easy way to transfer applications from XP machine to Vista machine

I have an XP system with a lot of applications. I ordered a new
laptop that will come with Vista. I would like to be able to transfer
all my applications as seamlessly as possible to the new system. What
is the best way to accomplish this?

Example of applications:
Word, Excel, Access, Outlook (with connection to Pocket PC)
Visio
Photoshop
Quickbooks
Card Scan
Streets & Trips
ACDSee
and about 15 to 20 other specialized programs from DVD editing
programs to TV remote editors to speaker design programs.

It will probably take me days of time over a couple of months to get
these programs reloaded on the new machine, with the possibility of
some of them not working properly either due to compatibility problems
with Vista to having original disks to programs that have had updates
(automatic or otherwise) that will have to be updated again by going
to the site and getting the updates.


Is there a program, programs or a procedure that you-all can recommend
that will make this LESS painful. Oh, I know it will be painful. I
just want it to be LESS painful.

Thanks in advance!

(microsoft.public.windows.vista.general)

 

For each program, make sure it is Vista Compatible.
Install from the original media, find installer, right click and run as
administrator
I prefer to install somewhere other than the default location of Program
Files as MS has locked this folder down in Vista and many older programs
malfunction when installed there.
If all else fails, install programs in compatibility mode.
Once the programs are installed, you can try the Easy Transfer Wizard to
move your data, but it doesn't always work.

 

Hi,

This should help:

How to use Windows Easy Transfer Companion to transfer programs from Windows
XP with Service Pack 2 to Windows Vista
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/931696

 

Thanks Rick. This just may be what I am looking for!

 

I am not familiar with the Easy Transfer Wizard and am not sure what
"compatibility mode" is. Is the Easy Transfer Wizard loaded on XP &
Vista machines or do you have to get it off the Microsoft site? What
programs are considered to be "older"? The oldest I probably have
that I really need are no older than 2000.

 

Not only the best way, but it's also the only way: Insert each
application's installation disk, and install.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

Disregard. I was thinking of a WinXP to WinXP transfer. As Rick said,
Vista's Transfer utility should help.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot