Hi Gar, thanks for the heads up re: Cyberguys. I've purchased from 'these' guys as well.

Since the entire content of my old computer's HD files (taking up only 25 Gigabytes worth of space) are backed up on my Maxtor ONE TOUCH II 300 GB USB 2.0 external hard drive:
http://maxtor.com/_files/maxtor/en_us/documentation/data_sheets/onetouch_ii_datasheet .pdf

of which supports a relatively fast USB 2.0 transfer (up to 480 MB/sec) rate, I would expect that I'll be able to fairly quickly move data from the Maxtor USB drive to the new PC instead of having to cable link my old PC, or hookup the old primary drive to the new PC, right?

Han, thanks for your recommendation of Norton Ghost. Instead of using my old computer's IDE HD to put the Norton Ghost Drive Image on, is it possible (or recommended) to create the IMAGE on my brand new Maxtor External 300 GB hard drive instead? The reason I prefer not to use the older primary IDE HD on my older computer is because I fear it could unexpectantly go out due to age (3+ years).

I currently own & run Retrospect 6.0 software:
http://www.dantz.com/en/products/win_personal/features.dtml

which allows you to create an incremental backup file of your HD. Is this the same thing (or different) then what Norton Ghost does?

Jose (Route66), thanks for the link to: "PC Relocator". It sounds like a great program (saving a lot of transfer/upgrade time) and at a reasonable price $29, if it indeed works as advertised. I found this PC Magazine review of this programs (and others similar) here:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1593236,00.asp

Anyone else here use this (or similar type program) before? You guys are certainly the greatest when it comes to computers. It's truly amazing how many terrific computers gurus we have on a music forum, and your help is ALWAYS appreciated. I'll keep you posted on PC transfer upgrade developments. I should have my new PC by the end of the week or early next week. Thanks again to everyone.

Scott

[This message has been edited by Scottyee (edited 03-22-2005).]