to a computer, then edit the files, and then put them on another disk, R or RW. RW type disks are not a reliable storage media. If you are just moving a file from one computer to another you shouldn't delete the original until until the copy is safely on the other computer. If you are just wanting to back up files on your computer, use the R type disks and make a new copy periodically. If you have a small number of files to back up consider using a web service to store them or get a USB jump drive. (very handy to have). Whatever backup solution you choose remember, it won't work if you don't use it. Pooh Bear
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vala55
15 years ago
Open office could not convert my works documents and I would have lost my journals. I bought MS Office and it converted the works documents, but not my database lists. Some one here recommended something that converted those. They needed some editing, but that was ok. They may also tell you how to get Open Office to convert the files, I googled and never found a way.
DA_Mccoy
15 years ago
The Quicken files, .QDF .Qel .QPH and .IDX would be backed up and then the backups copied to a disk or drive. The .QDF is the main data file. After the installation of the current version these files would then be imported to it.

To do the above all the information should be in the Quicken Help file.

I am currently at v2009 and have transferred files for ten years by this method without a concern. v2004 is getting pretty old. In fact, I believe the life-cycle is spent.

DA
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
15 years ago
I have had a few programs on my linux machines for money management, this one is also available in a windows version
GnuCash.org

another good place to check is gizmo's list
Best Free Personal Finance Software

I use open office on all of my computers

I have seen mention of the new free lotus symphony but know nothing about it
Lotus Symphony logo
Free Microsoft Office alternative Lotus Symphony hits version 3
calirose
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for the information! Tells me I am headed in the right direction. I have the conversion for Open Office/MS Office docs. Dh used lotus notes on his work computer (a few years ago). I will definitely check them out. This computer came with MS Works which gave me nearly the same as MS Office- I only got Office when I was teaching and so DH could do some work at home. Don't need it now.
I really appreciate your input!!

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