[ScottyS]

Programs usually require reinstallation on the new OS from the original disks they came on...

Data files you created (such as music, docs, pictures, videos) are best written to data CD's or DVD's and copied that way. Alternatives include external hard drives and networking.

Email files and addresses should be exported from the email program to a file; that file written to CD, and imported into the email program on the new computer.

Settings (such as email, network, OS, and other program settings/preferences) are harder to just "transfer". You can try the Windows XP "Files and Settings Transfer Wizard", where you create a file to be written to CD and loaded using the same wizard on the new machine. I personally have had mixed luck with that wizard. Otherwise, perhaps just have both machines running and set up the new one manually using the older one as a reference.