Abstract: Migration of data relevant to, or associated with, one or more users from a prior operating system installation to a new operating system installation can be performed with reference to an archive of some or all of the data on a storage media made prior to the installation of a new operating system. Manifests associated with operating system components can be referenced to identify data to be transferred from those operating system components to new versions of those components. Independently generated manifests can also be referenced to migrate the files and data for one or more application programs, such as popular or commonly found application programs. User data and files to be migrated can be identified by loading registration database files from the offline operating system in the new operating system, or otherwise parsing a similar construct from the offline operating system.

Abstract: Migration of data relevant to, or associated with, one or more users from a prior operating system installation to a new operating system installation can be performed with reference to an archive of some or all of the data on a storage media made prior to the installation of a new operating system. Manifests associated with operating system components can be referenced to identify data to be transferred from those operating system components to new versions of those components. Independently generated manifests can also be referenced to migrate the files and data for one or more application programs, such as popular or commonly found application programs. User data and files to be migrated can be identified by loading registration database files from the offline operating system in the new operating system, or otherwise parsing a similar construct from the offline operating system.

Abstract: Computer tools and methods novelly combine periodic backup and restore features with migration features to transfer the components of a failed system to a new system, which new system may be dissimilar to the old system. As well as backing up and transferring critical data files during the disaster recovery operation, the present invention also transfers, inter alia, applications, user states, hardware settings, software settings, user preferences and other user settings, menus, and directories. In another aspect of the present invention, a network of shared end-user computers periodically backs up each individual end-user computer to a central instrumentality, in a novel manner to reduce storage and time requirements.

Abstract: Computer tools and methods novelly combine periodic backup and restore features with migration features to transfer the components of a failed system to a new system, which new system may be dissimilar to the old system. As well as backing up and transferring critical data files during the disaster recovery operation, the present invention also transfers, inter alia, applications, user states, hardware settings, software settings, user preferences and other user settings, menus, and directories. In another aspect of the present invention, a network of shared end-user computers periodically backs up each individual end-user computer to a central instrumentality, in a novel manner to reduce storage and time requirements.

Abstract: Computer tools and methods novelly combine periodic backup and restore features with migration features to transfer the components of a failed system to a new system, which new system may be dissimilar to the old system. As well as backing up and transferring critical data files during the disaster recovery operation, the present invention also transfers, inter alia, applications, user states, hardware settings, software settings, user preferences and other user settings, menus, and directories. In another aspect of the present invention, a network of shared end-user computers periodically backs up each individual end-user computer to a central instrumentality, in a novel manner to reduce storage and time requirements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for relocating application programs, settings, menus, files and documents from a source computer to a target computer. The method and apparatus function properly regardless of whether the source and target computers have the same hardware or operating system. The method includes scanning the source and target machines for all applications programs, settings, menus, files, and documents in order to create a relocation strategy. The relocation strategy is created in view of pre-programmed selection rules or selection rules created by the user. The strategy is then implemented by copying, replacing or merging data from the source machine to the target machine.

Abstract: A comprehensive and flexible computer replacement scheme allows a user/customer to order a new replacement computer, and have the new computer delivered having installed thereon, a migrated “user state” from a source computer, and updated versions (and also suggested software predicted to be of interest to the user/customer) and upgrades of user state components with the aid of a Replacement Assistant software tool. The updates and upgrades, etc. include newer versions of application software, newer versions of operating systems, and even hardware and peripheral devices that differ from the hardware or peripheral devices of the source computer. Adapted for use by computer and software vendors and merchants, the Replacement Assistant controls the migration, upgrade and purchase processes. The Replacement Assistant can be operated remotely (online), locally at the business or home of the user/customer, or in-person at a merchants store, etc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for relocating application programs, settings, menus, files and documents from a source computer to a target computer. The method and apparatus function properly regardless of whether the source and target computers have the same hardware or operating system. The method includes scanning the source and target machines for all applications programs, settings, menus, files, and documents in order to create a relocation strategy. The relocation strategy is created in view of pre-programmed selection rules or selection rules created by the user. The strategy is then implemented by copying, replacing or merging data from the source machine to the target machine.