Getting a new computer is always exciting. But setting it up can take some work.
Migrating your important files isn't hard. You can use a CD, DVD or an online backup service like Carbonite. But moving programs is harder.
Your programs use data in many different files and folders. Most often these are stored in your Program Files folder. Unfortunately, a program is more than the sum of its files. You can‘t just copy over these pieces and expect it to work.
Installing a program does more than add files to your computer. It adds essential entries to the Windows Registry. It sets associations, so Windows will know how to open files. It creates Start menu icons and desktop shortcuts. Simply moving the program files won't do any of this.
I'll bet your new PC is running 64-bit Vista. Most new computers are sold this way. And chances are, your version of XP is 32-bit. Your version of Vista can run 32-bit programs just fine. But this complicates the changeover.
The best solution is to do a fresh install on your new computer. You'll need your original installation discs. You can also download any programs available online. Find old favorites and new ones in my Download section. This will take extra time. But it's worth it.
There are other solutions if you're willing to spend some money. You could try Laplink's PCmover ($40). You can also try Vista's Easy Transfer feature. The simplest way to do this is with an Easy Transfer Cable. You can find one online for around $30. These solutions aren't perfect. They are not guaranteed to move every program you use.
Carbonite can back up and transfer some programs. However, I don't recommend using it for this purpose. It's a great service for protecting your important data. But most programs should to be installed the old-fashioned way.