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How to migrate files/folders on old laptops (one on Windows XP and the other on Windows10) to my new Lenovo laptop (on Windows 11)?

Sam Wang 0 Reputation points
2025-12-06T00:11:26.3133333+00:00

I have a couple of really old laptops (still work but awfully slow and sometimes freeze up). I like to transfer the folders/files/photos etc. from the old ones to the new Lenovo laptop which runs Windows 11. I searched the Internet and solutions there did not help. On one old laptop, one issue was that I used the MS account using a hotmail.com email (on Outlook.com), whereas I use a gmail.com email on the new laptop. I am unable to share the folders/files from the older laptop, even after I use the same WiFi network at home, set both laptops in Private Networks, and turn on Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing. When I tried to copy, paste, and save the folders/files on the older laptop, I encountered Error0x80070570: The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable. Please help! Thank you.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage
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  1. Q&A Assist
    2025-12-06T00:11:37.71+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    To migrate files and folders from your old laptops (one running Windows XP and the other running Windows 10) to your new Lenovo laptop (running Windows 11), you can consider the following steps:

    1. Use the User State Migration Tool (USMT): This tool is designed for transferring settings and files between Windows installations. However, it is primarily intended for administrators and large-scale migrations. It can help you migrate user accounts, files, and settings from your old laptops to the new one. Note that USMT only transfers program settings, not the programs themselves. You can find more information about USMT here.
    2. Manual Transfer via External Storage: If the USMT is too complex or not suitable, you can manually transfer files using an external hard drive or USB flash drive. Connect the external storage to the old laptops, copy the files you want to transfer, and then connect it to the new laptop to paste the files.
    3. Network Transfer: Since you mentioned issues with sharing files over the network, ensure that both laptops are on the same network and that network discovery and file sharing are enabled. You may also want to check the sharing permissions on the folders you wish to transfer. If you encounter errors like "Error 0x80070570: The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable," it may indicate issues with the file system on the old laptop. You can run a disk check on the old laptops to fix any file system errors:
      • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
      • Type chkdsk /f and press Enter. This will check for and attempt to fix file system errors.
    4. Use Cloud Storage: If you have a stable internet connection, consider uploading your files to a cloud storage service (like OneDrive, Google Drive, etc.) from the old laptops and then downloading them onto your new laptop.
    5. Check for Compatibility Issues: Since you are using different Microsoft accounts, ensure that you are logged into the same account on the new laptop when accessing shared files or cloud storage.

    If you continue to experience issues, it may be helpful to troubleshoot the specific errors further or consult with a professional for assistance.

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