Question about Setting up New Computer

CLEM · ‎03-09-2010

I have recently purchased a new HP computer at Staples. Someone is to come this week and set up the new computer and transfer files from my old computer. Has anyone ever used this service through Staples?

I have been wondering if I should back up my current computer first and if so, what is a good device for this? I have checked on Amazon, but am pretty confused about these gadgets. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.

Trix · ‎03-16-2010

I use ClickFree for backing up my hard drive. You can backup the old computer with the ClickFree then download those files onto the new one yourself quite easily. LapLink is another software which is user friendly for moving files from one computer to another.

jaxs mom · ‎04-18-2012

I've always just done it myself. Yes, you should back up your computer first. I use an external hard drive for all my backups. Use whatever you've normally been using to back up your hard drive.

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CLEM · ‎03-09-2010

@jaxs mom @Trix Thanks for your input. I did back up my info on ClickFree, but for some reason the ClickFree is no longer working.

Thanks for your input. I will check into these suggested gadgets. I will be going from Windows 7 to Windows 10 and hope this all works. I will post and let you know about a (hopefully) successful set up and transfer by the weekend.

ChynnaBlue · ‎05-22-2012

I always do it myself and have never used another person to do this for me.

You backup choices are a hard drive or the cloud. They both have their pros and cons.

You can buy an external hard drive and back your data up on that. It's easy to do and once you buy the hard drive, you're done and don't have to pay a monthly fee like you do for the cloud. You would be able to access your backup even if you do not have an internet connection. Hard drives can fail, so you could lose your backup. It's unlikely that you would lose the backup AND your main drive at the same time, but it could happen. If your home is hit by disaster or a power surge, you could lose your computer and your backup.

You can subscribe to a cloud service. This means your data is not stored on a device under your control or in your possession and you will need internet access to get to it. You also have to pay a fee (monthly or annual) to keep the data there. Fees are based on the amount of data you store. If you keep your data in the cloud, you won't have to worry so much about failures because even if your house floods and you lose your computer, the data stored in the cloud will be safe. You may already have access to a small amount of cloud storage via another service you use or subscribe to, so you'll want to check that out.

Those are the basic pros and cons of your backup options.

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Nuttmeg · ‎03-09-2010

http://www.howtogeek.com/242428/whats-the-best-way-to-back-up-my-computer/

I use a combo of methods depending on the files. I keep my photos on a Google Drive, and the cloud from my wireless company. I use Carbonite for my data files.

I also use a external HD. I like a Western Digitial USB 3.0 HD to transfer my data to a new computer. I buy HD at Amazon.

chrystaltree · ‎05-10-2010

Isn't that the whole point of having a skilled techie come to your house to set up a new computer?

Nuttmeg · ‎03-09-2010

@chrystaltree wrote:
Isn't that the whole point of having a skilled techie come to your house to set up a new computer?

This job is not that difficult. A person should have a backup. There is plenty of info online about getting Window 10 started, and moving data.

glb613 · ‎03-09-2010

@chrystaltree wrote:
Isn't that the whole point of having a skilled techie come to your house to set up a new computer?

You should learn to do it yourself. It's not difficult and when you do it, it's free.

CLEM · ‎03-09-2010

Thanks all for your input. But the last time I got a new computer was about 9 years ago at which time a friend did it for me. So, as you can see, I am not very knowledgeable about these things. Besides the new computer is an all-in-one and weighs about 19 lbs, which I can't even lift out of the box. And from now on, I will use a backup drive.

@chrystaltree You are absolutely right. So I will trust the technician to do his job.

@Nuttmeg Thanks for suggesting the Western Digital USB 3.0 HD. I have just ordered one and will use it going forward on my new computer.