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UrbanGator · 11-28-2009, 09:59 AM

Is it possible to manually import Vista user profiles into a new Vista install. My Dell Inspirton 531 crashed, wouldn't boot up at all. Was able to get it to recognize an XP install disc, so installed that. All of my files are still intact. After installing XP, I was then able to use the OEM Vista disc. Unfortunately, it wouldn't let me upgrade from XP Professional to Vista Home Premium, so I had to do a clean install (no drive format though).

I would like to now bring all of my old Vista user profiles into this new install, but can't get it to work. I have tried to use the migration tool, but that doesn't work and have tried to move the user directories into the new users directory to no avail. Suggestions?

SteelGator · 11-28-2009, 11:04 AM

Unless you have some very exacting needs, usually you don't need to preserve the entire profile.

Most people really want to save:

Desktop icons
My Documents files
Web browser bookmarks (Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc.)
Start Menu items (rare)

If this is the case for you, then you can just manually copy these items to your new Vista profile. Let me know if you need more details.

UrbanGator · 12-01-2009, 09:53 AM

Steel, Thanks much! I am still having a problem where I am not able to access my installed programs. They are in the Program Files folder, but don't show up in the All Programs menu on the start screen. I reinstalled Office and they work now, but don't want to reinstall everything if I don't have to. Any suggestions?

SteelGator · 12-01-2009, 10:46 AM

Honestly the quickest and cleanest way would be to re-install the programs. It's the also the best way to make sure it's installed and registered properly with Windows.

UrbanGator · 12-01-2009, 11:44 AM

Can I simply delete the Programs File folder since none of those programs are showing up?

LakeGator · 12-01-2009, 04:29 PM

Deleting the entire Program Files folder can cause any applications that were originally installed on the system to fail. If you copied the Program Files folder from another computer then you probably have some ‘disconnected’ applications in there. It would be safe to delete any of these folders. Since you reinstalled Office it has already placed its various files and folder under that folder, of course.

11-28-2009, 09:59 AM	#1
UrbanGator Senior Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 555	Vista user profiles Is it possible to manually import Vista user profiles into a new Vista install. My Dell Inspirton 531 crashed, wouldn't boot up at all. Was able to get it to recognize an XP install disc, so installed that. All of my files are still intact. After installing XP, I was then able to use the OEM Vista disc. Unfortunately, it wouldn't let me upgrade from XP Professional to Vista Home Premium, so I had to do a clean install (no drive format though). I would like to now bring all of my old Vista user profiles into this new install, but can't get it to work. I have tried to use the migration tool, but that doesn't work and have tried to move the user directories into the new users directory to no avail. Suggestions?

11-28-2009, 11:04 AM	#2
SteelGator Heisman Candidate Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Gainesville Posts: 3,074	Unless you have some very exacting needs, usually you don't need to preserve the entire profile. Most people really want to save: Desktop icons My Documents files Web browser bookmarks (Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc.) Start Menu items (rare) If this is the case for you, then you can just manually copy these items to your new Vista profile. Let me know if you need more details. __________________

12-01-2009, 10:46 AM	#4
SteelGator Heisman Candidate Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Gainesville Posts: 3,074	Honestly the quickest and cleanest way would be to re-install the programs. It's the also the best way to make sure it's installed and registered properly with Windows. __________________

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12-01-2009, 09:53 AM	#3
UrbanGator Senior Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 555	Steel, Thanks much! I am still having a problem where I am not able to access my installed programs. They are in the Program Files folder, but don't show up in the All Programs menu on the start screen. I reinstalled Office and they work now, but don't want to reinstall everything if I don't have to. Any suggestions?

12-01-2009, 11:44 AM	#5
UrbanGator Senior Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 555	Can I simply delete the Programs File folder since none of those programs are showing up?

12-01-2009, 04:29 PM	#6
LakeGator Mostly Harmless Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Tampa Posts: 2,722	Deleting the entire Program Files folder can cause any applications that were originally installed on the system to fail. If you copied the Program Files folder from another computer then you probably have some ‘disconnected’ applications in there. It would be safe to delete any of these folders. Since you reinstalled Office it has already placed its various files and folder under that folder, of course.

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