Migrating from Windows XP and Vista to a Newer Windows Operating System for Carbonite Safe Backup Pro

• This article is for Windows only

Microsoft has ended all support of Windows XP. Please follow Microsoft's recommended upgrade process to remain protected. Once you have upgraded and transferred data using the recommended steps outlined by Microsoft, install Carbonite and take some time to ensure your data is properly selected for back up.

Microsoft has provided a tool that will help determine if you can upgrade your current computer to a newer operating system or if you need to buy a new computer. Microsoft's Upgrade Assistant details the minimum requirements that your current computer needs to operate with Windows 8.1:

• If your computer will not work with Windows 8.1, Microsoft recommends that you purchase a new computer with compatible specifications.
• If your computer will work with Windows 8.1, please follow Microsoft's upgrade instructions.

Please follow Microsoft's instructions carefully. You will be able to use either the Laplink PCmover Express service to transfer your data between your old computer and a new one, or use the Windows Easy Transfer service to transfer your data when you upgrade your operating system on the same computer.

Before reinstalling Carbonite, you should ensure that all of your data has been transferred to your new computer or upgraded operating system and that you reinstall any and all programs that you need back onto your computer.

While many programs will allow you to easily open your transferred files, certain programs require a more intensive import process before the data is available. We have partnered with Support.com to help our customers perform these data imports and get their system back up and running again. You may consult with Support.com for direct assistance with importing your data into the appropriate program(s) by calling them at 1-866-314-1159. Please note that there will be a fee for a direct support session with Support.com. Alternatively, you can use our Knowledge Base for step-by-step manual self-service import instructions for your particular program(s) or contact the program vendor(s) for additional support.

If you find any of your files missing after transferring them to your new setup, you can use Carbonite's Anytime Anywhere Access feature to recover individual missing files from your Carbonite backup set.

Reinstalling Carbonite

Once your upgrade is complete and your programs/files are back in place, you can reinstall Carbonite using these instructions. Since your data has already been migrated, elect to skip the restore process.

Ensuring Your Files Are Selected for Backup

With Carbonite reinstalled, please browse your files using Windows Explorer to ensure that all of your important data files are still selected for backup using these instructions. If you see any important data files without a Carbonite status dot, make sure you select them for backup.

When you are satisfied that all of your data has been recovered to your new/upgraded computer, please make sure to unfreeze your backup / exit recover mode (if necessary) to resume normal Carbonite backup operations.