New computer on its way - using Laplink to move my programs? I've ordered a new Dell desktop and monitor, coming in a week or so. I plan on using Laplink PCMover to transfer files and...

BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

I've ordered a new Dell desktop and monitor, coming in a week or so. I plan on using Laplink PCMover to transfer files and programs from my laptop to the new tower, with the expectation that my existing programs, like Adobe and Office, etc, will work without having to reinstall any.

Any problems you foresee? Suggestions? My laptop is running the current Windows 10 updated.

chemsaf Loc: San Diego

Yes. Just installed new Surface Pro 6
Move data any method you want. Download and reinstall all software. Adobe creative cloud made it easy.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Have your original install files and product credentials / license keys available when reality differs from the advertising ... Visit all the product sites and download the install files, if needed.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Does Laplink PCMover copy required system files also?
Programs are installed and OS system files are modified.
You just can't copy program file directories to another system, they won't run.
I've no idea how Laplink works.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

chemsaf wrote:

Yes. Just installed new Surface Pro 6
Move data any method you want. Download and reinstall all software. Adobe creative cloud made it easy.

CHG_CANON wrote:

Have your original install files and product credentials / license keys available when reality differs from the advertising ... Visit all the product sites and download the install files, if needed.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Longshadow wrote:

Does Laplink PCMover copy required system files also?
Programs are installed and OS system files are modified.
You just can't copy program file directories to another system, they won't run.
I've no idea how Laplink works.

This may no longer be the case:

https://ppc.laplink.com/specialpages/us-branded-pcmover/

I just got off the phone with a buddy that is an IT manager at a large engineering firm in NYC and he told me this is what they use.

sagittta Loc: In the woods of Michigan

I would get a copy of Belarc Advisor and run it. It will show you all of your programs and the license keys. I will tell you a lot more. More then most of will ever need.

http://www.belarc.com/products_belarc_advisor

BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

Gene51 wrote:

This may no longer be the case:

https://ppc.laplink.com/specialpages/us-branded-pcmover/

I just got off the phone with a buddy that is an IT manager at a large engineering firm in NYC and he told me this is what they use.

Thanks, Gene - that's going above and beyond for me! The promised seamless transfer of programs is what I'm hoping for. Adobe I'm not too worried about since I have a subscription, but I'd just as soon rather not have to reinstall everything. It's been probably five years or more since I had to transfer to a new computer. If the Laplink software works as promised I will be ecstatic. I'm hoping the hardest part will be keeping away from my computer for long enough for the transfer to take place. Probably will do it over an ethernet cable computer to computer.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Gene51 wrote:

This may no longer be the case:

https://ppc.laplink.com/specialpages/us-branded-pcmover/

I just got off the phone with a buddy that is an IT manager at a large engineering firm in NYC and he told me this is what they use.

BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

sagittta wrote:

I would get a copy of Belarc Advisor and run it. It will show you all of your programs and the license keys. I will tell you a lot more. More then most of will ever need.

http://www.belarc.com/products_belarc_advisor

Thanks for the link. I'll research it first (uber cautious) and run it. I can tell from my desktop screen shortcuts which programs I have that I actually use, but who knows what else I have there? It's nice that it's free!

BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

CHG_CANON wrote:

Have your original install files and product credentials / license keys available when reality differs from the advertising ... Visit all the product sites and download the install files, if needed.

Oh, you're supposed to keep those? LOL. Many of the programs I have the discs for, and subscriptions for those I don't, though my new tower doesn't have disc drive. I could add one, but what the heck, discs are old school! I'm hoping the Laplink will let me keep my old Office program files. I don't really use Office much anymore except to browse old files and don't want to pay for it.

BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

chemsaf wrote:

Yes. Just installed new Surface Pro 6
Move data any method you want. Download and reinstall all software. Adobe creative cloud made it easy.

Did you use Laplink PCMover to do that? Data I'm not worried about. I know how to move files.

BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

Longshadow wrote:

Thanks, Longhadow - I appreciate your input. Makes me feel even more secure. I always plan for the worst, hope for the best. In 13 days I'll know for sure.

wwright Loc: Tucson

I agree with the above comments. Installation files typically modify registry settings, and some system files. If these are not copied as well as the programs, you are opening the door for strange quirky problems. Also, the new hardware will probably have different Windows drivers. Reinstalling the programs and copying the data is the safest option. As to your friend in the engineering firm; most businesses have a software standard image that is used to install new devices. That way all firmware, software, and drivers are consistent. This allows for a much more seamless process of moving files and programs. Without consistency of the installations in larger environments, troubleshooting issues is a lot more work.

juan_uy Loc: Uruguay

Just personal opinion: I would go for the manual route of installing software again on new computer. It will take time, but I think it has two advantages: 1) You only install what you need on your new computer (instead of dragging unused software from previous one) and mainly 2) You make a clean install of the latest version of the software (instead of migrating an updated/patched version), this should make o difference, but it may make one.

Whatever route you choose, best of luck and enjoy your new computer :)