CompTIA A_ Certification All-In-One Exam Guide, Seventh Edition - Michael Meyers [237]
Figure 14-43 Where are the files and settings?
Figure 14-44 How will you transfer the files?
If you’ve checked that box, the next page enables you to add additional settings and browse for additional folders, files, or even file types to back up, making it pretty easy to simply back up every .MP3 on your computer (Figure 14-46). Neat, huh?
Figure 14-45 The files and settings you’re going to transfer
Figure 14-46 Customizing the transfer
Once you click Next on that screen, the wizard begins the actual transfer process, which can take quite a lot of time depending on how much stuff you’re transferring. This is an excellent time to, for example, read the complete works of Pliny the Elder, or, even more usefully, to memorize all of the previous chapters of this book word-for-word, because you’ll probably have plenty of time.
User State Migration Tool
If you’re the sort of computer user who demands maximum functionality and power from your operating system, you’ll probably want to use the User State Migration Tool (USMT). The USMT has all of the same features as the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard, but with much more control over advanced configurations for the new computer. Its primary use is in businesses, because it has to be run in a Windows Server domain. In practice, if you’re migrating a single user, use the FSTW. If you need to migrate multiple users, the USMT is the tool.
Windows Easy Transfer
With Windows Vista and 7, Microsoft has upgraded the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard, calling it Windows Easy Transfer. Windows Easy Transfer comes native in Vista/7 and can be downloaded and installed on Windows XP or 2000 as well, though you won’t be able to transfer settings from a 2000 computer, only files. Windows Easy Transfer is located in the System Tools subfolder of the Accessories folder in your Programs menu. The first screen of the Windows Easy Transfer simply gives you a bit of information about the process, so there’s not really much to do there.
When you click Next, you’re taken to a screen that asks if you want to start a new transfer or continue an old one (Figure 14-47). If you’ve already set up your old computer to transfer the files, select the latter option; if you haven’t, select the former.
If you choose to start a new transfer, the process is very similar to the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard: you select whether you’re using your new or old computer and then follow the same basic steps as before. There are some differences, of course—network security is improved by using Transfer Keys to protect your files from others on the network, there’s an option to use a special Easy Transfer cable to transfer your files between USB ports, and the order of some screens is changed around a bit—but if you understand the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard transfer process, Windows Easy Transfer shouldn’t be too difficult.
Migration Practices
When talking about migration or retirement in terms of security, you need to answer one question: What do you do with the old system or drive?
All but the most vanilla new installations have sensitive data on them, even if it’s simply e-mail messages or notes-to-self that would cause embarrassment if discovered. Most PCs, especially in a work environment, contain a lot of sensitive data. You can’t just format C: and hand over the drive.
Follow three principles when migrating or retiring a computer. First, migrate your users and data information in a secure environment. Until you get passwords properly in place and test the security of the new system, you can’t consider that system secure. Second, remove data remnants from hard drives that you store or give to charity. Third, recycle the older equipment; don’t throw it in the trash. PC recyclers go through a process of deconstructing hardware, breaking system units, keyboards, printers,