The Anti-virus Times

Thursday, November 28, 2024

Transferring data to a new PC shouldn't be stressful! We've prepared step-by-step instructions with the best tools and tips so you can prepare in advance to smoothly and securely transfer your data and settings to your new computer.

Why it’s important to transfer data to a new PC properly

The process of transferring data to another computer always causes a little anxiety. A new laptop or desktop promises improved performance and features, and a fresh design. Before you start working on the other device, you need to carefully transfer your data. And this is not just a routine operation, but an important step.

A proper data transfer will allow you to retain your documents, photos, videos and usual program settings. An incorrect transfer or the absence of one can lead to critical information being lost. Therefore, let's approach the task responsibly.

A brief overview of the process and its nuances

Transferring data to a new computer may seem easy if you already know what to do. And if you don’t yet, get acquainted with the order in which this process is built.

1. Evaluating your device’s current state. The first step is to check your old computer’s performance. If it is operational, you can proceed to the second step of creating a backup of the data you want to transfer. If your PC has broken down, you need to understand what data can be extracted from it and how.
2. Handling abnormal situations. Sometimes the transfer process can happen suddenly due to an old PC breaking down. In such cases, you need to figure out how to download your data if your software fails or from a device that doesn’t turn on.
3. Making a copy of the data you want to transfer. The next step to take before transferring your data is to copy it. You can do this using cloud services, external hard drives, and programs.
4. Transferring your data. When transferring your data, you can also use cloud services, external media or special migration programs.
5. Configuring your new computer. This step involves configuring an account and installing the necessary programs, including an antivirus.

By following the instructions and being patient, you will set yourself up for success with this task. Let's take a detailed look at each step.

Evaluating your device’s current state

If your old computer won’t start or has operational failures, do not despair — there are ways that you can extract your data. So, listen.

Determine the nature of the problem. First, try to understand what the problem is. If you cannot turn on the computer at all, it may be due to power pack problems. If it freezes or results in an error, it may be due to software glitches. We will tell you what to do in these cases in the section "Processing emergency situations".

Using recovery mod. If the system is booting, try entering Safe Mode or Recovery Mode. This may allow you to access your files and create a copy. You can find brief and clear instructions on this topic in the "Processing emergency situations" section.

Connect the hard drive or SSD to another computer. If the old computer fails to start, try removing the hard drive or SSD and connecting it to another device. To do this, you will need an adapter or an external case for the hard drive. This way you can access the data as if it was an external drive. That is, you can transfer it to your new computer.

Processing emergency situations

Let's take a closer look at situations when an old computer crashes and freezes.

If you suspect software failures, try taking the following steps:

• Do a reboot.
• Check for upgrades.
• Run the device in safe mode to check whether third-party programs or drivers are causing problems.
• Scan for viruses and malware.
• Check system files and recover corrupted files.
• Clear your temporary files, which may be slowing down the system.
• Disable app auto-launch to improve performance.
• Restore a system.

To be sure everything is fixed, you can ask specialists for help you.

How to enable the Recovery Mode

How you access Safe Mode or Recovery Mode depends on your operating system. Here's how to do it for different OSs.

Accessing Windows 10 Safe Mode through the Settings

Open “Settings” (press Win + I). Go to "Update & → Security" "Recovery". In the "Advanced startup section", click on "Restart now". After the reboot, select "Troubleshoot" → "Advanced → options" "Startup Settings" → "Restart". After the reboot, select the “4” or “5” option for safe mode (regular or with networking).

Accessing Windows 10 Safe Mode via the lock screen

If the system does not boot, on the lock screen, press F8 several times or hold down the Shift button and press F8 (this may not work on some systems, so contact specialists for help if needed). Select "Troubleshoot" and follow the previous steps. The system will enter recovery mode:

You can use the same method as for Safe Mode, but instead of choosing Safe Mode, select → "Troubleshoot" "Advanced options" "System → Recovery" or other options.

Accessing macOS Safe Mode

Turn on your Mac and immediately hold down the Shift button. Release it when the Apple logo appears. You should see “Safe Mode” displayed on the login screen.

Accessing macOS recovery mode

Turn on your Mac and immediately hold down Command (⌘) + R simultaneously. Continue holding them until you see the Apple logo or a globe. The system will boot in the recovery mode, where you will be able to perform various operations, such as reinstalling macOS or using Disk Utility.

Accessing Linux Safe Mode

This is usually done via the GRUB loader.

Reboot the system. While it’s loading, hold down the Shift key (for some distributions, you may need to press Esc) to display the GRUB menu. In the GRUB menu, select the kernel (this is usually the first option). Press E to modify the boot parameters. Find the line starting with linux or linux16 and add single, 1, or text at the end (depending on the distribution). Press Ctrl + X or F10 to boot with the changed parameters.

After that, the system should boot in Safe Mode or Recovery Mode. This mode will provide you with access to the device, and you will be able to perform the necessary recovery or diagnostic operations.

Creating a copy of the transferred data

Suppose that a user made a backup of all their important data in advance, and now for migration purposes, they need to create a copy of the transferred information. If you don't have a backup yet, we recommend that you read our article to evaluate the benefits of each backup method and use at least one of them. Now we come to creating a copy of the transferred data (not a backup). For example, this can be done manually — a fairly meditative method that requires a flash drive, hard drive or cloud in addition to a few hours of your free time.

To transfer a complete copy of all the computer’s data, including the operating system and programs, use special programs to create disk images. The advantage of this method is that all of the settings, accounts and files will already be in place in the next step, when you configure your new computer.

Transferring data, settings, and programs

If the transferred data is stored in the cloud, you can get it by signing in to the service account and copying the necessary data. And you can simply drag the data from the external media to the necessary folders on the new computer.

Copying files manually or using cloud services are universal options. It does not matter which operating system the user "is moving" from — this does not change the data-migration process.

There are special programs that offer automation and convenient features for transferring data.

Benefits

• The process is automated and the risk of errors is reduced.
• A full system backup can be created.

Nuances

• Additional software is required.
• Some programs may require payment.

After data migration, you should also take care of the settings and programs. Important: some programs installed on one operating system may not work on another. Perhaps, you will have to find alternatives.

Without using cloud services and external drives, the migration can be organized in this way.

Transferring data from Windows to Windows

• User profile. Windows has a data-migration feature that allows you to save a user profile, including desktop settings, wallpapers, and other personal settings. To do this, use the Windows Easy Transfer tool (available in earlier versions of Windows) or special migration tools.
• Making a system backup. If a system image is created, all the settings will be contained in it. When restoring the system on a new PC, the user will receive the same configuration as on the old one.
• Configuring accounts. After installing Windows on the new PC, create an account with the same name as on the old PC. This will help save most of your settings.

Transferring data from macOS to macOS

When switching from one Mac to another, the data-migration process is greatly simplified, thanks to built-in tools.

Migration Assistant

• Launch. When a Mac is first run or after the system is reset, the user will be prompted to use the “Migration Assistant”. It can also be launched later: "Applications" → "Utilities".
• Selecting the source. Choose whether you want to transfer data over Wi-Fi, from an external hard drive, or from another Mac.
• Selecting data. The user can choose what data they want to transfer: documents, applications, accounts, and even system settings. The Migration Assistant will do everything itself.

Transferring data from Windows to macOS

Transferring data from Windows to macOS requires additional steps; here are the main ones.

Using the Migration Assistant. Apple offers the ability to use the "Migration Assistant" to migrate data from Windows. Install the Migration Assistant on your Windows PC.

Routine

• Make sure that your two devices are connected to the same network.
• Run the “Migration Assistant” on your Mac and select “From a Windows PC” as the source.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to select data for transfer (files, accounts, and settings).

Transferring data from macOS to Windows

Let's talk about the more advanced ones.

Using the network

• Configuring sharing options:
  • On Mac, go to "System → Settings" "Sharing" and enable "File Sharing".
  • Make sure the folders you want to share are added to the shared list.
• Connecting with Windows:
  • Open Windows Explorer and enter \\IP address-Mac (for example, \\192.168.1.2) in the address bar.
  • Enter your Mac credentials to access your files and copy them to Windows.

File transfer software

• Software: install programs such as WinSCP or FileZilla, which support SFTP.
• Data transfer: connect to your Mac over SSH and transfer your files to Windows.

Transferring data from Linux to Linux

Transferring data between Linux systems can be done this way:

Using rsync

rsync is a powerful tool for synchronizing and transferring files.

• Make sure that both systems are either connected to the same network or accessible via SSH.
• Execute the bash command. Code: rsync-avz/path/to/source/user@destination:/path/to/destination/

Where -a is archive mode, -v is detailed output, and -z is transmission compression.

SCP (Secure Copy)

SCP allows files to be transferred between two machines over SSH. Use the following command: bash. Code:

scp /path/to/local/file user@remote:/path/to/remote/destination/

Transferring data from Windows to Linux and macOS to Linux, or vice versa

We can recommend the following advanced methods.

File transfer software. There are programs such as WinSCP for transferring files over the SCP or FTP protocol. Install a server (for example, OpenSSH) on Linux and connect to it from Windows.

Or install programs such as FileZilla or WinSCP, which support SFTP. Next, connect to your Mac over SSH and transfer your files to Linux.

Using network access. If both systems use the same network, you can set up folder sharing. On Windows, you need to enable file sharing, and on Linux, you need to mount the shared folder using Samba.

On Mac, go to "System → Settings" "Sharing" and enable "File Sharing". Add the necessary folders to the share list.

Installing programs on a new PC: steps and tips

The stage of downloading and installing programs during data migration from one computer to another is important for several reasons, even if the data has already been transferred. Here are the main ones.

Dependence on system features

Many programs depend on system files and libraries that cannot simply be copied from one computer to another. During installation, a program registers itself in the system, installs the necessary components and creates the necessary settings.

The same applies to licensing. Many programs require activation that is associated with a specific computer. Simply copying files will not ensure activation on a new device.

User settings

Some programs need to be integrated with the operating system in order to work properly. After installing them, users can download saved file settings or reconfigure the program settings, including bookmarks in the browser.

We recommend going to your programs' official websites and downloading the latest versions from your new device. You should also synchronize your browsers’ settings and bookmarks and your plugins. Make sure the programs are compatible with the new operating system; sometimes updates or alternative solutions may be required.

Setting up your new computer

Once you have successfully transferred all the data and programs, it is time to set up your new computer correctly. This will help you avoid potential problems and make using your device more comfortable.

Creating an account and a password, and configuring the privacy settings

When you start the computer, you will be prompted to create a new account. If the machine will be used by more than one person, you can add additional accounts in the "Settings" → "Accounts" → "Family & other users" section. This will allow each user to have their own settings and files. All documents, programs, operating system settings and access rights can be distributed among the appropriate accounts — in whatever way is most useful to each person.

We never stop reminding you about the need to create strong passwords for your accounts.

The system will also offer you several privacy options. Look through them and select the settings that suit you.

Updating the operating system

After configuring your account, it is important that you check whether updates are available for your operating system. The updates contain fixes for vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers. By making sure your system is up to date, you protect yourself from potential threats. Also, updates often include bug fixes that can affect system performance. This helps your computer run faster and more stably.

Installing an antivirus

Now that your new computer is set up, you need to install antivirus software. This is critical for data protection and device security.