Windows XP Migration Tools
Due to massive criticism of Microsoft for not providing a migration tool for Windows XP Systems, Microsoft announced today that is would give away a limited migration utility tool that would help people move at least part of their applications and data to a newer operating system.
The tool, PCmover Express for Windows XP, is one of several migration utilities from Laplink.
Also, Microsoft will also begin nagging XP users to upgrade through an on-screen nagware message that will appearing starting this coming Saturday, March, 8th, 2014. Unless it is disabled by the user, the notification will reappear on the 8th of every month.
This utility, which normally runs around $30.00, will be available for download free of charge starting later this week. Laplink has also indicated that it plans to discount its more advanced PCmover Professional for Windows XP by 60%, effective Monday, March, 3rd, 2014, cutting the price to just under $24.00.
A Microsoft’s Communications Manager, Brandon LeBlanc posted the following in a blog today: "As the end of support for Windows XP on April 8 nears we’re continuing to focus on ensuring customers are aware of the deadline and helping them to migrate to a modern operating system such as Windows 8.1,"
This move appears to be in response to scathing criticism customers leveled at Microsoft after LeBlanc proposed four weeks ago that they help others upgrade from XP or assist them in picking out a new PC running Windows 8.1. Those users pointed out that what Microsoft called an "upgrade" required people to back up the hard drive before wiping it clean, then restore their data and settings, and re-install all their applications. The major problem with Microsoft’s suggestion was that Microsoft made Windows 8 and 8.1 incapable of upgrading from Windows XP.
Laplink’s PCmover Express transfers files and users settings from an XP PC to one running Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 8.1. Laplink has also indicated that it will also migrate up to three applications and MS Office counts as one of those.
PCmover Professional will transfer an unlimited number of applications from the old PC to the new machine. Several caveats apply such as the program will not move Anti-virus and Anti-Spyware programs. There is also no guarantee that the application that a user plans to migrate are even compatible with the new Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 operating systems.
What is currently understood is that in order to migrate files, settings and applications with PCmover, users will need a bidirectional USB cable or some kind of storage device, such as a USB flash drive or external hard drive.
Obviously, this failure to have migration plan built into the software, has created a lot of concern for XP users, and will likely require advanced tech support assistance in order to do the upgrades. If you h ave any questions regarding the above information, please contact the CCS Retail Systems Support Department.
John.