Computer Bytes - No. 38 We've discussed the use of favorites in the past as a way to bookmark sites you frequently visit. (Computer Bytes No. 6) Once created, your favorites list can be as invaluable as your email address list. If you get a new computer, you may wonder how to transfer your favorites to the new computer, or is this even possible? Yes, it is possible. You can transfer your favorites to another computer and without too much trouble. The directions given here are based on your having Windows, using Internet Explorer (IE) as your browser and making the assumption that you are not on a network. For those with Apple computers or those using other browsers such as Firefox, Mozilla or Safari, you can get quick, easy instructions by doing a search for 'transferring bookmarks' on any of the search engines. For best results, use the name of your Operating System in the search string. Before beginning the transfer, you may want to clean-up and organize your bookmarks; deleting links that are dead or that you no longer use. Simply put - bookmarks are stored on the hard drive of the computer and to move them we are going to perform an export function to one of the computer network drives. The drive selected should be a memory stick, jump drive or floppy disc so the information exported can be transferred to the new computer. Don't forget - the method of transfer must be compatible with the new computer. In other words, if the new computer doesn't have a floppy drive; don't export to a floppy disc. We will then take the information we have exported and import it into the new computer. A Drive will be the designated drive used for explaining this procedure. (Note: Exporting is not the same as copying and pasting.) To begin, you will want to connect the old computer to the Internet and open up an IE browser. Go to File (upper left of screen) and then select Import and Export from the drop down menu. The Import/Export Wizard will pop-up. On this first screen, click Next. Select Export Favorites from the list and then Next. You will now be asked to choose the destination drive to export your favorites to. Choose Browse. (You may have a window open that allows you to select the favorites to export. Just choose the files you want and click Next.) After choosing Browse, the Select Bookmark File window will open. From this menu select the A drive and then select Save. After this you will return to the Import/Export Wizard where the A drive will appear as to where you want the favorites to go. Select, Finish and OK. Now with the new computer hooked up and connected to the Internet, open the IE browser. Go to File and then Import and Export. Just like before, the Wizard will pop-up. Click on Next. On the following screen you will select Import Favorites and then Next. You will need to designate the source drive you want the file imported from. Select Browse, then A drive, and then the file you have saved your favorites as. Hit Save making sure the file address is correct in the Wizard and then click on Next. Favorites is already selected as the place you want the file imported to. Select Next, Finish and OK. This method will also work should you want to transfer cookies as well. For additional information on Windows File Management see the Windows tutorial or perform an online search. Moncrief Web2 Home Page Moncrief Web Design Computer Bytes Index Web Design | Search Engine Optimization | Site Maintenance & Management | Request Information | About Us ~ Sample Sites Send Us an Email | Home Page Copyright 2007-2008. All rights reserved. Computer Bytes articles may not be reprinted, published, quoted, copied, or used in any manner whatsoever without the expressed written permission of David Moncrief.