there is this awesome little device called the tornado which makes doing that job very easy, you plug into each pc usb port and a split screen comes up for you to just move stuff from which ever one you want to move from or to. I did read it works with 98 with the install of it's driver, it works with out special drivers on all other windows systems. The Tornado Look around for better prices and reviews etc. I know I just saw one this week on a hot prices list for cheaper it may have been at ecost.com. The Tornado File Transfer Micro-Computer W/ FREE PC Eraser - 094922753861 that is it for $15 it looks like. it does say there it is 98 se compatible so you might check their website for info.

programs yes you definitely would need to reinstall them on the new pc and you should certainly check to see if they are compatible with windows 7 and if you might need new drivers, check the manufacturers site for info. any data, pictures, music, videos etc can be moved to an external HD or a flash thumb drive and then put from there to the new pc. If you are going to network them you could also simply do that then use file sharing in the network to just move them from one to the other. Make sure you scan the old pc very well with several products prior to moving anything to the new pc so that no infection is carried over, Use malwarebytes free, superantispyware free, and an online AV scanner. How to download and install Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware application for Windows computers SUPERAntiSpyware.com : Remove Malware : Remove Spyware - AntiMalware, AntiSpyware, AntiAdware! ESET Online Scanner adding those programs to your new pc would be advisable also.

If you've purchased any music or movies that are protected, make sure you deauthorize your computer (under Store in the menu). I think Itunes now sells music unprotected (not sure about movies). In the past, the files were protected and you could copy them to a certain number of ipods and a certain number of computers. If you change computers too many times without deauthorizing, you won't be able to play them on the new computer.

Thanks Owbist. That is probably the way to go. Da, I don't consider these machines junk as they run like the first day I got them. They didn't get heavy use, were office computers which were used mainly for patient information and some medical software. They ran 4 days a week for only a few hours. No real heavy use. They also have the largest drives I could get 7 years ago and were top of the line Dell business machines. Two desktops and one laptop. All XP. In Florida, there are so many requests for old, working computers which are used in various places for Seniors, homeless, shelters. Florida is not great about building homeless shelters. Places like Goodwill and Salvation Army provide space for people to use their address to receive and apply for help through computers offered. Sad part that many live in their cars or sleep in parks and can't apply for benefits or help without an address. You can't send out resumes without an address. I know people who volunteer at these day shelters and there is such a need for computers. They also use them for training and will take non-working computers. But the large need is for working computers which can get online and provide people with connections. I think its a good cause. The Salvation Army silently provides so many services for the destitute and I think anyone considering donating should consider the Salvation Army. Jane