Hi EE,
After enough problems on the old PC, I've sprung for a new one with 64 bit Vista. I currently have my data backed up on an external. I'd like some advice since it has been A LONG TIME since I bought a new PC.
I'll have it in about a week, so what would you recommend in the way of preparation, to make the transition as smooth as possible? I know almost nothing about Vista, so unless there's some sort of good tutorial that normally comes on the PC when that OS is installed, can anyone recommend a link to a summary of the really important points and differences from XP (from ease of use more than a real technical point of view)?
In addition, the things I'm most interested in are the following:
1. I have a number of software applications that were downloaded in zip format from the web (no original CD). I'm assuming those should load ok (other than possible driver issues). My REAL CONCERN IS for a number of applications that I got through a "download of the day" site. These are promotions by the manufacturer and must be downloaded AND installed during the day they are offered, or they won't install.
Is there anything that can be done to save these applications to be able to transfer to the new PC? I have the zip files, but am afraid they won't work since it's after the "offer" date. Any ideas?
2. Where are all the browser settings, favorites, user profiles, etc usually kept? Going from XP to Vista, will there be ways to "bring these over" without loss?
3. As for transferring the bulk of my data, my plan is to copy from my external backup drive to the new PC, through a normal USB connection. Except for time (Assuming it will take forever for about 200GB), is there anything I should watch out for?
4. I've heard that if a virus gets into a Vista machine, it could be a disaster due to the OS being stored on the drive, not a CD. Not sure about all this, so what should I be aware of and do about creating a boot copy?
That's about it for now.
Thanks from a very nervous buyer.
