Laplink PCmover

Laplink PCmover is a PC migration software developed by Laplink Software. PCmover comes in a variety of versions that include the ability to move or restore all selected files, folders, settings, user profiles, and programs from an old PC to a new one, an old operating system to a new one, or an old hard drive to a new one. Microsoft partnered with Laplink to provide migration to Windows 10 following the removal of Windows Easy Transfer.^[1]

Versions

PCmover Enterprise

PCmover Enterprise transfers installed applications, settings, data, and user accounts. PCmover Enterprise automates the migration process for in-place upgrades, PC refreshes, and break-fix recovery scenarios. Enterprise can support policy files for controlling company wide migrations.^[2]

PCmover Professional

The most recent version of PCmover Professional was released in August, 2015 and supports Windows 10. PCmover Professional is able to perform all of the functions available in all other versions of PCmover including: in-place upgrades from an old version of Windows to a newer version of Windows, migrations from 32-bit to 64-bit, migration from an old PC to a new PC, and restoration of an old PC image. The physical (box0 version of PCmover Professional (labeled PCmover Ultimate) comes with a Laplink high-speed transfer cable and a copy of Laplink's SafeErase software.^[3]

PCmover Windows 7 Upgrade Assistant

PCmover Windows 7 Upgrade Assistant was released in October 2009. It allows a user to perform an in-place upgrade from Windows XP or Vista to Windows 7. PCmover Windows 7 Upgrade Assistant will automatically restore any selected files, personalized settings, and applications from the old Windows operating system to Windows 7 without overwriting the new operating system. All compatible applications are installed ready to use.^[4]

PCmover Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant

PCmover Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant was released in January 2012. It allows a user to perform an in-place upgrade from Windows XP, Vista, or 7 to Windows 7 or 8. PCmover Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant will automatically restore any selected files, personalized settings, and applications from the old Windows operating system to Windows 8 without overwriting the new operating system. All compatible applications are installed ready to use.^[5]

PCmover Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant

PCmover Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant will be released in September, 2015. It allows a user to perform an in-place upgrade from Windows XP, Vista, or 7 to Windows 7 or 8. PCmover Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant will automatically restore any selected files, personalized settings, and applications from the old Windows operating system to Windows 10 without overwriting the new operating system. All compatible applications are installed ready to use.^[6]

PCmover Express for Windows XP

In March 2014, Laplink partnered with Microsoft to offer Windows XP users a free data migration tool to move from a Windows XP computer to a Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 computer due to Microsoft's deprecation of Windows Easy Transfer. PCmover Express for Windows XP will transfer files, settings, and user profiles, but will not transfer applications.^[7]

DiskImage

DiskImage is a program which allows the user to create a complete mirror image of their hard drive. Using DiskImage insures the ability to completely restore a computer or select group of files or folders should there be file corruption or disk damage.^[8][9]

SafeErase

Safe Erase is a program which completely erases (beyond data recovery) of the PC hard drive. SafeErase utilizes a series of government recommended deletion methods, which overwrites with zeroes, to completely wipe personal data from the hard drive so that it is unrecoverable.^[10]

PCmover Image & Drive Assistant

Formerly branded as PCmover Image Assistant, PCmover Image & Drive Assistant were released during the second quarter of 2010. It allows a user to restore an old image or hard drive to a new PC and complements all other imaging software. PCmover Image & Drive Assistant will restore an image of an old Windows PC or hard drive to a new PC that has a different Windows operating system complete with all files, settings, and programs without overwriting anything on the new PC, including the operating system.^[11]

PCmover Home

PCmover Home was released in May 2009. It allows a user to migrate all of their files, personalized settings, and applications from an old PC to a new PC. PCmover Home has several limitations: the old PC cannot have more than one drive or partition, it only moves the logged on user, it does not support in-place upgrades, and it cannot restore an old PC image.^[12]

Reception

Laplink's PCmover software has been reviewed by a variety of publications around the globe. PC Authority stated they were impressed with the software because none of their files were missing and all of their applications worked right away.^[13] PC World said that the pros of PCmover are that the software migrates data and applications, and that it includes a data transfer cable. The cons are that it doesn't handle complex migrations gracefully and has unclear instructions.^[14] Barron's gave PCmover Professional 5 stars for its ability to make moving from an old computer to a new one quick and easy.^[15]

References