Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

FAQ
  1. My system crashes, how do I re-download the program and get my registration code?
  2. How do I uninstall your products?
  3. PestPatrol reports Your Uninstaller! 2006 as WorldAntiSpy trojan, is it true?
  4. Setup freezes on "Searching installed applications, this may take a few minutes..." or Your Uninstaller! 2006 suddenly can not start.
  5. Do I need to uninstall previous version before installing Your Uninstaller! 2006?
  6. I enter in the serial number for PCmover exactly as given, and it keeps saying that the serial number is invalid.
  7. What exactly does PCmover move? Will it overwrite my new operating system? What about temporary files in my Recycle Bin or Internet Explorer cache?
  8. I do not have Internet access on my computer. How do I acquire a validation code so that I may perform the migration?
  9. PCmover did not move my Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express, or Windows Mail data to the new machine. What did I do wrong?
  10. Will all of my old programs work on my new computer?
  11. Error message: "This program has been damaged, possibly by a bad sector of the hard drive or a virus. Please reinstall it."
  12. Can I use PCmover as many times as I want if I uninstall the software from my computer?
  13. Will PCmover remove my programs or data from the old computer during the migration?
  14. Can I choose which files and applications get moved?
  15. What do all the Custom Migration options mean?
  16. Will the old PC remain intact? Or does it get erased during the migration?
  17. What if I change my mind? Can I reverse the migration?
  18. Why should I use PCmover instead of XP's "Files and Settings Transfer Wizard"?
  19. Can PCmover migrate multiple users to a new PC?
  20. How do I get my Adobe products to work after a migration?
  21. Do my computers need to be connected via a network?
  22. How can I get PCmover installed on both computers?
  23. During my migration, the transfer stops and the following message displays: "Parallel Port Error: Unrecoverable data error on parallel port". What causes this and how do I fix it?
  24. Will all of my old programs work on my new computer if I copy them with PCmover?
  25. Should I back up the data on my new computer before I use PCmover?
  26. Can anything bad happen when I use PCmover?
  27. My PCmover migration has stalled or is no longer progressing. How do I fix this?
  28. What about the data on my old computer?
  29. Can I specify which applications I want to move to the new computer?

 

Q: My system crashes, how do I re-download the program and get my registration code?

A: If you still keeps the registration email, the code is just in the email, simply visit our download page to download the program, then install and register. If you have lost your registration email together with your order receipt (including your order number and other useful information). Please visit our After-Purchase Support area to get your code back.

Q: How do I uninstall your product(s)?

A: All our products strictly follow the Uninstall Standard of Windows and can uninstall all the files and registry keys. Simply open Control Panel and launch Add/Remove Program, find the product you would like to uninstall, click "Change/Remove" button and follow the instructions.

Q: PestPatrol reports Your Uninstaller! 2006 as WorldAntiSpy trojan, is it true?

A: Of course, it's not true. It's a false alarm.

Q: Setup freezes on "Searching installed applications, this may take a few minutes..." or Your Uninstaller! 2006 suddenly can not start.

A: If you have System Mechanic 7 installed, it will cause this problem. Please download this update to fix this problem: Latest version [need link]

Q: Do I need to uninstall previous version before installing Your Uninstaller! 2006?

A: It's not a required step for installing Your Uninstaller! 2006, but we recommend you to uninstall it first. For Your Uninstaller! 2006 has all the features that previous versions have.

Q: I enter in the serial number for PCmover exactly as given, and it keeps saying that the serial number is invalid.

A: We have seen this issue occur sometimes if you are running web cache/proxy products (such as Webwasher) or applications that "hide" you from the internet when browsing web pages (like GhostSurf). Close out of any such product and attempt to enter in the serial number again.

Q: What exactly does PCmover move? Will it overwrite my new operating system? What about temporary files in my Recycle Bin or Internet Explorer cache?

A: We understand your concern that your new computer's operating system might be altered and your new hard drive cluttered with junk files you don't need or want. We have taken great care to bring you a product that copies all of your programs and files to your new computer without damaging its pre-installed software.

During a migration PCmover compares the files and settings on your two computers. Most files and settings on the old computer that do not exist on the new computer are moved. PCmover includes "rules", however, that tell it not to move certain files. Exceptions include temporary files such as those in your Recycle Bin and Web browser's cache as well as various system files that are not required or desired on the new system.

Q: I do not have Internet access on my computer. How do I acquire a validation code so that I may perform the migration?

A: If you do not have internet access on the PCmover computer, you will need to obtain a validation code manually. Follow these directions in order to do this:

  1. When PCmover requests your serial number, click on the No Internet Access button as shown here:
  2. Your Network Name and Session Code are displayed on this screen. The following is an example of the Get Validation Code screen:
    You will need the Network Name and Session Code, along with your PCmover Serial Number, in order to obtain the Validation Code. Once you have these, you will need to use one of these two methods to obtain the Validation Code:
    1. On another computer with internet access, go to the following web page (http://pcmover.laplink.com/reg.php), fill in the information, and click the Validate Serial Number button to get your validation code. The following is an example of this screen.
    2. If you do not have Internet access on any other computers, contact Laplink Customer Service at 1-800-343-8080 (option 1) and we will be able to assist you with obtaining the validation code over the phone. You will need to provide the above information to the representative. It is suggested that you be at the Old computer with the Get Validation Code screen open when you contact Laplink Customer Service.
  3. Once you have obtained your Validation Code, simply enter it into the Validation Code field of the Get Validation Code screen and click Ok. This will take you back to the first screen, enter your name and e-mail address and click Next. You computer should now be validated and ready to proceed with migration.
    NOTE: For your Name, enter First and Last name only. You will receive and invalid serial number error if you enter a middle initial or punctuation.

If you have any problems with this process, please contact our technical support using one of the options on this web page:

Download PCMover Support Options - http://www.laplink.com/support/pcmover.asp

Q: PCmover did not move my Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express, or Windows Mail data to the new machine. What did I do wrong?

A: If the settings already exist on the new machine (IE: Outlook, Outlook Express, or Windows Mail (Vista) have been used previously on the New computer), then PCmover will migrate the mail files, but will not change the settings on the New computer. This is to prevent potential loss of information on the New machine. Also, most Outlook information is stored in a single large file with a pst extension (EX: Outlook.pst). If this file already exists on the New computer, PCmover will NOT overwrite the existing file.

Once the move is complete, if you are not able to access your old e-mail messages via Outlook, Outlook Express, or Windows Mail, the simplest method is to import the old information into the existing profile in Outlook, Outlook Express, or Windows Mail. The steps below should help with this, but different versions of Outlook or Outlook Express may have different menus.

IMPORTANT NOTE: In Windows Vista, replace all references to C:\Documents and Settings\… with C:\Users\…
To start, we need to find out where the file is on the Old Computer. Follow the directions for the version of e-mail application you are using on the Old computer:

Outlook Express

  1. Launch Outlook Express on the Old machine
  2. Click on Tools -> Options
  3. Click on the Maintenance tab
  4. Click the Store Folder Button
  5. The location of the current folder will be listed on this screen (EX: C:\Documents and Settings\NoelM\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{89968095-075A-417A-8D50-0691E4A8D705}\Microsoft\Outlook Express)
Notes:
  • More than likely, the path will be too long for the box. You will need to click in the box and use the left and right arrow keys to scroll the entry over so you can see the full path.
  • The Identities entry will be different on each computer.
  • The Local Settings folder is hidden. Click here for instructions if you cannot find it.

Continue with the instructions for the New computer now.

Windows Mail (Vista)

NOTE: Windows Mail is the new name for Outlook Express in Windows Vista.

  1. Launch Windows Mail on the Old machine
  2. Click on Tools -> Options
  3. Click on the Advanced tab
  4. Click on the Maintenance button
  5. Click the Store Folder Button
  6. The location of the current folder will be listed on this screen (EX: C:\Users\NoelM\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Mail)
Notes:
  • The path may be too long for the box. If so, you will need to click in the box and use the left and right arrow keys to scroll the entry over so you can see the full path.
  • The AppData folder is hidden. Click here for instructions if you cannot find it.

Continue with the instructions for the New computer now.

Outlook 2000

  1. Launch Outlook 2000 on the Old machine
  2. Click on Tools -> Services NOTE: If you do not see the Services tab, then your computer is configured for Internet Mail Only. In this instance, you cannot modify what store folders are used. You will need to export and import the information. Click here for the steps on how to do this.
  3. Click on the Personal Folders - *Folder Name* entry
  4. Click the Properties button
  5. The location of that PST file is listed in the Path entry (EX: C:\Documents and Settings\NoelM\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook\Outlook.pst)
Notes:
  • More than likely, the path will be too long for the box. You will need to click in the box and use the left and right arrow keys to scroll the entry over so you can see the full path.
  • The Local Settings folder is hidden. Click here for instructions if you cannot find it.

Continue with the instructions for the New computer now.

Exporting Outlook 2000 data:
  1. Click on File -> Import and Export
  2. Click Export to a File and click Next
  3. Click Personal Folder File (*.pst) and click Next
  4. Select the Personal Folder and make sure the "Include subfolders" box is checked in order to export all data from the file. Save the file in a location that is easy for you to find (My Documents, your Desktop, etc)
  5. Once the export is completed, launch PCmover again and Begin a New Migration. Since PCmover does not migrate files that already exist, this additional migration will only be copying the newly exported Outlook file so it should be very quick.

Once the file has been migrated to the New computer, then Continue with the instructions for the New computer using the location of this file for the import.

Outlook XP/2003

  1. Launch Outlook XP/2003 on the Old machine
  2. Click on File -> Data File Management
  3. You will find the path to your Personal Folders file in the Filename column. You may need to expand this column in order to see the full path (EX: C:\Documents and Settings\NoelM\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook\Outlook.pst).
Notes:
  • The Local Settings folder is hidden. Click here for instructions if you cannot find it. [need link]
  • We can now import the appropriate file(s) into the New Computer:

Outlook Express

  1. Launch Outlook Express on the New machine
  2. Click on File -> Import -> Messages
  3. Choose the appropriate version of Microsoft Outlook Express and click Next
  4. If asked, click the "Import mail from an Oe6 store directory" radio button and click Ok
  5. Click the Browse button, browse to the store folder found on the Old computer, and click Ok
  6. Click Next
  7. It should now import all your old messages into the new identity. You may need to repeat this process for your Address Book.

Windows Mail (Vista)

NOTE: Windows Mail is the new name for Outlook Express in Windows Vista.

  1. Launch Windows Mail on the New machine
  2. Click on File -> Import -> Messages
  3. Choose the appropriate version of Microsoft Outlook Express and click Next
  4. If asked, click the "Import mail from an Oe6 store directory" radio button and click Ok
  5. Click the Browse button, browse to the store folder found on the Old computer, and click Ok
  6. Click Next
  7. It should now import all your old messages into the new identity. You may need to repeat this process for your Address Book.

Outlook 2000

  1. Launch Outlook 2000 on the New machine
  2. Click on File -> Import and Export
  3. Verify that "Import from another program of file" is highlighted
  4. Click Next
  5. Click on "Personal Folder File (.pst)"
  6. Click Next
  7. Click on the Browse button and browse to the location found above
  8. Click Ok
  9. Select the appropriate Options to handle duplicates as you desire
  10. Click Next
  11. If you wish to change any of the options on this next screen in order to limit what is imported or change where it is imported to, do so
  12. Click Finish

Outlook XP/2003

  1. Launch Outlook 2003 on the New machine
  2. Click on File -> Import and Export
  3. Verify that "Import from another program of file" is highlighted
  4. Click Next
  5. Click on "Personal Folder File (.pst)"
  6. Click Next
  7. Click on the Browse button and browse to the location found above
  8. Click Ok
  9. Select the appropriate Options to handle duplicates as you desire
  10. Click Next
  11. If you wish to change any of the options on this next screen in order to limit what is imported or change where it is imported to, do so
  12. Click Finish
Finding hidden folders
  1. Double-click on the Folder Options icon in the Control Panel
  2. Click on the View tab
  3. Change the radio button to "Show hidden files and folders"
  4. Click Ok

Q: Will all of my old programs work on my new computer?

A: Most of your existing programs should work perfectly after you transfer the associated files and registry settings to the new computer with PCmover.

In some cases, however, you may find that the program will not work on the new PC, in which case you will need to reinstall the program from the original disks or contact the program manufacturer for assistance in getting it to work on the new computer.

Here are some circumstances under which a program may not migrate successfully:

  1. Core Windows applications, services, data. PCmover may not migrate information/settings from applications provided by Windows itself (ActiveDirectory, IIS, etc.).
  2. The program needs updated drivers. When you are migrating a program into a newer operating system, that program may now require a new driver in order to work within that system or with the different hardware on the new computer. You will need to reinstall the program on the new PC manually, at which time the new driver information should be detected normally.
  3. The drivers associated with the program can't be transferred. Some system utilities (for example certain anti-virus programs) may need to be re-installed after the migration because system drivers used by the program cannot be transferred.
  4. The program is copyright protected. A small number of software programs are copyright protected in such a way that the program verifies at startup that it is running on the same computer on which it was initially installed. When such programs are copied to a new computer, they will refuse to run until they are re-installed manually or re-activated on the new computer. Note: This rule applies to certain files containing DRM (Digital Rights Management) information. These types of files can include music and multimedia files.
  5. The program is incompatible with the new operating system. If you are upgrading from one operating system to another, each program that is copied to the new computer must be compatible with the new operating system. Some older DOS and Windows programs, for instance, are not compatible with Windows XP. These programs will not run on a Windows XP system whether they are installed from scratch or copied over with a migration application such as PCmover.
  6. The program contains non-transferable system settings. System utilites such as anti-virus or anti-spyware programs, and some other applications that install system services on the PC may contain system settings that cannot be transferred with migration software. These programs will need to be manually reinstalled.
  7. The program contains a hardware fingerprint. Some programs are dependent on a specific piece of hardware in your PC. These programs will not work unless the same piece of hardware is installed on the new PC. In such case, you must install the hardware in the new system and then manually reinstall the program.

Q: Error message: "This program has been damaged, possibly by a bad sector of the hard drive or a virus. Please reinstall it."

A: The AOL Security Center uses an old version of Computer Associates Anti-virus application. This causes some Laplink applications to be detected as corrupt. Computer Associates has released fixes for this issue, but AOL has not implemented the new versions or definition files.

We have had two workarounds reported to us so far. If you have any problems with these steps, you will need to contact AOL support for assistance:

  1. In the Control Panel, double-click on Admin Tools, click on Services, and set CA Pest Patrol to "Manual". You may need to remove & reinstall the Laplink product after doing this.
  2. You can add the problem Laplink file (Laplink.exe, PCmover.exe, FileMover.exe, PCdefense.exe, etc) to the list in the following registry key:
    Use Regedit to navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\ComputerAssociates\ITMRTOpen the InjectExclude subKey and add the problem application to the list there. Reboot the computer.

Q: Can I use PCmover as many times as I want if I uninstall the software from my computer?

A: Yes, if you have multiple serial numbers. A single license (controlled by serial number) allows you to use PCmover to migrate from a source (old) PC to a destination (new) PC. If you wish to perform more than one migration, you will need additional multiple licenses. We offer attractive volume pricing discounts to customers needing to perform multiple migrations.

Q: Will PCmover remove my programs or data from the old computer during the migration?

A: No. Your old PC will remain exactly as it was before the migration.

Q: Can I choose which files and applications get moved?

A: No. With PCmover, everything will get moved to the new PC. When only selected items are transferred, important information like registry settings or shared system files can get left behind, causing programs to fail on the new PC. By carefully moving all your files, settings and applications, PCmover greatly improves the migration success rate. After a successful migration, it is simple to uninstall applications or delete data you are certain you no longer want.

Q: What do all the Custom Migration options mean?

A: Migration Modifications (three tabs - defaults checked)

Main

Always move wallpaper and screen saver

Select this modification if you wish to migrate your wallpaper and screen saver settings.

Always move Outlook Express Identity and Address Book

Outlook Express is usually pre-installed on the new computer. By default, PCmover will migrate the Windows Address book and the current Identity, which includes the mail account information. Be aware that this could replace the Address Book already on the new computer, losing any addresses already saved there. Turn this selection off if you do not want PCmover to migrate the current Outlook Express Identity and Address Book.

Always move MS Word settings

Select this modification if you want PCmover to move Microsoft Word settings even if Word is already installed on the new computer. Be aware that this will overwrite any settings that are already on the new computer.

Always move Internet Explorer settings

Select this modification if you want PCmover to move Internet Explorer settings even if IE is already installed on the new computer. Be aware that this will overwrite any settings that are already on the new computer.

Do not move IE toolbars, BHOs and potential spyware settings

Some Internet Explorer settings, such as IE toolbars, and Browser Helper Objects (BHO) are used to provide helpful features, like Search toolbars. However, they are also used by spyware to gather information for malicious purposes. To avoid migrating spyware, PCmover does not migrate these settings by default. If you wish to migrate all these settings, please ensure that your old computer is free from spyware first.

Troubleshooting

Do not move hardware device data

This modification prevents PCmover from moving certain settings related to system devices and drivers. Most of these settings relate to specific hardware on the old computer that do not exist on the new computer. If you deselect this modification, some system drivers, such as multimedia drivers, may retain their settings on the new computer. You are running a risk, however, of transfering device data that is incompatible with the new computer and that could cause configuration problems on the new computer.

Move only files

If you do not wish to move any registry settings and only wish to move files, select this modification. The program files will move, but not the shortcuts used to start them. The programs will most likely not function correctly and will need to be re-installed.

Do not move application files in the Windows directories

This modification prevents PCmover from moving certain directories that are part of the Windows operating system. Ordinarily, it is useful and perfectly safe to move these directories, as they may contain files that are necessary for certain applications you are migrating. (In no case is your new operating system damaged.) Sometimes, however, unanticipated conflicts can arise. Select this modification only if you have experienced compatibility problems with a previous migration and wish to be more cautious. Some applications may not function correctly if you use this modification and will need to be re-installed.

Move Nothing

Selecting this will make PCmover move no files or registry entries. Useful primarily for testing purposes only.

Misc

Use StartUp This

PCmover normally sets all auto-start programs as "disabled" under StartUp This. Turning this selection off will cause auto-start programs to start automatically on the new computer. This could cause unexpected compatibility problems.

Merge Ini Files

Files with the .ini extension contains settings which should be migrated to the new computer with all of the other settings and files. If you do not want to move settings in INI files that already exist on the new computer, or you have already moved them in a recent migration, you could turn this selection off.

Move Accessories

PCmover normally will not transfer the shortcuts in the Accessories part of the Programs menu, because this contains applets that are part of Windows and may be inappropriate on the new operating system. Select this option to have PCmover transfer Accessories normally. Even if you select this option, PCmover will not overwrite Accessories shortcuts that are already on the new computer.

Move Control Panel Icons

PCmover normally will not transfer Control Panel icons, because these frequently are used to configure hardware that was on the old computer. Select this option if you want PCmover to transfer them anyway, perhaps because an important application uses a Control Panel icon to configure itself.

Q: Will the old PC remain intact? Or does it get erased during the migration?

A: Your old PC will not change; it remains fully intact after the migration.

Q: What if I change my mind? Can I reverse the migration?

A: Yes. PCmover includes an easy "Undo" feature that will safely restore your new PC to its original state in just a few minutes. If you change your mind again, you can redo the migration without buying a new serial number, as this is still the same "pair" of PCs.

Q: Why should I use PCmover instead of XP's "Files and Settings Transfer Wizard"?

A: The Files and Settings Transfer Wizard included with Windows XP can transfer certain Windows settings from your old computer to the new one (including your personalized Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, desktop, display, and dial-up connection settings) and your data files. PCMover can transfer all of your Windows settings, all of your data files, plus all of your applications.

Imagine how long it would take to re-install all the software you use on your old computer -- assuming you can even find all those CDs, serial numbers, and files you've downloaded to your hard drive over the years! PCmover can save you hours (or even days) of work by transferring all of your settings, data files, and applications.

Q: Can PCmover migrate multiple users to a new PC?

A: Yes. It is not uncommon for several individuals in a family or business to use a single computer, with individual user profiles set up on the computer for each person. It is a simple matter to migrate multiple users to a new PC.
Make sure you have the latest version of PCmover installed. If you did not install from a fresh download, uninstall from both computers, download a fresh copy from the following web page, and install it on both computers. All existing serial numbers will work in the New version.

Download http://download.laplink.com/pcmover/pcmover_en.exe

Q: How do I get my Adobe products to work after a migration?

A: We have discovered a problem with the migration of Adobe products and are working to resolve it. If you are unable to run an Adobe product after migrating it to the New computer using PCmover, then follow these steps to resolve the problem:

  1. Double-click on My Computer
  2. Double-click on the C drive
  3. Double-click on the Documents and Settings folder
  4. Double-click on the All Users folder
  5. Double-click on the Application Data folder
  6. Double-click on the Adobe Systems folder
  7. Right-click on the Product Licenses folder and choose Properties
  8. If you see the Security tab, click on it and go to step 9.
    If you do not see the Security tab: cancel this screen, click on Tools -> Folder Options at the top of the My Computer window, click on the View tab, scroll all the way to the bottom, uncheck the Use simple file sharing (Recommended), and click Ok. Return to step 7
  9. If Everyone is NOT on the list, follow these directions:
    1. Click on the Add button
    2. Type Everyone into the "Enter the object names to select (examples):" box
    3. Click on the Check Names button
    4. Click Ok
  10. Click on Everyone so that it is highlighted
  11. In the lower section of the window, click the check box next to Full Control under the Allow column and make sure none of the boxes in the Deny column are checked.
  12. Click Ok.

When you launch the Adobe product now, it should ask for activation and once that is done, it should work properly.

Q: Do my computers need to be connected via a network?

A: The fastest way to migrate your files and settings from your old computer to your system is over a network, but other methods are also available.

If your computers are not currently networked but each has a USB port, you can easily create a network with a USB network cable available through our online store. You can also transfer your data over a Laplink Parallel cable that can be purchased from our online store as well.

You can also use various types of removable media (such as Zip disks) providing that both computers can read the disks. Or you can transfer your files from the old computer to a file server (a third computer than can be made accessible to both the old and new computer) and then transfer them from the file server to the new PC. The migration takes longer using removable media or a file server, but these methods allow you to migrate data between computers that are not networked OR in the same location.

Q: How can I get PCmover installed on both computers?

A: If the computers can talk to each other over a network, you can download the software to one computer and then transfer it to the other over the network.

If the computers are not on a network but both have access to the Internet, you can download the software from our Web site twice (once to each computer).

If only one computer has Internet access, you can copy PCmover from one computer to the other using removable media such as floppy disks, Zip drives, or CDs, providing both PCs can read that type of media.

Q: During my migration, the transfer stops and the following message displays: "Parallel Port Error: Unrecoverable data error on parallel port". What causes this and how do I fix it?

A: This error can occur for the following reasons:

  • If either of the computers is running Windows XP, PCMover must be installed on that computer with the "Prepare for a migration over the parallel port" option checked. If you disabled this option during installation, re-install PCMover, making sure this option is enabled.
  • A printer or some other device (such as a scanner or zip drive) may be configured to access the parallel port even when you are not using the device. If this is the case, temporarily re-configure the driver for that device so that it does not access the printer port.
  • If Windows is configured for "Direct Cable Connection" (DCC), which is also called "Direct Parallel Incoming or Outgoing Connection" on Windows XP, Windows will access the parallel port and interfere with the migration. If DCC is installed, disable it.

When the problem is corrected, re-start PCMover on both computers and start the migration again.

Q: Will all of my old programs work on my new computer if I copy them with PCmover?

A: The vast majority of your existing programs should work perfectly after you transfer their files and Registry settings to your new computer with PCmover. In some cases, however, a program may need to be re-installed on the new computer.

  • When a change in operating system is involved, one or more drivers required by the new operating system may not be transferred from the old computer. (The reason for this is simple: the drivers were never installed on the old system because that operating system did not require them.)
  • Some system utilities (e.g. certain anti-virus programs) may need to be re-installed after the migration because system drivers used by the program are not transferred.
  • A small number of software programs use a form of copy protection in which the application verifies at start-up that it is running on the same computer on which it was initially installed. When such programs are copied to a new computer, they will, by design, refuse to run and must be re-installed on the new computer.
  • If you are upgrading from one operating system to another, each program that is copied to the new computer must be compatible with the new operating system. Some older DOS and Windows programs, for instance, are not compatible with Windows XP. Such programs will not run on a Windows XP system whether they are installed from scratch or copied over with a migration application such as PCMover

Q: Should I back up the data on my new computer before I use PCmover?

A: It is highly unlikely that PCmover would result in any loss of data on your new computer. However, before you make changes to a computer system using Move Me or any other utility program, you should always make sure that you can return the system to its previous state if a problem should arise.

Many new computers include a CD-ROM disk that allows you to easily restore the factory-installed software on the hard disk (including the Windows operating system and all applications) in a single step. Without such a disk, restoration is a more time consuming process, involving the reinstallation of the operating system and applications from original CDs or diskettes.

If you are upgrading a new computer that does not include such a Restore or Recovery CD, we recommend that you back up the data on the computer's hard drive before proceeding to save time in the event of a problem.

Q: Can anything bad happen when I use PCmover?

A: During the migration process no changes are made to the old computer and so there is no chance that anything bad will happen to it as a result of the migration.

The only steps in the PCmover upgrade process which could potentially result in the loss of data on your new computer system are unloading the moving van and undoing the unload, which involve copying or deleting files and registry settings on your new computer. Prior to unloading the moving van on your new computer, all you are doing is evaluating the files and settings on your old computer and creating files to be used during these two steps.
Although it is highly unlikely that a problem will occur during the migration, you always have the option of performing an "Undo the Unload" on the new computer if you are unhappy with the result for any reason. When you undo the move, the new computer is returned to its pre-upgrade state.

Note: As a standard precautionary measure, we recommend you back up all your data before performing a migration. If you are running Windows XP, then creating a restore point should suffice.

Q: My PCmover migration has stalled or is no longer progressing. How do I fix this?

A: It is recommended that you disable Windows Automatic Updates as this may cause the migration to fail. See the Windows help files or contact Microsoft for assistance on disabling this Windows feature.

  1. Close PCmover on both computers, clean boot both computers using the steps in the following web document, and Begin a New Migration.
    http://www.laplink.com/support/kb/article.asp?ID=252
  2. Run a surface scan on all drives on both computers, using Scandisk or Chkdsk. Once the scan is completed, try the migration again.
    In Windows XP/Vista, right-click on the drive in My Computer or Windows Explorer, choose Properties, click on the Tools tab, click on the Error Checking button, check both boxes, and click Ok. Restart if requested.
    NOTE: This process will take about an hour for the average hard drive.
  3. Completely remove all firewall, anti-virus, and anti-spyware applications from both computers and then try the migration again.

Q: What about the data on my old computer?

A: PCMover makes no changes to your old computer. It simply copies files and settings from that PC to the new one. Although you should always make regular back-ups of valuable data on your hard drive, the information on your old computer is not in any way endangered by PCMover's migration process.

Q: Can I specify which applications I want to move to the new computer?

A: PCmover will transfer all of the applications and settings that do not already exist on the new computer. You can make minor modifications to customize the move. For instance, you can specify whether or not you want to move the following items: Desktop Settings; Outlook Mailboxes; Current Identity and Addressbook; Microsoft Word Settings; Internet Explorer Settings.