Converting to a new PC

Today I've finally ordered a new laptop.  My current HP laptop is almost five years old, so I think it's time.  The new laptop won't arrive for about 2 weeks.  Between now and then I'll  have some work to do to prepare:

• Confirm all of my backups are current (and keep them current)
• Confirm all of my Outlook data files are included in my backups
• Update my list of downloaded software and license keys as needed to be current
• Burn copies of any new downloaded software to my backup CD
• Create a restore point just before converting (just in case)

My old laptop has Windows Vista and the new one will have Windows 7, so I won't be able to use my latest restore point to set up my new laptop, unfortunately.  I'll have to check and see if I can do a partial restore which includes all of the software except the operating system.  I have Norton Ghost, so it's worth checking my options. 


Once it arrives, I'll have a bunch of work to do to get it set up with all of my software, including:

• Install all software that I have on CD
• Install all software that I've downloaded (from my list)
• Copy all of my data files over (from my last backup)
• Set up my email accounts in Outlook and open data files (from backup)
• Install my new Adobe CS6 software - excited to get the new version of DreamWeaver and others that I'll use a lot

As far as I know, all of the business software that I use is compatible with Windows 7.  One exception may be my "Family Tree Maker" software that I use for personal stuff (I'm the historian for both sides of the family).  I may have to bite the bullet and finally buy a new version, in spite of the terrible reviews that I've seen on it.

As I go through this process, I'll continue to post my findings and experiences, as I did when I was recovering from a hard drive crash this summer.  If you are one of my customers and are reading this, please be patient while I do the actual conversion (starting in about 2 weeks).  I may not be able to respond quite as quickly as normal if you need something, but I will get back to you.

Wish me luck!