IObit Systems has released IObit PCtransfer 1.0, a freeware tool for migrating data and a limited selection of settings from one PC to another. The tool offers a simple, fuss-free user interface that will appeal to novices, but lacks advanced functionality, such as the ability to move entire programs or a more comprehensive array of supported program settings.

The program is packaged as a self-contained portable executable, so once launched, it’s a case of first selecting which items to include in the backup.

PCtransfer 1.0 supports most data types – including photos, video, music and documents – and can also be configured to include desktop items, downloads, browser settings, Outlook email, Skype chat data, iTunes preferences, IObit product settings and the all-important custom option, where users can specify their own choice of folders.

If you can live with the limited settings selection, IObit PCtransfer could simplify migrating to a new PC.

It’s a rather limited selection of settings – if you’re looking to migrate a wider selection of program settings or, most important of all, your installed applications, then O&O Migration Kit will ensure a much more comprehensive transfer.

These limitations aside, the program works reasonably well – click the down arrow next to a category to see what’s being backed up, then either tick or untick sections to include or exclude them. Select your backup drive and finally click the Backup button, then sit back and wait.

When users come to restore their data to another PC, they’ll find that PCtransfer intelligently places their data back in the correct locations for their new Windows installation. It’s a little slow to back up, and the limited settings mean it won’t appeal to all, but if you’re about to migrate from XP to a newer version of Windows, PCtransfer will do a better job than drag-and-drop.

IObit PCtransfer 1.0 is available now as a freeware download for PCs running Windows XP or later. Also available for those wishing to migrate installed applications and a wider range of settings is the O&O Migration Kit for Windows 8, currently available for $17.99 (40 per cent off MSRP) for one migration, or $24.95 (50 per cent off MSRP) for three migrations.