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Hassle free upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7

Oct 12

Posted by Admin in Operating System, Windows 7, Windows XP | No Comments


While the Windows XP users were left wandering by Microsoft through their product upgrade path for Windows 7, luckily there are others outside who understand the plight of end users. Microsoft has clearly stated that Windows XP users will not be able to upgrade to Windows 7 and will have to reinstall all their existing applications to work on Windows 7.

Laplink has a multi-purpose data and application movement tool that can make your transition to Windows 7 extremely easy. It’s simple steps do not require technical assistance and an average home pc user can follow the on screen prompts to backup and transition all applications to Windows 7. The tool basically allows you to select the applications that you wish to migrate and creates a small backup for these. After upgrading to Windows 7, you need to run the utility again and boom you are done. This tool supports all major application that a home/office user may have on their machines. This tool can also be used if you are planning to buy a new PC and were wondering how data and applications will be migrated. PC Mover can move data/applications across a network, Laplink USB cable, WET (Windows Easy Transfer) cable or any other removable media that can be used on both the PCs. What’s more, it also maintains user information and access control information. You can find detailed information on this tool on Laplink website.

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Tags: 7, application, backup, data, Microsoft, transfer, Upgrade, windows, XP

Microsoft Windows Home Server

Aug 21

Posted by Admin in New Technologies | No Comments


The term Server used to be associated with only corporate Information Technology setup. Microsoft has brought the capabilities of a server to home users now with their Windows Home Server (WHS). Though this was introduced over 2 years ago, not many people have adopted this wonderful technology. Microsoft has now increased its focus on marketing this product.

Some of the key features of WHS are as below:

1.       Backup & Restore

Windows Home Server makes it easy to backup your data and applications and then restore them with some simple steps. It takes image based backups that can be programmed to perform backup action every day. Since the backup is not stored locally, you can recover your computer even if the hard drive is physically damaged. The recovery feature allows users to restore specific files or complete system which provides enough flexibility and confidence to users to carry on their day to day tasks on their machines easily and without any fear of data loss.

 

2.       Networking

WHS ensures that your home network remains healthy by constantly monitoring the defined network. You can even ensure that the anti-virus software is updated on all computers on your home network. It also incorporates a firewall that you can utilize to secure information on your network. You can be rest assured that no one can access your medical files or your banking information from your computers/network.

 

3.       Ease of Storage

WHS provides a central location to users, which is accessible by all the computers on the network like a shared location. This feature allows you to create a central repository for all images, pictures, photographs, movies, etc. This will ensure that you never miss out on the location of any of your files ever again.

4.       Enhanced Storage Capacity

Instead of adding hard drive on every computer on your home network, you can simply add hard drive (internal or external) to your WHS and it can be shared by all the computers on your network. All you need to do is plug in a hard drive and Windows Home Server will take care of the rest.

5.       Supports Home Automation

Home automation relates to devices such as Digital Photo Frames, Security Systems, IP Based refrigerators, IP & Remotely Controllable Air Conditioners, etc. Windows Home Server supports all these platforms and manufacturers of these devices are now extensively working with Microsoft to provide the capability to control your home remotely from any location using WHS. Imagine restricting access to your bedroom from your office (Cool Stuff, Just hope that your kids don’t lock you out J)

6.       Anywhere, Anytime Access

WHS provides the functionality to access your files, data, etc securely, weather you are inside your home/office or outside. You can use a completely customizable website address to download and upload files to and from your computer/network. It will look like you are working on your own computer. You will have access to all applications that you have installed on your machine back home.

 

With these features, WHS is an apt device for users who have set up a small network of up to 5 PCs at their home. It will also be wise for small business owners to invest into this to ensure that their data stays secured while providing roaming access to all the data and applications. What’s more, you can download a trial version which works for 120 days (4 Months) from Microsoft.

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Tags: access, backup, Home, Microsoft, remote, restore, Security, server, WHS, windows

HP SimpleSave: Backup made easy

Aug 18

Posted by Admin in New Technologies | No Comments


Every computer users goes through a fear, the fear of loosing data, everyday. This data has different meaning for every user. For some it could be business, their jobs, school work, project reports, music, videos, pictures… the list is endless. Though there have been efforts by the largest software vendor: Microsoft to provide backup solutions to customers, but there is a huge limitation of hardware.

HP has resolved this issue and the fear to a huge extent through its SimpleSave Personal Media Drives. These drives have storage capacity ranging from a 320GB to a whooping 1TB, depending on the drive that you opt for. This is not all, these drives are much more than just external hard drives.

It has a customized backup solution built into it. Sonic Backup MyPC Special Edition software is capable to make a copy of all your files. It allows users to take backup with a few clicks. It also allows users to schedule a backup.

This is a perfect solution for people who like to store music, photos and videos. Such users know that these files take a lot of hard drive space and with HP SimpleSave, they will never run out of space with its huge storage capacity.

This is not just a means to backup your data. It allows users to plug it into any other PC and access your data on the move. It can also be used with a Home Theater system to playback audio/video files.

Another advantage of using these drives is the support for USB 2.0. This allows faster backup and transfer of data.

All in all, this is a must have device for all computer users. Go get one today.

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Tags: 2.0, backup, disk, drive, external, hard, HP, restore, save, Simple, USB

Windows XP: Install NT Backup utility

Aug 13

Posted by Admin in Windows XP | No Comments


The default installation of Windows XP Professional will install NTBackup utility on the computer. However, this utility is not installed by default in Windows XP Home edition. Unlike common belief, this utility is available on the installation disc for Windows XP Home edition as well. Its not installed by default though. In today’s environment, where everyone tends to store critical information on computer, it is essential to have a backup utility.

If you are using Windows XP Home and interested in installing the backup utility, follow the steps below:

  1. Insert the Windows XP installation disk in the CD/DVD drive of your computer
  2. This should launch the Windows XP setup screen automatically. If this window does not appear, go to “My Computer“, right click on the CD/DVD drive and click on “AutoPlay” option on the pop up menu. This will launch the setup screen.
  3. On the setup screen, click on “Perform Additional Tasks“
  4. On the next screen, click on “Browse this CD“
  5. This will take you to a folder list where you will see a list of files and folders. On this window, double click on “VALUEADD” folder.
  6. In this folder, double click on “NTBACKUP”. This will launch the installation of Ntbackup utility
  7. Follow the installation steps and this will add this utility on your computer

Once installed, this utility will be available to you through Start–>All programs–>Accessories–>System Tools–>Backup.

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Tags: backup, install, Microsoft, ntbackup, Recovery, restore, utility, windows, XP

Automated System Recovery: Windows XP

Aug 13

Posted by Admin in Operating System, Windows XP | No Comments



Automated System Recovery (ASR) feature in Windows XP allows users to create backups to be prepared for a complete system crash situation. This helps in rebuilding the system from a scratch.

Microsoft recommends users to create ASR disks regularly to be prepared in case the system fails. This is the last resort after Safe Mode and other troubleshooting steps have failed.

The ASR wizard backs up system state, system services and other components of the Operating System. The restoration through ASR can be accessed by tapping F2 key when prompted.

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Tags: backup, boot, Recovery, restore, system, Windows XP

Windows Easy Transfer – Windows 7

Aug 12

Posted by Admin in Windows 7 | No Comments


Windows Easy Transfer is a tool provided by Microsoft (Now interated with their OS) which can be used to transfer files and settings from one computer to another. If you want to transfer whole of your data or just few selected files from one computer to another, this is the tool for you. What’s more, this tool can be used over different Windows based Operating Systems. I would be explaining this tool and its features in detail in this article.

 

Operating Systems which support Windows Easy Transfer:

  • Windows 7
  • Windows Vista
  • Windows XP
  • Windows 2000

 

What all can I transfer using Windows Easy Transfer in Windows 7?

 You can transfer almost everything, except Installed Programs/Applications.

You can transfer following:

  • Data stored in all the files and folders on your Computer.
  • User Account Specific Data
  • Music files, Videos and Pictures
  • User Settings, Windows Settings and Internet Explorer Settings
  • Emails, Email Client Settings and Contacts
  • Data and Settings related to Programs/Applications installed on your computer

 

What all modes can I use to Transfer Data using Windows Easy Transfer?

This is where it gets very easy…. Windows Easy Transfer provides you with lots of flexibility in how you want to move data from one computer to another.

You can use any of the following:

  • Easy Transfer Cable: This is easiest of the method. Transfer Cable is a USB cable which you can plug to both the computers and can transfer data peer to peer. You will first have to install a small software on both the computers, after that once you plug in this cable, Windows Easy Transfer wizard will start automatically.
  • Computers on a Network: You can also choose a Network location on your home network to transfer data to.
  • Removable HDD: You can transfer data to a exernal drive and then copy it on another computer.
  • CD/DVD: You can burn data on a CD or a DVD using Windows Easy Transfer and then move data to the other computer.

 

How to use Windows Easy Transfer in Windows 7 to move files and settings?

I have mentioned step by step process to use Windows Easy Transfer below.

  • Open Windows Easy Transfer. In order to do this, simply click on start and search for easy transfer as shown below.

                WET1          

  •  Alternatively, you can goto Control Panel —–> Getting Started —–> Transfer files and settings from another computer.

            WET2

 

  • You will get the Welcome Screen, Click next.

             wet3

 

  • Wizard will now give you option to choose Medium of Transfer. Choose the appropriate medium and click next.

             wet4

 

  • Next, wizard will prompt you to identify wether this computer is a new one or old. Definitions are below:

              New Computer: This is the computer to which you are transfering the files and settings.

              Old Computer: This is the computer from which you are transfering files and settings. (Choose This)

             wet5

 

  • Now Wizard will scan through you computer and display a list of use accounts that can be transfered. Put a tick next to items you want to transfer.

             wet7

            

  •  Wizard will now prompt you for a Password, put the password if you want to secure your transfer data. Ensure that you remember this password. You will not be able to complete transfer on your destination computer if you do not provide this password. (This password is optional, leave it blank if you want to)

             wet8

 

  • Now the last step, Wizard will prompt you to save the transfer file that it has created on to a location. You can burn this on HDD, CD/DVD.

              wet9

You are done with the first step of File Transfer. Move to your destination computer now and following following steps:

 

  • Run the Windows Easy Transfer for Windows 7 again.
  • Continue till step 5 as mentioned above.
  • Once you have chosen this as your New Computer, wizard will prompt you for location of Transfer files. Choose appropriate option from the screen (Snapshot below)

             wet10

 

              Now browse through the location where you have saved the transfer files. You can browse to a location on your HDD, CD/DVD also.

             wet12

  

  • Now choose what all items you want to transfer.

             wet13

 

  • Wizard will now transfer all the selected items. Once done, it will give you options to check what items were transfered.

              wet15

 

 

Cheers!!!    smileyface5

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Tags: backup, data, data backup, data move, data transfer windows 7, easy, transfer, Window 7, windows, Windows 7, windows easy transfer

How to Backup/Transfer data on Windows 7

Aug 12

Posted by Admin in Windows 7 | No Comments


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!!

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Tags: backup, backup data, data, data backup, easy, how, howto, to, transfer, Window 7, windows, Windows 7, windows easy transfer

Windows XP upgrade to Windows 7: Data Migration Issues

Aug 12

Posted by Admin in Windows 7, Windows XP | No Comments


As mentioned in earlier blog post, Windows XP is not a valid upgrade path for Windows 7. Microsoft has maintained this stance and is agressively making an attempt to control the damage with over 60% of PC users still on Windows XP.

An average Windows XP user would have been using the same system for about 4 years or more. This means a lot of emails, documents, pictures, movies, etc. With a clean installation of Windows 7, How can a user migrate all this information the way a user is used to looking at these files?

Microsoft has attempted to respond to this need through their User State Migration Tool (version 4.0). This tool is primarly used for enterprise level deployment of an upgrade while ensuring that all data is kept safe. Microsoft has also released a video for the summary of the process. Click here to download the video.

However, Microsoft has ignored the degree of complexity that is required to use this tool by an average user. With focus at enterprises who have dedicated and skilled workforce to write scripts and automate backup and resoration, the tool will not be handy for a common user. It requires command line and scripting knowledge. To top it all, there are some noted issues with USMT 4.0. There are IT professionals who are troubled by data not getting recovered completely.

There is an immediate need of a tool that can seamlessly provide this assistance to home and small business users to manage data migration. Microsoft must provide this to Windows XP customers.

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Tags: backup, data, Microsoft, migration, Windows 7, Windows XP