You can take it with you. At least that's what Microsoft promises, if you upgrade to Windows XP and want to take some old files and preferences.

Windows XP, the newest version of the ubiquitous operating system from the software giant, bundles a tool to help you save time by moving files and settings either through a serial or home network connection. Does it spell the doom of such useful migration tools as Alohabob's PC Relocator? Although useful, XP's files and settings transfer wizard has its limitations and will only suit those who want to take their files and settings, but not their old applications.

Easy as 1-2-3 (and maybe 4 and 5)

The files and settings transfer (FST) tool is buried in the system tools section of the start menu. To access it, you click on Start, then choose All Programs. From there, point to Accessories, then System Tools, and you will find the FST wizard program. (See a screenshot here.) Since you will be using this tool to transfer data between two PCs, you need a copy of the utility for the second PC, which may not be an XP machine. Alternatively, you can access this tool by running it from the Windows XP disk itself, or you can make a copy of it by running the tool from the XP machine. (See a screenshot here.)

FST supports connection transfers in two ways: serial cable connection or network. FST doesn't support a direct, or parallel port, connection. With the first option, you need a serial file transfer cable, which costs about $10 to $15. You then connect both PCs via the serial port, so you have to make sure that your cable is long enough. If you're already connected to a network, then you save yourself some headache by choosing the latter transfer option. FST will also let you save the data to a disk or a drive on the network, an even faster way to migrate.

Windows XP's tool lets you customize the settings and files that you want to transfer. Alohabob PC Relocator lets you choose to transfer either applications, files, and settings, or just files and settings. XP's FST will only let you do the latter, but it also allows you to choose specific files that you want to move to your new machine, an option that PC Relocator does not have. (See a screenshot here.) Windows XP gives you notice of which software you should install if you plan to transfer program settings. (See a screenshot here.)

Compared with PC Relocator, using XP's tool is a little more involved and requires some additional steps to perform your migration. Nevertheless, the few extra steps to customize the amount and type of data we wanted to migrate were worth it. Putting your files and settings in a network drive, which PC Relocator also does not support, is the fastest way yet that we found to migrate data. (See a screenshot here.) We do, however, lament its lack of support for moving applications. That is no small thing, considering the time it takes to install large office suites or graphics programs.

Summary: Windows XP's file and settings transfer wizard has some features that our favorite file and settings migration software, Alohabob's PC Relocator, does not have. FST lets you choose the type and amount of data and settings you want to transfer. It also lets you save that data to your network or removable drive. It will not work for users who want to take all their applications from old machines with them; FST will only transfer files (MP3s, Word documents, spreadsheets, and so on) and settings (desktop appearance, program settings, and the like). It does not support USB or direct (parallel) cable connection, which some users may prefer.

Pros: Easy to use; lets you save settings and files to network or removable drive; lets you customize amount and type of data transferred.

Cons: Does not support USB or direct cable connection; will not transfer applications.