The Windows Easy Transfer Companion (currently in beta stage) is available for download here:

Download Windows Easy Transfer (beta)

Windows Easy Transfer was developed to provide simple transfer of files & folders between computers running Windows 2000, XP or Vista. Windows Easy Transfer will transfer the following components:

• Files and folders
• Individual user accounts
• Email settings, messages and personal contacts
• Music, photos and videos
• Windows settings
• Program data files and setting configurations changes
• Internet setting configurations

When you have completed the selections of files that you would like to transfer, Windows Easy Transfer will display the total file size of the transfer. This will aide you in determining which method you would like to use for the transfer. Listed below are the many ways in which you can use Windows Easy Transfer:

<>Easy Transfer Cable:

This is the preferred method of using Windows Easy Transfer. If you decide to use an Easy Transfer Cable, you can purchase one from any of your local computer stores (Circuit City, BestBuy). Just be sure that it states on the package either:

• Certified for Windows Vista
• Works with Windows Vista

The Easy Transfer Cable is a special USB cable that is installed between two computers. One computer is running either Windows 2000 or XP and the other is running a Vista version. Here's how to use your Easy Transfer Cable:

1. Install the software that came with your Easy Transfer Cable on the PC using Windows 2000 or XP. Or, install the software using the link above.
2. Plug the cable in to a USB port on both machines.
3. Windows will automatically recognize the Easy Transfer Cables presence and launch the application. On-screen prompts will guide you through the transfer process. The files will transfer at an approximate rate of 20 gigabytes per hour.

Using Windows Easy Transfer in other methods you would access this feature via Start>> All Programs>> Accessories>> System Tools>> Windows Easy Transfer. You may be prompted for an administrators password.

<>Using an External Hard Drive:

You can use Windows Easy Transfer to copy files between two computers using an external hard drive.

<>Using a CD or DVD:

Using Windows Easy Transfer to burn your data files from your old system to you new one is a simple process. Windows Easy Transfer supports the use of multiple disks in the event your data files will not fit on one disk.

<>Using Your Home or Business Network:

It seems that the easiest way to copy files between computers is by using an existing wired or wireless network. In this case, you would simply copy any data files to a "shared" folder and then transfer the files from the shared folder to the new computer on the network.

<>Troubleshooting:

• If you find that some of your selected files did not get transferred, it could be that the information was not compatible with that Windows environment. Or, it could be that a malicious software was detected by Windows Vista and was not allowed to install.
   
• Be sure that before you transfer program files from one computer to the other that the new computer has the program installed. Otherwise, once you install the program it will over-write any settings configurations you've previously made.