Microsoft has posted on their website Windows Easy transfer Companion software currently in beta [testing] and avialable for a free download. The software allows users to tansfer files and software from a Windows XP computer over to a computer running Vista. The two computers must be connected by a LAN or  by using a Easy Transfer Cable. [Note- Easy Transfer Cable can be purchsed directly from Belkin here or in retail stores]

Microsoft describes the program as: “Windows Easy Transfer Companion enables you to automatically transfer your most important programs from your Windows XP-based PC to your new Windows Vista-based PC. The software will move more than 100 of the most popular programs, as well as many others that you may have installed. You have complete control over selecting which programs to transfer, so only the programs you care about will move. The software will alert you if some programs may not be able to transfer, or may not transfer with high confidence. Most security software is not able to transfer due to technical reasons.”

Also this program works in conjunction with Windows Easy Transfer which is a part of Vista. The computer with the information to be transferred must be running Windows XP SP2 only. There also must be 200MB of available space on both systems as well.

This should make it easier to transfer those important files, folders and programs for the home user, without having to contact a professional. If anyone has tried this procedure, please let us know.

Comments welcome.

[tags]microsoft, windows, xp, vista, file, transfer, [/tags]