Hi,

I recently ACQUIRED a laptop that is running Windows 7, and my older PC is running Windows Vista. What is the best way to transfer my program files from my Vista hard drive to my Windows 7 hardrive?

Thanks!Well the programs may be copyright and protected. Best method would be to use original software to install FRESH to the newer laptop with 7 and just not use both at the same time to stay legal. Its not just a matter of copying directly the programs from program files, but also 99% of the software out there require registry keys.

One thing I have done in the PAST was create a image of an older system and then open that image on the newer system as a virtual machine. You then have access to both systems from one system, but making this WORK takes an advanced user. Also Windows OS is not transferable, but as LONG as you retain the older system and leave it powered off while the virtual machine of it is live no foul. But this is on the edge or legal and illegal as for the OS etc is non transferable.DaveLembke is right. You can not just simply copy files over.
There are things out there that claim to do it, but the do not work well.
As for you personal data, photos and documents, just put them on a USB stick.
Your browser may have a way to export bookmarks and passwords. Likewise with your e-mail client. Or if your e-mail is web based, there is no issue.

But you can not just copy most windows programs, with the exception of those that are 'portable'.

Thanks for the replies guys!