I made several attempts yesterday to use the Files & Settings Transfer
Wizard to help re-install XP on my wife's new PC. But when run on the
new PC it refused to recognise the compressed files it had made on the
old PC. (Something like "Location contains no valid files...").

I tried this using both an external HD and a 1 GB memory stick. I
tried Files & Settings and then just on the Settings Only option. No
joy with any of these.

I'm pressing on manually now, but for future reference (and academic
interest), can anyone suggest any explanation please?

--
Terry, West Sussex, UK

I've never used this utility yet, so I have nothing to offer on that front.

However; "... use the Files & Settings Transfer Wizard to help re-install XP ..."

I take it you mean re-install personal files etc, and not the O/S. Just want to clarify.

Yes, correct. I gave up on FAST (an inappropriate acronym in my book!) and made progress manually. Wasn't too difficult, although it would have been great to get things like the Desktop and her Outlook folders/addresses etc back automatically immediately after installing SP2 on the brand new PC, instead of that unfamiliar barren, but over-coloured environment!

Further research indicates I'm not alone in having this problem. When it comes to my turn in a few months (not looking forward to it), maybe I'll give it one more try. One suggestion was to use the version of FAST on the CD that came with her computer and "...when the menu comes up, go to the option for Perform Additional Tasks, and run the FAST wizard from there."

--
Terry, West Sussex, UK

Why would you use FAST when My Computer works just as well? THat's why nobody uses FAST, it's just one of those redundant or useless components in XP (like the dreaded Windows Messenger service).

If a compressed file doesn't work, try copying again but this time try copying it one at a time. Compressed files are a pain and I have had a problem myself with compressed files, and until this technology is fixed, I suggest avoiding compressed files altogether, especially since they were designed to preserve diskspace and internet bandwidth when downloading, and with the advent of ridiculously-grossed GB hard drives, compressed files have become a thing in the past.

"... like the Desktop and her Outlook folders/addresses etc back..."

That's why I've never used FAST. I use a CD/DVD burner to grab any user files and copy them back into the "new" user(s) directories.

I copy the user specific, not system common, files from;

C:\Documents and Settings\%_%_Users_name_%_%\Desktop

C:\Documents and Settings\%_%_Users_name_%_%\Cookies (if the user wants them)

C:\Documents and Settings\%_%_Users_name_%_%\Favorites (if the user wants them)

C:\Documents and Settings\%_%_Users_name_%_%\My Documents

C:\Documents and Settings\%_%_Users_name_%_%\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{445BA***************************} \Microsoft\Outlook Express (*user*.dbx files if using MS Outlook Express)

C:\Documents and Settings\%_%_Users_name_%_%\Application Data\Microsoft\Address Book

C:\Documents and Settings\%_%_Users_name_%_%\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook (*user*.pst files if using MS Office Outlook)

C:\Documents and Settings\%_%_Users_name_%_%\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\Themes (if applicable)

C:\Documents and Settings\%_%_Users_name_%_%\Recent (if they want it)

C:\Documents and Settings\%_%_Users_name_%_%\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

C:\Documents and Settings\%_%_Users_name_%_%\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch

To do a transfer wizard you need to ensure the SP3 is either the same...or if you have transferred from newer SP to older service pack, that you update the new OS with newer SP

I use this all the time...also the Microsoft Wizard settings...

T

Dude, as noted on the time stamp this is a 2 year old thread.

lol YUP realised that after I posted!! Typical newbie...

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