Transferring files to a different device Updating information on a new machine
Transferring files to a different device Updating information on a new machine
I know about OS X and how it handles software transfers. With Windows 8 on a custom-built system, you can move the Users folder from your old HP to the new one without issues. Just reinstall the necessary software after copying. The games and apps should still be accessible once transferred. Windows doesn’t have an automatic migration tool like OS X does, but it works well with careful setup.
You paid up to fifty dollars for your Windows license, though it's typically thirty to forty dollars, and often nearly free for budget versions. That’s nothing to worry about. Yes, and no. Certain files hold the account registry, where settings like background themes, layout choices, and which program opens with which file are stored. This information is essential and can’t be ignored. It’s similar to other important files. In short, when you begin rewriting these files, Windows will warn you about missing components. Just press the skip option.
The User folder holds directories for each account plus a public section. The public area lets you share documents, images, and other files between accounts—though it’s rarely used and many users are unaware of its existence. Probably empty in practice. You can glance at it briefly if needed, but it’s likely unnecessary.
Accounts include sections like Downloads, Documents, Videos, etc., plus a hidden folder (accessible via Folder Options > View tab). This hidden space is called AppData. Inside AppData you’ll find three subfolders: Local, LocalLow, and Roaming. These store program settings, caches, temporary files, and the Temp directory for games—often used to save progress. You can skip these if you wish.
Local keeps cached data, temporary files, and game save folders. LocalLow is reserved for special programs like Java or Microsoft OS components. Roaming syncs with servers when connected to a domain. Local files remain local; LocalLow serves a unique purpose for certain applications. These are usually ignored unless you’re using specific software.
If you see folders under “Users<Account name>” without custom icons (starting with a dot), you can disregard them—these often come from developers who don’t bother to document their work properly. Correcting software issues typically requires reinstalling it.
In reality, most programs run fine without these folders, though they help with file associations and uninstall lists. The saved games folder is usually in AppData\Local, sometimes under Roaming or Documents. Some developers even place them in the same location as the game itself.
Windows Easy Transfer offers another way to manage saves, but it’s not essential for most users.