I am buying a new laptop. After I purchase and install the Win XP, can I transfer my files/folders and software over to it from my current desktop? I currently cannot use the Windows update site because it says i do not have a "Genuine copy" of Win XP. (WGA validation check proved so) Will I have the same problem with the laptop? I have lots of pictures and software I don't want to loose or cannot access in the transfer. Nettie

First of all copuing files from one computer to another has nothing to do with WGA. You should be able to copy any personal files you have to the new computer. There are many ways to accomplish that. To answer your question concerning WGA and a new computer. If you have issues with a new Laptop and WGA I suggest you address those issue immediately with the seller. If no satisfaction is given and situation corrected then notify Microsoft of this issue. I can't imagine why you would have problems with WGA and your laptop unless the OS was changed. edit Reread your post and noticed you mentioned Software transfer. If you own a retail license for the software you can install the software on the new computer after removing it from the old. If the software came bundled on the laptop you can't transfer it.

I would use the Files & settings transfer wizard to get the documents from the desktop to the laptop. WGA will not affect this. Use the wizard to save the files to a folder on the desktop then burn to disk/usb drive. If you have a lot of documents, just use the settings part, if you want the same settings. And copy the pictures etc to usb drive/dvd. As for the programs, you will need to re-install them. Make sure you have any licenses & passwords that you need to reinstall. Before posting try google. Backup. Use anti virus software.

Good advice above. But you should backup your pictures, music, etc (not programs) to DVD/CDs anyway. If you don't, the odds are that you will lose them someday.

I bought this Dell desktop with Win Me in '99. It came with software already installed. I do have some of the disks though. Since then a friend upgraded the windows to XP Pro SP2. Now conflicting with the WGA validation. That is why I want to start fresh on my new laptop win Win XP Pro installed but thought transfering the files/software over will conflict with it. I paid the guy for the upgrade on my old desktop Dell without knowing it was going to cause all this trouble now!! How stupid am I? Nettie

The upgrade was obviously dodgy. But if you have a new laptop with a genuine version of windows, you can use the files & settings transfer wizard, or just copy documents. WGA won't stop you doing this. Even if the original xp had been genuine, you would still have needed the program disks to re-install them. What programs do you need? There are lots of Free programs nowdays, AVG, anti virus, zonealarm, open office, etc I assume the new laptop has recovery disks or at least the ability to make one. Do this straight away. From now on back up. Before posting try google. Backup. Use anti virus software.