i'm working on a rx3715 and was using a sony laptop w/ XP. now i need to start working on a hp desktop w/ XP mediacenter 05. what's the easiest way to move my files to the new computer so i can use the desktop as my primary syncing computer? programs running on the handheld include epocrates, vindigo, pocket informant 05

answers or links to previous similar threads would be greatly appreciated. i tried searching first, but couldn't find anything.
thanks

Here's how I would go about it:

First of all, you're going to need Activsync to be installed on the PC. Once this is done then Informant should sync OK. Provided that you have your laptop & PPC sync'd & the options set up correctly on your PC then all the data (contacts, calendar etc) will be 'pulled' onto your PC from the PPC.

There may be an issue with profiles, but as I've haven't tried this myself someone else might be able to warn you of any pitfalls (if they exist).

As for the other programs you mention (epocrates, vindigo) I've never used these, but I would try installing them on the PC & seeing if A/S realises they're already on the PPC & offers you the option of re-installing or not. Or you could try backing up the epocrates database on your PPC & doing a fresh install on your PC, allowing it to re-install on your PPC, then importing the saved database.

Whatever you do, make sure you have a backup before you start, just in case!

I'm sure that others will be able to give more specific advice than this, but not having done it myself I can only offer limited advice. Let us know how you get on...

The biggest problem is the emails and calendar appointments. If you do it wrong you can either end up deleting them all or duplicating which is just as bad!!
I presume you are using Outlook. In which case you need this. The program will allow you to backup your personal folder to anywhere you want. Once you have this backup and have Outlook installed on your new computer (with the backup program installed) you can run the file and it will copy the personal folder giving you all the emails, appointments, notes, etc.... Now setup your email accounts and you can now sync your PDA. This is wehre the error could be, when syncing for the first time make sure you choose the option to copy data from the PC to the PDA (not the option for PDA to PC, this will end up in duplicates and deleting of emails).
Jobs doen, you are now syncing primarily with the new PC's Outlook.

In regards to the software, I too have never used either but you can just reinstall them on the PC and AS will prompt you that it is already isntalled on the PDA, just say no. (I did the same with remoteamp which requires a server to be installed on the PC)

Hope that helps.

My "My PDA" now updated with hints and tips including a ROM fix for the RX3700 series and installing Transport Tycoon onto your PDA.

thank you both for the advice. i'll give it a try soon