How to transfer AOL information with ePreserver

To transfer your AOL information to a new computer, you copy the AOL "Organize" directory from the old computer to the new computer, then run ePreserver on the new computer. You do not need to install AOL on the new computer. This process does not allow you to use your AOL data with AOL on the new computer.

First, find the Organize directory on the old computer. Copy the entire Organize directory to a CD-R, DVD-R, or USB Thumb drive. You'll need to shut down AOL for this to work.

Next install and run ePreserver on the new computer. (If you received the receipt on the old computer, forward it to the new computer.) After ePreserver starts, click Next, click the Show More Choices button, click the Folder button, and select the Organize directory you placed on the CD-R, DVD-R, or USB Thumb drive. Do not use the File button.

If your old computer is running Windows 95, this process is more difficult because Windows 95 doesn't support USB thumb drives or a CD recorders. There are three alternatives:

• Take the computers to your local computer shop along with a copy of the article and tell them what needs to be done. Companies like Geek Squad can also help.
• Connect the two computers together with Ethernet cards and transfer the files using a shared drive. This works well but requires significant technical "know how."
• Pull the hard drive from the old computer, put it in a USB enclosure, and hook it up to the new computer. This strategy has the advantage that it becomes easy to copy all of the documents from the old computer, but it does require you to open the old computer up and pull the hard drive.

ePreserver can only copy to Outlook or Outlook Express on the new computer. ePreserver cannot put your information back into AOL.