How to Move Off of Windows XP

The end of support for Windows XP is now less than a week away! If you’re still running Windows XP on April 8^th, you’ll see an end to technical support, hot-fixes, and security updates for your PC, leaving your data vulnerable to hackers and malware. No matter how you want to move off of Windows XP, Laplink can help you move quickly without losing your programs, files, and settings.

The Problem

Windows Easy Transfer – Severely Deprecated
Windows Easy Transfer was a free, go-to tool for many Microsoft users looking to upgrade. However, support for Windows Easy Transfer has been deprecated significantly in favor of cloud solutions. Windows Easy Transfer doesn’t support upgrades from 32-bit systems to 64-bit systems, which is a problem since most XP machines run on 32-bit and newer PCs are 64-bit.

Windows 7 – No Direct Upgrades
There is no direct upgrade solution from Microsoft to go from Windows XP to Windows 7. You can manually move using external media but requires extensive time and effort to transfer only your files and settings to an external storage device, then transfer that data again to your new PC.

Windows 8 – Keep Only Files
A partial in-place upgrade is supported by Microsoft. The upgrade process will automatically restore your personal files from Windows XP to Windows 8, but leaves behind personalized settings and applications. This will require you to spend hours, or even days, getting your new PC or operating system to look and feel like your old one.

Windows 8.1 – Complicated Upgrade Process
Microsoft stores your personal files in a windows.old folder and allows you to restore them after upgrading, but the process isn’t readily available or clear. It requires you to use a Windows 8.1 DVD to perform a clean installation, meaning you won’t be able to keep any files, settings, or programs automatically. If you choose the “Keep nothing” option, your personal files are temporarily saved to the windows.old folder for 28 days, where you can retrieve them manually or use a troubleshooter.

Laplink’s Solution – PCmover, the ONLY software that moves programs, files, and settings to a new PC.

Available in several editions, PCmover automatically moves all selected programs, files, and settings installed and ready to use on your new PC or operating system. PCmover supports moving from 32-bit to 64-bit and comes with 24/7 Free Transfer Assistance from Laplink’s certified migration experts. Just call the toll-free number, and the expert will guide you through the migration process over the phone or remotely at no additional cost.

Moving to a New PC
PCmover Professional is the best solution for moving off of Windows XP. Will full selectivity and advanced options, data can be transferred over a wired or wireless network, using a Laplink USB cable, or using a Laplink high-speed Ethernet cable.

Microsoft also provides a free solution for anyone on XP moving to a new Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 PC called PCmover Express for Windows XP that only moves files and settings. More information is available at www.WindowsXP.com.

In-Place Upgrades
PCmover Windows Upgrade Assistant, available as a standalone product or as part of PCmover Professional, is the only in-place upgrade solution for users who want to upgrade their current Windows XP PC to Windows 7, 8, or 8.1. Before performing an in-place upgrade, make sure your PC is compatible with a newer version of Windows.

Small Business and Enterprise Solutions
PCmover Enterprise is the only comprehensive solution that allows your company’s IT department to manage all types of migrations, even for unmanaged PCs. PCmover Enterprise comes with a Policy Manager that allows you to automate large-scale migration projects, as well as VIP technical support at no additional cost. Read more about Laplink’s business solutions here.

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Move years’ worth of data, settings, and applications off of Windows XP before you become vulnerable.