PCmover Professional 6

Overview

PCmover Professional 6 is a data migration utility that makes it easy to transition from one version of Windows to another without losing any of your configuration settings or installed programs. Although Microsoft provides an integrated backup utility within Windows, it is rather limited in its capabilities and cannot be used to upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7.

Installation

Although the installation is relatively self-explanatory, and requires very little input from the user, it can take a bit longer than smaller applications. The system requirements are minimal, and the software is even compatible with older operating systems like Windows 95, 98 and Windows Millennium (ME).

Interface

The main window for PCmover professional contains three options – Migration, Windows 7 Upgrade Assistant, and Image Assistant. If you select the Migration option, you'll have to choose whether you want to prepare the new or old computer before the transfer. Before initiating the transfer you'll be prompted to close all open applications on both PCs. After choosing which PC you would like to prepare first, you be given four connection method/transfer options – Network, LapLink Ethernet Cable, File Storage Device, and USB Cable.

Pros

• User-friendly wizard-style setup guides you through the process of choosing which files, settings, and programs you'd like to migrate to your new PC

• Eliminates the hassle of trying to replicate an extensive number of application settings, user preferences, and the aesthetic aspects of your old operating system on your new computer

• Doesn't overwrite any existing data on your new computer, or erase anything from the old PC either - so all of your data is secure

• A simple “Undo” button lets you quickly reverse undesired operations

• Compatible with older versions of Windows (i.e. - Windows 95/98/me)

• Provides a data rescue utility that lets you recover partitions from nonfunctional operating systems

• No need to reformat your hard drive, or modify any data at all

• The software is available in six editions to accommodate the needs of a wide range of users - Upgrade Assistant, Image Assistant, Home, Netbook Edition, Professional, and Business/Enterprise Edition. Note: the free trial release is a limited version of the Professional Edition

Cons

• Only a trial version is available for free. However, the paid version is well worth the cost at approximately $60.

Alternatives

PCmover is unique in the world of data migration utilities because it is an all-inclusive solution that outperforms Microsoft's Windows Easy Transfer and User State Migration tools, which happen to be the only two notable alternatives. Ultimately, there are no other applications that can replace or compete with the functionality and ease-of-use offered in PCmover.

Conclusion

PCmover will eliminate the frustration of trying to re-download/reinstall your favorite software and having to readjust all of the program settings. If you don't want to go through the multi-step hassle of doing a clean install, reinstalling all of your programs, and restoring system settings using Windows Easy Transfer, consider the advantages of using PCmover Professional to streamline and expedite the entire process.