How to move files from Windows 98 to XP

Q Is there a way of transferring files and photos from Windows 98 to Windows XP?

The Rt Hon The Lord Higgins K.B.E., D.L

A There is a utility built into Windows XP for this purpose called the File and Settings Transfer wizard. Don’t worry if you can’t find this in Windows 98 because you can install the utility on a USB hard disk to run on the Windows 98 computer or run it from a Windows XP CD, if you have one.

The files can be copied in two ways. You can copy them onto a USB-connected hard disk or USB memory key, or they can be copied over a home network. The decision largely rests on the number and size of the files to be copied, but using a USB hard disk is the easiest way of doing the job.

Be aware that Windows 98 needs drivers to use USB keys and hard disks. They should be available for download from the manufacturer’s website.

To create a disc to copy the information, left-click on the Start button then All Programs, Accessories, System Tools and File and Settings Transfer Wizard. Click on Next, leave the top option, New Computer, selected and click on Next.

Click on the dropdown menu and select the removable drive to use for the wizard. Click on Next. A window will appear asking whether the old computer runs Windows 95, 98 or ME, or Windows NT4, 2000, XP or Server 2003. Select the appropriate option and click on OK twice.

A window will appear when it has finished with the name of the program to run on the old computer. The drive letter is set to A, but you will need to use a different letter for a USB hard disk.

Take the disk and plug it into the old computer. Click on the Start button and then My Computer. Double-click on the icon for the USB disk and then on Fastwiz. Click on Next and then select the bottom option, Old Computer. Click on Next.

If you think the files will fit onto the USB disk leave the Floppy drive or other removable media option selected. You may need to select a different drive from the dropdown menu.

With the files on the USB hard disk, return to the new computer and plug it in. Click on the Start button then All Programs, System Tools, Files and Settings Transfer wizard.

Click on Next twice and then the bottom option ‘I don’t need the wizard disk. I have already collected my files and settings from my old computer’. Click on Next and then select the location of the collections. Click on Next and follow the rest of the wizard to copy all the information.

Windows Vista has a new tool for this job. Click on the Start button and start typing ‘Easy Transfer’. Click on Windows Easy Transfer to start the wizard.

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