Windows Vista provides you with some good utilities to accomplish following tasks:

• Transfer data and user settings to another computer
•  Backup data on your computer as a contingency plan

Below is how you can easily transfer data or back it up on Windows 7:

1. Transfer data and user settings to another computer:

Windows 7 provides you with Windows Easy Transfer. This utility gives you the capability of backing up your settings and user data on a medium(Exernal HDD, Flash Drive or DVD). After that you can restore these settings and user data on the new computer using the medium.

Search for Windows Easy Transfer in the Start Search box to access it.

2. Backup data on your computer:

For this you can use Backup and Restore Center in Windows 7. This utility is a step by step guide which will enable you to take one time backup or schedule a regular backup for your computer. Please ensure that you have saved any unsaved data and close all open documents before running this utility. Also, please keep in mind that data backed up on Windows 7 can be restore only on a computer running Windows 7.

Search for backup or Restore in the Start Search box to access this utility.

Hope this helps!!