The following post our Question reader series is a real user submitted question. To maintain the integrity of the original question, we do not modify or change the questions of readers in any way.
Q: We buy a new computer. Can I use Carbonite to back up our documents and music and then recover on the new computer? We do not want to use the old computer when we install the new
A: Earlier this week, a reader wrote in with a similar question, asking if the Carbonite online backup could be used to facilitate a complete migration to a new machine. We will not repeat too much of what we say it, but to summarize :. Yes, you can, if it is a bit slower than a direct connection, because of network speed and the need to encrypt and decrypt data
This is something that we did not say: once you move your data, you're not. First, make sure all your data has been successfully transferred and nothing else (like preferences or email) you will miss. Second, you must securely erase the old hard drive. There is a good article on Microsoft.com at dealing with that much deeper process, but the third disk reformatting software is probably your best bet (or that the destruction of the physical drive itself).
not erase that hard drive could leave you open to identity theft. If you sell, donate, or throw that old laptop (and really, you should not throw that is bad for the earth) your data is there.