How to Transfer Your Data to a New Computer (Without Losing Anything)

We handle a lot of data migrations across Melbourne and we've seen what happens when the process is rushed. A little planning on the front end prevents the heartbreak of discovering a folder didn't transfer after the old computer is gone.

Step 1: Create an Inventory Before You Start

Before moving anything, document what you have. Open File Explorer and check: Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Videos, Music. Also check: your email client (Outlook has a PST file; Thunderbird has a profile folder), browser bookmarks, and any game saves in AppData. Check your Documents folder for anything you might have saved in an unexpected location.

Step 2: Back Up to External Drive First

Copy everything to an external hard drive before you start transferring. This gives you a safety net — if something goes wrong during the transfer, you have a complete copy to restore from. Don't skip this step.

Step 3: Use Cloud Sync as the Transfer Method

The cleanest transfer method: sign into your cloud storage account (OneDrive, Google Drive, iCloud) on the old computer. Wait for everything to sync fully. Sign in on the new computer. Files appear automatically, in the same folder structure.

Step 4: Application Data

Documents transfer easily. Applications don't — you need to reinstall them on the new computer. Make a list of every application you use before starting. Check your email for licence keys and download links. Note: Microsoft 365 can be installed on up to 5 devices, so reinstalling is usually just signing in.

Step 5: Email Migration

If using Outlook with a local PST file: find the PST (usually in C:Users[Name]DocumentsOutlook Files), copy it to the new machine, and add it to the new Outlook installation via File → Open & Export → Open Outlook Data File.

Professional Migration

We do full computer migrations across Melbourne — we bring all the cables, do the full inventory, transfer everything including applications where possible, and verify nothing is missing before we leave. Available same-day.