New Computer Download Sequence - "Results"

wilpower wrote:
Have put off getting a new computer with Win 8.1, BUT old computer with Win 7 is dying, so can't wait for Win 10.
I will download "Classic Shell" and try to live with Win 8.1 that way until I can download Win 10.
So here are the questions:
1- Is it better to download "classic shell" BEFORE, I transfer all my settings/files from old computer, or AFTER?
2- What about other programs, such as Firefox, or Thunderbird, Before or After?
Any other suggestions for transfering my data? I will use Win easy transfer, unless there is a better way.
Thanks for your answers.

regardless of which OS you're updating only data files can be transferred...you need to re-install the programs those data files belong to.

if it were me the first thing I would do after purchasing a new Win 8 PC is to apply all outstanding critical and relevant important updates. then i would install image backup software such as Acronis Disk Image and make an image backup of the original OS onto an external hard drive. think of that backup as your disaster backup to be used in an extreme case.

then I would reinstall whatever programs you might have on the Win7 machine followed by transferring whatever data files you might have. once all of the programs have been checked to be sure that they are running well in the new environment, your printers are working, your network is working, etc. then I would download and apply the Classic Shell. once everything is working I would make another image backup onto the external hard drive. this will be your baseline backup.
I would continue to do new image backups as you add programs and data.

You only need to fumble with 8.1 once. As soon as you fire up 8.1, figure out how to get on the Internet and install classic shell. Then you'll be able to see things like you are use to. Then transfer all you files.
I went from XP to 8.1 and didn't want to deal with the learning curve of the new interface. Thus classic shell. Since then I have slowly started to learn the 8.1 interface. Still don't like it.

Richard
8.1 w/classic shell

Win 8.1 can be set up to start in the desktop instead of the tile screen and also set up to look and act like Win 7 for the most part. I did that instead of using a 3rd party program. Actually I had Win 7 set up to look pretty much like Win XP and My Win 8.1 is set up the same way.

I would save my files - I used Microsoft's SyncToy to do that - it's free. And copy them to the new one. I use Synctoy to back up my files along with the Win 8/8.1 function "File History". Sort of a double back up. External hard drives are so cheap now that redundant storage doesn't cost much.
File history automaticaly works in the background while SyncToy has to be run so I have to remember to do that.

If you save the profiles for Firefox and Thunderbird - user/appdata/roaming/mozilla/firefox/profile and user/appdata/roaming/thunderbird/profile, then you can restore both programs just as they were on the old computer - including emails, settings and favorites.
Install FF and TB first on the new computer and then paste the contents of the profile folder files in the new profile files.
The file to be modified will look something like "631k5ton.default". You copy the contents of the old file and paste it into the new profile file. The new TB and FF wants to see the file name it created when installed on the new computer. That is why you replace the contents of the new file with the contents of the old one.
There is info on the mozilla site on the procedure.

classic shell was just about the first thing, i put on my Win 8 PC when i got it
then i immediately installed anti-virus and anti malware protection

then the rest of my programs

i think it was
fire fox
classic shell
antivirus ..etc

which i will soon be doing all over again on another PC

a hinge has broken on this laptop and the display back light has gone out
at this moment i am using my TV for a display all this happen saturday

this time i bought the 3yr service contract, this thing turned two on Jan 29,
so FRYS gets to repair it or replace it..their choice ?
taking it in this week, just as soon as i can backup all my files and data and verify i didn't miss any thing

Windows 8.1 will update to the new version which MS is calling just "Windows 8.1 Update". By now this may just come loaded on the new computer - it was not in December. This new version is the only version of Win 8/8.1 that MS is supporting. It adds in a number of features including a shutdown button on the screen.

With this version of Windows 8.1 you do not have to use Classic Shell. There are now settings to start bypassing the password if you want to do that and also boot directly to Desktop. In Desktop, it is no different to use than Win 7. If you consider the app screen - that you can access with one click - as just a large Start menu - it has everything installed on the computer there just like the start menu in Win 7 (only bigger) you can use it like a start menu - or just put shortcuts onto the desktop.

I have been very surprised with Win 8.1 Update at how much better it is than Win 8 or 8.1. Hopefully Win 10 will be even better - and will be a free update for all.

Just Google start up Win 8.1 in Desktop and Bypass Win 8.1 password and it takes a few minutes to get up and running.

I agree 100% with 1775.

Regarding, Windows 8.1 .... You do not need the Classic Shell. You would be foolish to install same....Forget Classic Shell!!

As for FireFox, Thunderbird, etc.. Install your programs AFTER Windows 8.1 does all it's Windows updates.

MrWizard wrote:
SNIP

a hinge has broken on this laptop and the display back light has gone out
at this moment i am using my TV for a display all this happen saturday

this time i bought the 3yr service contract, this thing turned two on Jan 29,
so FRYS gets to repair it or replace it..their choice ?
taking it in this week, just as soon as i can backup all my files and data and verify i didn't miss any thing

I rarely buy service contracts for anything.
Laptops are the exception. I have bought one for all of our laptops for years and have saved money in all cases.

An Example:
Last week my wife's HP envy m6 was replaced just shy of a year after we bought it because of it's propensity to do thermal shutdowns could not be repaired by whomever BestBuy uses to do work under their service contract.

sherlock62 wrote:
...Regarding, Windows 8.1 .... You do not need the Classic Shell. You would be foolish to install same....Forget Classic Shell!!...

and why is that???

Windows 8.1 Pro includes free downgrade rights to Windows 7. Thats the solution I took with my new laptop.

rk911 wrote:

sherlock62 wrote:
...Regarding, Windows 8.1 .... You do not need the Classic Shell. You would be foolish to install same....Forget Classic Shell!!...

and why is that???

8.1 includes a start button....sort of. Does not allow all the things the Windows 7 start button can do by right or left clicking on it but its better than nothing.