We are looking to buy a new desktop computer. The store where we had decided to buy the computer promised they would transfer my material from the old desktop to the new and clean the old computer for Grandpère to use. He doesn't do nearly as much on the computer as I do, and the old computer cleaned of my stuff should serve him well.
Well, it turns out that the store cannot do all that they promised, because the employees are only salesmen and not technicians. So we took our old computer back home and, by a miracle, I managed to get the plugs in the right place and get the old computer up and running again.
Now, I'm not sure I will purchase a computer from the store, and I will definitely need someone to do the transfer, because I do not want to lose what I have on my drive in an effort to do it myself. Please do not offer do-it-yourself advice to make the transfer, because I will not even try. Grandpère knows nothing about computers, so he's no help at all.
This post as a whine. Consider it not worth reading but simply as a diary post where I vented my frustration - top secret, for my eyes only.
UPDATE: The good news is that I believe I can set up the new computer on my own. I'll see about the rest.
First Question. . .Were you going to get a Mac?
ReplyDeleteNext question depends on answer to first question.
susan s., no Mac.
ReplyDeleteSorry all you Mac lovers, but no.
Mimi, there is a very handy utility about that allows one to transfer all files, settings and most software without having to reinstall. I know you don't want to touch it, but if you can get a copy of "Laplink" (last time I did so it was running about $39.95) you may be able to find a savvy teen or a middle-aged nerd to do the actual work for you. The one thing I truly hate about a new computer is the tedium of reinstalling all of the software, and this program saved me about 80% of that work, so I commend it. And the nerd.
ReplyDeleteps
ReplyDeletethe program is PCMover BY lAPLINK. Just in case.
wv (no kidding) = icalis: The Cialis for Apple users.
Grandmere, I just switched to a mac after a lifetime of vowing never to do so. I am enjoying it very much --and while I still have much to learn on navigating files and stuff --I love my new little machine... love it.
ReplyDelete...never going back...
Tobias, your advice sounds doable. I will look into the program you suggest.
ReplyDeletemargaret, Grandpère would kill me. He will use the new computer from time to time, and he doesn't want to have to learn Apple, even with the help of icalis. Thanks anyway. :-)
Safe and happy travels, m'dear.
Sigh.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't have a clue advising you on PeeCee as I have been a Mac user from the beginning of Macs.
They cost more upfront but they last a good long time....we have about 5 generations of Macs in my lab right now, industriously humming away. At most meetings I go to Macs are about 60% o the computers in use by my fellow scientists.
But if you won't switch, I agree with Tobias, find a local nerd.
Mimi,
ReplyDeleteIt seems like if the computer is Windows 2000 or above, you could use a external USB hard drive to switch the files. @sebald and I know that the 12 and older kids in our house have done this with files on computers for other people in town. A external USB hard drive is good insurance, too..at $40 to $60. because it gives you a backup copy of your files.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7073746&CatId=136
Well, if the scientists use Macs.... :-)
ReplyDeleteSo you'd rather see me dead and GP growling about his new Mac?
I thought you said that Tom was going to have your old computer! Why would he whine about your new one? I am confused!
ReplyDeletesusan s., the old computer will be upstairs and the new machine will be handy downstairs. If GP wants to use the new computer, he will. When we both want to use the computer, he will go upstairs.
ReplyDeleteThe truth of it is that I don't much want to learn how to use a Mac, either. Why does it matter to Mac users so? I don't care what kind of computer others use?
We're just being Evangelical! I guess we come across like some of them too! Mea Culpa. You should have the computer you want.
ReplyDeleteMarcia, I missed your comment. Thank you. I will consider what you suggest.
ReplyDeleteGeek Squad? I'm sure they'd do the transfer for you (for a price, obviously).
ReplyDeleteJCF, I don't mind paying. I had a bad day today just trying to set up the old computer again. I couldn't get the speakers working for a while there.
ReplyDelete