What is the best way to back up data when changing computers

Question

Well i have had this PC for years so there is alot of data and work

On Monday my new PC arrives. By then i need to have backed up everything important.

At the moment i have got everything important on discs and memory sticks [aka flash drives]

is there an easier way or is this the best?

Answer 1

If your new PC is running Vista you can use the Easy Transfer Wizard but essentially it will be replicating what you have done, with exception that it also backs up settings not just data

In Windows Easy Transfer, you can select what you want to migrate. You can also select the migration method that you want to use. What you can migrate includes the following:

• Files and folders

• E-mail settings, such as contacts and messages

• Program settings

• User accounts and settings

• Internet settings and favorites

• Music, pictures, and videos

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928634

make sure you backup browser favourites/bookmarks, emails (if you are using an email client), any data that is stored in program files rather than My Documents)

Answer 2

We use memory sticks or flash drives at work.