Patti,
You don't *need* a cable (although, you do have a choice to use one) with
XP's "File and Transfer Wizard".

One of the methods is to assign a folder on any sort of removable drive (including
flash memory "keys" or, as you already have one, a USB external hard-drive).

The Wizard, after choosing what settings are to be transferred, are then saved to the
assigned folder on the removable drive.

When the Wizard is started on the target machine (destination), is asks for the
folder where the settings were saved to.

Using the Wizard is self-explanatory, after starting it, you are first asked whether
the computer is the source or destination of the transfer of settings.

Then you are faced with a list of possible settings to be transferred, you simply
"de-select" the settings you don't want.

I wouldn't bother with the "Transfer Files" part of the process, if I were you,
though, as you will be using a removable drive with all the files you will be moving
on it already!

As I said, it is rather self-explanatory but, if you have any problems about the
process before or while you are attempting it, I will be right here to help...

==

Cheers, Tim Meddick, Peckham, London. :-)




"Patti Barden" wrote in message
...
Thanks to all who replied.

The file and transfer wizard loots promising. Will have to look into the cable
costs, etc.
I am using Outlook Express and these settings I have been dreading losing.

Since my husband's computer has XP and OE already on it, in order to have my
settings
do you think I should wipe his computer clean before trying to put mine on or use
his
XP & OE & try & get my email folders on it?
Thanks again, Patti


"Tim Meddick" wrote in message
...
I would have thought that the Win XP in-built "Files and Settings Transfer Wizard"
would have been a useful tool for you to use.

You should be able to find it your Start Menu under :

"All Programs" "Accessories" "System Tools" "Files and Settings Transfer
Wizard"

...or else type : "migwiz.exe" into the "Run" box on the Start Menu.

This will transfer all your preferred Windows settings to the new PC.

If you are using Outlook Express the settings will be transferred automatically -
but in the "wizard", you will also need to manually add the file-type [.dbx] for
the email "folders" that appear within Outlook Express to be also moved over to
the new PC.

In addition to this, for folders and files that are stored on the 1Tb external
drive - all you really need to do is unplug it from the old PC, move it to the new
PC and plug it in again!

==

Cheers, Tim Meddick, Peckham, London. :-)




"Patti Barden" wrote in message
...
I am running XP SP3 on an OLD computer. My husband is giving me his fairly new
one, he
also uses XP.
I have a 1T external hard disk.

I am looking for advice on how to transfer my emails, os setup, data, etc. to the
new computer.
I have Acronis and Easeus programs if that would help.

Don't know where to begin - need simple instructions if possible.
Thank you, Patti