How can I use Windows XP's Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to export my files and settings?

John Savill

December 9, 2002

1 Min Read
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A. To export your files and settings, perform the following steps:

  1. Start the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard (go to Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and click File and Settings Transfer Wizard; alternatively, you can type

    migwiz.exe

    from the command prompt).

  2. From the welcome screen, click Next.

  3. Select "Old computer," then click Next (the wizard will display only those options applicable to your user profile and installed applications).

  4. Select the transfer method to use (e.g., to output your settings to the local file system, select Other, select a location to store your files (if the entered path doesn't exist, click Yes to create it), then click Next.

  5. Select the option that corresponds to what you want the wizard to transfer--settings, files, or both, then click Next. The wizard will display a warning notifying you that if you export program-specific settings, you'll need to install those programs on the new computer.
    Click here to view image

  6. After the wizard exports the settings, click Finish.

The wizard will create two files on the target media: a status file and the .dat file that contains all the user's settings. You should then import these files and their parent folder to the target machine.

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