I am mildly psychic. My powers do not extend to the stock market or horse racing track --- if that were true, I'd be taking a nap instead of writing this column.

Just this morning, an overwhelming example of my psychic powers exhibited itself. Here is my bold prediction: Many of you will be getting a new computer as a holiday gift.

That means you may soon face the task of moving files from the old computer. If my prediction fits, stick around. You can save your nerves and your data files by preparing for the switchover in advance.

Getting ready

Before we're done, I'll show you how to move e-mail, browser favorites and even settings that determine how your computer screen looks. But when it comes to your programs, you'll need to use the original installation discs. Now is the time to start looking for these CDs. Make sure you also have the activation numbers required to install them. Now is also a good time to go through both the data and programs installed on your old computer. Eliminating stuff that you don't use and don't need now will save time later.

Dealing with drivers

Remember when you installed your printer? You needed an installation CD. Some video cards, digital camera programs and scanners also need special installation discs that contain drivers --- the tiny programs that let your computer talk to your device. These CDs often get misplaced. If you can't find them, go to the Web site of the manufacturer and --- in almost every case --- you'll be able to download the files you need. Save the downloaded software to CD and place it in your growing "getting ready to move" pile.

When computer arrives

On the day the computer comes out of the box, you'll be tempted to make the move quickly. That's fine. But hang on to your old computer, even if you plan to eventually give it away. If you fail to move some critical bit of information, you'll have that option later.

Getting started

You'll be able to move some settings from old computer to new using a program that comes with Windows. To fire it up, just click on the Start button, navigate to the Accessories folder, then find System Tools. Inside that folder you'll see the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard. It will automate the process of moving e-mail and many settings.

You'll have the option of moving these settings over a network, or by using CDs or floppy disks. If you don't have a network and don't want to copy data to CDs, you can choose to use a special cable to connect your two computers. If you decide to go that route, tell the clerk at the computer store you need a transfer cable (some people call it a null modem cable). The wizard will give you all these choices and tell you how to move the files.

Besides what I've mentioned so far, the wizard can --- at your option --- move your My Documents folder; word processing and spreadsheet data files; your My Pictures folder, passwords and settings for e-mail; screen saver options and screen savers.

More work to do

It may be time to install your old programs on your new computer. Why did I say it "may be" time? That's because new computers often come with Microsoft Word and other common software already installed. In most cases these programs will be newer versions than the ones you own. So try these newer versions out before installing your old ones. If they are compatible with your old data files, then there's no need to install the older version of that program. If they do not work with your old files, use the add/delete software icon on the control panel to remove the new program and install your old one.

Finish the drill

Now it's time to install your old devices such as printers, scanners and the like. If you have the original installation guide, follow it. If not, check the manufacturer's Web page. Besides having the installation software you need, these Web pages have text files telling you how to install the devices.

Unless you run into problems, you should have everything transferred in an hour or two. Just don't get in a big hurry.

Now, the final flash from TechnoBuddy the Psychic: You will --- within the first month of using the new computer --- discover that you failed to transfer some essential bit of information from your old computer. That's why my advice to keep the old computer around for a while may be the most important tip in this column.

tecbud@ajc.com