I'm moving my programs and files from a GX1 Optiplex P-II, which has been upgraded to XP. Target machine is a Dell GX240 SFF with NO OS on it yet. Has 120GB HD and 512 RAM. I've never done this particular task before. I've added RAM and done an UPGRADE install of XP (Replacing Win98), and I've switched drives. That's the extent of my experience inside a computer.

Now, I want to retire my Pentium II Dell with XP on it, and set up my newer Dell with NO operating system on it. I have a brand new LEGAL XP Pro OS that I intend to install on the GX240, and I want to move all my existing files and folders from the OLD machine to the NEW machine. I understand the programs themselves will simply have to be reinstalled onto the HD of the NEW machine, and can do that once the HD is formatted with XP PRO on it.

I did the UPGRADE install from Win98 to XP Home on the OLD machine myself, so I think formatting the NEW HD while installing XP PRO on the NEW machine won't be a problem for me either. What I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO DO, is get the files and folders OFF my OLD HD with XP Home, and ONTO the NEW HD with XP PRO. I don't want to lose my email address book and Internet Bookmarks or any of my other files and folders when I do this.

So, there's my scenario, experts. You have a NOVICE here, so bear that in mind as you use those technical terms you normally throw around on an every day basis, and just assume that I KNOW NOTHING! Be gentle and very BASIC as you explain, step by step what I have to do here..and THANKS VERY MUCH IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR KINDNESS!!

Art

As a first step see if this helps:

http://aumha.org/win5/a/fast.php

After a read let us know if we can help further.

WOW! What an awsome reply! I nominate Gary Woodruff for President and you for Secretary of Defense!! You've given me a lot to read and digest, so I will report back in a day or two.

THANKS!!!

Art