A new computer is exciting—but it doesn’t feel like yours until your photos, documents, contacts, and other important files have been moved over.
Transferring everything yourself can be time-consuming, and it’s easy to overlook files stored in unexpected places. Nerds On Call can safely transfer your accessible data from a functioning computer or hard drive to your new computer or storage device.
Ready to skip the hassle? Call us at 1-800-919-6373 or fill out our contact form.
Planning to handle the transfer yourself? Here’s what you should know before getting started.
Need to dispose of an old computer? Our E-Waste service can help securely erase its data before recycling.
Before you begin…
Before choosing how to transfer your files, take a moment to review what you have and where it’s stored.
With the best intentions in the world of being super organized, most people end up accidentally storing some of their data in unusual places. Perhaps your pet photos somehow got tucked away in a folder for your 2015 tax receipts. Maybe you have ten duplicate entries in your contact book for a college buddy who mysteriously moved without warning to Uruguay. You get the idea. All of these little chaoses are best dealt with before the data hits your flashy new computer.
It’s also the perfect time to look for red flags that may signal a more serious problem. Do you have files that you can’t locate or which you can no longer open? Is your computer frequently crashing? Does your computer display unusual error messages or annoying pop-up windows which won’t close? Any of these little issues may be a sign of a bigger underlying problem such as a virus or a physically damaged hard disk. These need to be dealt with before the data transfer. Otherwise, you risk losing data or (just as horrible) passing a problem onto your new computer.
If in doubt, ask a Nerd.
Need help with setting up that new PC? We can get your data transferred and you’re comfortable with the new computer.
What Can We Transfer?
Whether you’re moving to a new computer or backing up important files, Nerds On Call can help transfer data from a functioning computer or hard drive to your new device or storage drive.
| Transfer Type | What We Can Help With |
|---|---|
| Windows PCs & Laptops | Transfer important files from an old Windows computer to a new computer or storage drive. |
| Macs & MacBooks | Move personal files, photos, documents, and other data when upgrading or replacing your Mac. |
| Internal Hard Drives | Transfer accessible data from a functioning hard drive. |
| External Hard Drives | Move or back up important files to compatible external storage. |
| Photos & Videos | Family photos, personal videos, and other media files. |
| Documents | Word documents, PDFs, spreadsheets, presentations, and other personal or work files. |
| Financial & Personal Files | Tax records, financial documents, and other important personal data. |
| Settings & Preferences | Certain computer settings and preferences may be transferable depending on the computers involved. |
| Other Files | Downloads, music, and other accessible personal files stored on the computer. |
Is your old computer or hard drive no longer working? Data transfer and data recovery are different services. If the drive isn’t functional or your files are inaccessible, contact us about Data Recovery instead.
Data Transfer: Three Methods
Once you’ve reviewed your files and confirmed that the old computer or drive is working, you’ll need to choose how to move your data.
External hard drive
This is the most hands-on method and involves purchasing an external storage device. These can range from a few bucks up to hundreds, depending on the amount of storage you need. First, you’ll need to connect the external storage device to your old computer via its USB port. If your computer is ancient, you may need to download drivers for the device (the drive’s operating instructions will show you how).
Once you’re connected, it’s time to transfer your data across to the drive by copying and pasting. This can be time-consuming. Pro-tip: Choose your USB port wisely! PCs made after 2013 are likely to have one or more USB 3 ports. These are over ten times faster than USB 2 ports. You can identify these plugs by their blue lining.
Once the transfer is complete, you simply disconnect the external drive and connect it to your gleaming new computer and paste the data across to its new home.
Subscribing to a Cloud service
You may also wish to consider using a Cloud service such as Dropbox or OneDrive. Think of a Cloud service as an external hard drive that you connect to via the Internet. Instead of purchasing an external hard drive you can subscribe to Cloud storage for as long as you need it. Once you’ve signed up for a Cloud service, the process of transferring data to your new machine is similar to how you might use an external storage device.
First, you’d sign in to the service on your old computer, installing the necessary software from the service’s website. The software will map the Cloud storage as a hard drive and you’ll then be able to copy your files across to it. Once all your data is uploaded, you then sign in to the service on your new computer using the same software and voila! Your data is waiting to be downloaded to your new computer’s local drive.
The advantage of using the Cloud is that you don’t need to mess about with cables or expensive equipment. The disadvantage is that you’re usually going to experience slower transfer speeds. Even on a fast Internet connection, you may end up waiting many hours for the data transfer to complete.
Nerds on Call has partnered with industry leader IDrive to protect your files, photos, and videos: Get 5TB of Cloud Storage for just $8/mo or 50% off your first year!
Get IDrive here – or contact us and one of our Nerds will set up data backup for you.
Using a data transfer cable
A data transfer cable offers one big advantage over the above methods. While not instantaneous by any means, it’s significantly faster.
Using a data transfer cable you can create a direct connection between the USB ports of your old and new computers, eliminating the need for any additional storage device or service. Typically the cable will come with software to manage the transfer process.
To use the data transfer cable, place both computers side by side. After installing the data transfer software, your new computer should recognize the cable connection and fire up a data transfer wizard. All you need to do then is follow the on-screen instructions to transfer your data.
Data Transfer: What About My Software?
Installed programs generally can’t be transferred like photos and documents. Most applications need to be reinstalled, although migration options vary depending on the program and the computers involved.
Mac users may be able to move certain applications and settings with Migration Assistant or a Time Machine backup. Your Nerd can help determine what can be transferred and what needs to be installed again.
Data Backup & Transfer Pricing
Professional Data Backup & Transfer — $219.00
Have an experienced Nerd safely transfer your important files from a functioning computer or hard drive to your new computer or storage drive.
Your service includes:
- Transfer of your important personal files and data
- Photos, videos, documents, financial files, and other accessible data
- Transfer to a new computer or compatible storage device
- Professional handling of your data by a Nerds On Call technician
Need a storage drive? You can provide your own flash drive or external hard drive, or let your Nerd know if you need to purchase one. Nerds on Call
Have a damaged or non-functional drive? That may require Data Recovery rather than a standard Data Backup & Transfer.
– Carol B
“Nerds on Call successfully transferred my Family Tree data from flashdrive to my computer. Very important data that I didn’t want to lose! Also cleaned my hard drive up. Good job!”
