Moving programs from another computer

I am getting a new computer with Vista installed. Is there a utility included with Vista (or a program available) that would allow me to somehow transfer my many installed graphics programs onto my new system from my old system? Using a usb cable? Or, will I have to manually install all my old programs?

 

i think u have to install manually as the registery is required to be set.

 

Agreed!.... Manual install is the only option.

 

There is no way to move installed programs from one OS to other OS since an installed program reference the OS's registry, so manual installation is the only option, but If you had used portable versions you could just move the programs from one computer to any computer without installing.

 

I usually keep all my installation files on my backup. This way I just have to run those off and I'm done.

 

Why not just use it as your second hard disk so the all your graphic programs is in it.

 

PCMover from laplink can supposedly do what you are asking, but it's $70 USD.

http://laplink.com/pcmover/

 

There’s a greater possibility that programs installed and setup in the previous version of the operating system will conflict in the new platform. We cannot say, older version of some software is Vista compatible or not. If it were the same OS then it could be possible. Norton Ghost is this kind of software I know. No problem about transferring the graphics or any other files but the installed programs/software. You should manually install the programs again in Vista.