Start Welcome
Welcome

Welcome to Desktop DNA, a comprehensive utility for system migration.  Desktop DNA can replicate just about any element of your computer system such as your Windows® and desktop settings; your application settings, macros, preferences or browser bookmarks; and all of your data files and folders.

Desktop DNA gives you the option of migrating over a TCP/IP network or creating a DNA file.  The DNA file lets you migrate to another system using removable storage media like zip disks or writable CDs.  It is also an ideal method for making routine system backups to store on a server.

A wealth of features help you migrate and back-up easily, quickly and reliably, whether you are dealing with one system or many.  Desktop DNA offers compatibility with multiple Windows® OS versions, letting you migrate even customized settings like your desktop environment from, for example, Windows 95® to Windows 98® or Windows NT®.

Desktop DNA primarily uses scripts to migrate system settings and common applications and their settings.  A script is a command language program that automatically performs a set of Windows® functions.

For those applications that have not been scripted, Desktop DNA incorporates Muscle Migration®.  This technology creates a set of scripts on-the-fly within Desktop DNA.  For more information on Muscle Migration®, click here.

If your computer system has multiple users, Desktop DNA can migrate one or more or all users in a single migration.  For more information on multiple user migration, click here.

Press the Help Topics button to see the table of contents for Desktop DNA's entire help system.

The Start tab page allows you to:

•	Choose a network or a DNA file migration

•	Specify the system you are on

•	Assign a password to the source system

•	Connect to the source system

•	Create a DNA file

____________________

Miramar Systems, Inc.

This help system and the software described in it are copyrighted, with all rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, this help system or the software may not be copied in whole or in part, without written consent of Miramar, except in the normal use of the software or to make a backup copy of the software. The same proprietary and copyright notices must be affixed to any permitted copies as were affixed to the original. This exception does not allow copies to be made for others, whether or not sold, but all of the material purchased (with all backup copies) may be sold, given or loaned to another person. Under the law, copying includes translating into another language or format.

You may use the software and this help system on any computer owned by you within the restrictions of the software license.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this help system is accurate. Miramar is not responsible for clerical errors.

© Miramar Systems, Inc., 2000. All rights reserved.

10 East Yanonali St.

Santa Barbara, CA 93101

(805) 966-2432

Desktop DNA, Muscle Migration and the Miramar logo are trademarks of Miramar Systems, Inc.


Local or Remote?

Choosing a network or DNA file migration

On this page you decide whether to migrate from one system to another over the network or to perform tasks related to the creation or use of a DNA File.  In either case, Desktop DNA will be a source of what gets migrated or will be a destination for what gets migrated.

In the How do you want to transfer your DNA? page:

•	Press the Network button if you want to migrate over a network

Pressing the Network button will set Desktop DNA to function in network client-server mode.  The source system becomes the 'server' and another Windows® PC, the destination, becomes the client.  In this mode, the server is more passive while the client performs most of the migration tasks.  This mode requires two Windows® systems to be connected (networked) via TCP/IP.

•	Press the DNA File button if you want to create or open a DNA file

Pressing the DNA File button will set Desktop DNA to function locally.  The system that creates a DNA file becomes the 'source' while the 'destination' loads and applies a previously created DNA file.  Once a DNA file is created, it becomes a 'snapshot' of the source at the time the file was created.  This file can then be stored for later use, such as for disaster recovery, or be copied to another system using a file server or removable media.


Client Server
Client-server Mode

On this page you decide whether this system will be the Desktop DNA server (i.e. source system) or whether this system will be the Desktop DNA client (i.e. destination system).

After pressing the Source system button, each application script will be loaded and the local system will be scanned to detect whether any of the corresponding applications are installed.

After pressing the Destination system button, the local system will scan the network for the presence of a Desktop DNA 'server.'


Enter a Password

Other than by password, there is no system access restriction set by the Desktop DNA 'server.'  Any client to the source system will have full access to all of the source's files and folders.  Assigning a password (five to eight characters) protects the source system from unauthorized migrations. On a Windows NT® system, access will be restricted to the privileges granted to the currently logged in user.  It is highly recommended to set a unique password for the server and to close Desktop DNA once the migration is completed.  Assigning a password is optional.

After setting a password for the Desktop DNA server, the server will listen for any Desktop DNA client connection request.


Server Connection
Connection Status

While performing the function of a Desktop DNA server there will be a number of different messages displayed indicating the current server status:

•	Waiting for connection

•	A destination system has been found

•	Connected to system

"Waiting for connection" indicates that the server has not detected any client requesting a connection.  At this stage you are requested to run Desktop DNA on the destination system.

"A destination system has been found" indicates that a Desktop DNA client has broadcast on the network and has been detected by the Desktop DNA server.

"Connected to system" indicates that a Desktop DNA client has successfully connected to the Desktop DNA server.  In addition, the double helix graphic will begin to rotate.


Client Connection

In the Connection status page:

•	If Desktop DNA has found the system you want to connect to, click on the Connect button.

•	To display the Search for Source systems page, which lists the source systems available on the network, press the Find Others button.

•	To enter an IP address or DNS name for the 'server', press the IP Address button

•	If a Desktop DNA password was assigned on the 'server,' you will be prompted for it before being connected.


Machine Browser
Source systems

On this page is a list of all of the Desktop DNA 'servers' found on the network.

•	In this page, click to select a system, then press the Next button to connect to it.

•	To enter an IP address or DNS name for the source system, press the IP Address button

•	To sort the list by DNS name, press the System Name button.

•	To sort the list by IP address, press the Address button.

•	To sort the list by OS, press the Operating System button.


Enter IP Address

To connect to a Desktop DNA 'server' not listed, enter an IP address or DNS name, and press the OK button.


Load Storage File
Make or Load a DNA File

On this page you are given a choice to either create a new DNA file or open an existing one.  A DNA file contains all of the system settings, application settings, along with all of the files and folders you have chosen to store.  This file may be stored for later use or saved to removable media to 'migrate' to another system.

In the Create or open a DNA file page:

•	Press the Create a DNA file button to create a new DNA file

•	Press the Open a DNA file button to open a DNA file.


Storage File Browser
DNA File Browser

On this page you are requested to enter the complete path to your DNA file.  For your convenience the edit field will contain the last known DNA file created on this system.  Press the Browse button to open a dialog box to aid you in your effort to locate your DNA file.


Edit Storage File
Edit a DNA File

After you have loaded a DNA file, there are two possibilities.  By default, all items in the DNA file are selected when it is loaded.  (This behavior is different, however, when you apply a profile.)  If you are satisfied with the default behavior, press the Go to Destination button.  If you need to make any changes or want to review the current selections, press the Edit Selections button.


Settings Welcome

Now that you have chosen the type of migration to perform, you need to decide what will be migrated or stored in a DNA file.

This tab page allows you to:

•	Select one or more of any of the users who use this system.

•	Select which of the computer users’ settings to migrate

•	Select system settings like Registry, Desktop and Network settings.

•	Select applications to migrate.

•	 Select application settings like macros, preferences and browser bookmarks.

•	Select folders and files to migrate.

Note:

Because Desktop DNA detects your operating system settings, installed applications and available drives, the choices available in the Settings tab correspond to the items on the source system which are available for migration.


Select Users to migrate

On this page you chose to migrate the settings for just the currently logged in user or one or more of any of the users who use this system.

•	Press the Current User button to migrate the settings for the user who is currently logged into the system.

•	Press the Multiple Users button to select which users of this computer will have their settings migrated.

Notes:

1	You must have full Administrator privileges to migrate multiple users in Windows NT or Windows 2000.

2	If you are migrating one or more users to a new or different domain, you must be a Domain Administrator.

For more information concerning migrating the settings of Multiple Users, click here.


Select Users

On this page you chose to migrate the settings for one or more users of this system.  Each user is identified as a “user profile” on a Windows system.

•	Press the Print… button to print the contents of the list.

•	Press the Passwords button to set the password or password generation behavior when applying a multi-user migration.

•	Uncheck the Show orphan profiles checkbox to prevent the migration of orphan user profiles

An “orphan profile” can be either a domain user profile that exists on the local system but has been removed from the domain or a user profile from a domain other than the one to which the current user has authenticated.  Unchecking the Show orphan profiles checkbox will prevent the migration of these users’ settings.

When the Passwords button is pressed, you’re presented with this dialog box:

•	Select one of the password option radio buttons.

•	Check the Users must change… checkbox to specify that the user must change their password the next time the user logs into the new system.

When the Specify… button opposite the Use randomly generated passwords checkbox is pressed, you’ll see this dialog box:

Note:

If this method is used, the generated password can be found in the Exception Log after the migration has completed.


System Settings

The first items to choose are settings specific to the operating system.

In the Select system settings page:

•	Click on the + sign to expand the list and show all the system settings in a category.

•	Click on a checkbox next to a + sign to select all the system settings in a category.

•	Press the Select All button to check all of the settings on the source system.

•	Press the Deselect All button to uncheck all of the settings on the source system.

•	Press the Print… button to have the contents of the adjacent list view printed.

Note:

Unless you are certain that you want to migrate everything in a category, be sure to click on the plus signs to display the items and subcategories under a category. For instance, if you check the Appearance checkbox without displaying and selecting its subcategories, all of your source system’s fonts will be migrated.


Application Settings

The next items to choose are the applications and application settings.

In the Select applications and settings page:

•	Click on the + sign next to an application to display the application settings you can choose.

•	Click on the checkbox next to an application to select all possible settings for that application.

•	To migrate just the application, check the Application checkbox.

•	To migrate only the application settings such as macros, dictionaries and preferences, check the Settings checkbox.

•	Press the Select All button to check all applications, their settings and associated documents.

•	Press the Deselect All button to uncheck all applications, their settings and associated documents.

•	Press the Print… button to have the contents of the adjacent list view printed.

•	Press the Muscle Migration… button to have Desktop DNA detect all applications on your system (even those without scripts).

For more information regarding Muscle Migration® click here.


File Selection
Selecting Files and Folders

The last items to choose are the files and folders from the source system.

In the Select files and folders page:

•	Click on the + sign to expand the list and show all of the files and folders within a drive or folder.

•	Click on a checkbox to select an entire drive, all of the folders within a folder, or a file.

•	Press the Select All button to check all of the displayed drives, folders and files.

•	Press the Deselect All button to uncheck all of the drives, folders and files.

•	Check the Connect network drives checkbox to connect to any mapped network drives on the source system to which the destination system has access.

•	Press the Filters… button to set specific selection criteria for folders or files.

Note:

It may not be appropriate to select all files on a drive.  It is unlikely that applications which do not have scripts specifically written will function correctly on the destination system.  Miramar Systems recommends that under no circumstances should you attempt to migrate Windows® OS files from the source to the destination.

Using Filters to select files to be migrated can be a powerful mechanism to migrate files on your source system to your destination system.  You may create selection criteria to either include or exclude files.  These filters can be combined to select only the truly desired files so that the destination system is not cluttered with unwanted files.


Destination Welcome

Now that you have selected what to migrate, you need to decide where you will apply the applications and/or files and folders.

This tab page allows you to:

•	Select how much control you want over destination paths (basic or advanced).

•	Select a drive as the destination for the migration (Basic). Selecting a basic destination preserves the existing folder structure of your data.

•	Select specific folders for applications and files (Advanced). Selecting an advanced destination lets you select folders individually for each application, file or folder.

Note:

Desktop DNA detects all available drives on both the source system and the destination system and displays these in the appropriate destination pages.


Basic or Advanced destinations

Usually, you can choose Basic destinations during a migration and Desktop DNA will handle everything required for path changes that exist between the source and destination machine.  Sometimes you may want a new drive letter associated with a network volume.  Other times, you may want to pick a new location for your data files or for an application to be installed.  Advanced destinations allow you to make these types of changes.

In the Basic or Advanced destinations page:

•	Press the Basic button if you want to migrate to a drive and preserve the existing folder structure of the source machine.

•	Press the Advanced button if you want to be able to specify drive and folder locations for individual applications, folders, and files.

Note:

If you think you may need to uninstall an application, we recommend that you do not change that application path due to the fact that altering the path may prevent uninstallation.


Drive destination

In the Select DNA destination page:

•	Click on a source drive to select it.

•	Click on a destination drive to display a pull down menu of available drives, then select the destination drive.

•	Click on the Show network drives checkbox to show connected network drives.

Note:

Files on the source system that are stored in folders recognized by the Windows® Registry (C:\My Documents, for example) will be automatically migrated to the equivalent folder on the destination system. If you prefer to migrate them elsewhere, use Advanced destinations.

From the Basic destination page, pressing the Next button will take you to the Validation tab page.

From the Advanced destination page, pressing the Next button will take you to the Select application destination page.


Application location

In the Select application destination page:

•	Double-click on an application to change its destination folder. You can browse to select a destination folder.

Caution:

If you change the destination folder for an application, its uninstall program will not work.

Pressing the Next button will take you to the Select file and folder destination page.


File Location Option

In the Select file and folder destination page:

•	Click on a + sign to expand the list and display the subfolders in a folder.

•	Double-click on a file, folder or Search filer to change its destination.  (See graphics below)

For files and folders you’ll see this dialog box:

For Search filters you’ll see this dialog box:

In the Destination edit field enter the new path for the selected file or folder or press the Browse button to located the desired destination.

Note:

If you have set a Search filter, for example “all of the .bmp files on my C drive” you can redirect these files to “My Pictures.”  In this circumstance it may be better to uncheck the Preserve directory structure checkbox.  However, duplicate file names will be overwritten.


Validation Welcome

Prior to a migration, it is highly recommended to perform a Validation.

Validation lets you check for any known conflicts or problems in a migration before you migrate. It checks for such things as printer driver conflicts, network adapter settings, and application version conflicts.

You can save the results of a validation as a text file. This is particularly useful for the unattended migrations described in Chapter 4 of the Desktop DNA Users Guide because it lets you review any conflicts or problems that were experienced during the migration.

This tab page allows you to:

•	Specify whether or not you want to validate the current migration.

•	View any known conflicts or exceptions detected by Desktop DNA.

•	Save the validation results as a text file.

•	Choose to have Desktop DNA correct any problems by unchecking check boxes.

•	Go back to the settings and destination tabs to fix detected problems yourself by choosing not to migrate specific items flagged by validation.


Validation

In the Validation page:

•	Press the Validate button to validate the migration.

•	If you do not want to validate the migration, press the Do Not Validate button.

Note:

We highly recommend that you validate prior to every migration to ensure that any detected conflicts will not result in problems on the destination system.


Validation Results

In the Validation results page:

•	To fix problems or conflicts yourself, press the Go To Settings Page button. This returns you to the Settings tab page.

•	To have Desktop DNA fix the problems for you, press the Fix All button. This excludes all items with check marks in the Validation results page from the migration.

•	To save the validation results as a text file, press the Save as Text button.

•	To print the validation results to your printer, press the Print button.

Validation results icons

The icons in the Validation results page indicate progressive levels of validation information, starting with red, which indicates general information, and progressing through green, blue, and finally white, which indicates the greatest level of detail.

You specify the level of detail that is reported by selecting Logs from the Options menu. See Setting logging options in Chapter 6 of the Desktop DNA Users Guide.


Transfer Welcome
Migration Welcome

Now that you are satisfied with what will be migrated and to where it will be migrated, you can now migrate.

This tab allows you to initiate the migration process, either over the network, or to a DNA file.

•	Press the Next button to go to the Migrate tab page.


Transfer
Migration

This page allows you to start the migration process, either over the network, or to a DNA file.

•	Press the Start Migration button to initiate the migration.

•	Press the Stop Migration button to terminate the migration.

Status messages are displayed during the migration.  When the migration is complete, a “Successful” message is displayed.


Logs Welcome

Desktop DNA records logs for each migration. The types of logs recorded and the level of detail of each log are determined by settings in the Logs preferences page. For information on setting logs preferences, see Setting logs preferences under Menus and keyboard shortcuts in Chapter 6 of the Desktop DNA Users Guide.

Logs let you review the events that took place during a migration, and also let you undo any item or all items in a migration.

The Logs tab page is where you:

•	View a history of the migration.

•	Selectively undo any part of the migration.

•	Choose to undo the entire migration.

•	View any items that Desktop DNA was unable to migrate.

•	View any errors or warnings that resulted from the migration.


Undo
History/Undo Log

The History/Undo Log page shows all the items that were migrated from the source system to the destination system. In the History/Undo Log page:

•	To undo any part of the migration, check the checkboxes for any items you want to undo, then click on the Undo button.

•	To save the log as a text file, press the Save as Text button. The file extension for the undo log is .undo.

•	To print the undo log, press the Print button.

•	To undo all the migration items, press the Select All button.

•	To deselect all items (undo nothing), press the Deselect All button.

Note:

To specify the location of the log files and set special formatting to display in the wizard tree view, see Setting logs preferences under Menus and keyboard shortcuts in Chapter 6 of the Desktop DNA Users Guide.


Error
Error Log

The Error Log page displays any problems or warnings that occurred during the migration.

•	To save the error log as a text file, press the Save as Text button.

•	To print the error log, press the Print button.

Error icons

The icons in the Error Log page indicate progressive levels of error information, starting with red, which indicates general information, and progressing through green, blue, and finally white, which indicates the greatest level of detail.

Note:

To specify the location of the log files and set special formatting to display in the wizard tree view, see Setting logs preferences under Menus and keyboard shortcuts in Chapter 6 of the Desktop DNA Users Guide.


Exception
Exception Log

The Exception Log page displays any items that Desktop DNA could not migrate and the reason why this part of the migration was unsuccessful. It also shows any applications on the source system that could not be moved because no scripts were available.

•	To save the exception log as a text file, press the Save as Text button.

•	To print the exception log, press the Print button.

Exception log icons

The icons in the Exception Log page indicate progressive levels of exception information, starting with red, which indicates general information, and progressing through green, blue, and finally white, which indicates the greatest level of detail.


Profiles Welcome

A profile contains all the selection criteria specified in the Settings and Destination tab pages. These include system settings, applications and their settings, files and folders, search filters, and destination paths. You use a profile to replicate these criteria for subsequent migrations. Creating profiles lets you customize and automate migrations for the different departments in your company or for specific individuals.

The specific migration criteria stored in a profile are:

•	System settings, applications and their settings, and files and folders selected in the Settings tab page.

•	All items specified by the selected search filters in the Settings tab page.

•	Drive and folder destinations selected in the Destination tab page.

The Profiles tab page allows you to:

•	Save a profile for use in future migrations.

•	Load a previously-saved profile.

•	Delete a profile you no longer need.


Profile

Creating a profile

Use the Desktop DNA wizard to create a profile as described in Creating a profile in Chapter 3 of the Desktop DNA Users Guide.  If you wish to save a profile without migrating, you can go directly to the Profiles tab page after specifying settings and destination(s) in the Settings and Destinations tab pages.

Opening a profile

To open a profile, you must have completed the steps in the Start tab; either be connected to the source system or have opened a DNA file.  Once you have done this, you can go directly to the Profiles tab page to open a profile for the current migration.  When the profile is open, you can proceed directly to the Migrate tab page and begin the migration.

In the Save, open, or delete a profile page:

•	To save the current profile, press the Save button, and in the Save as dialog box, specify a file name for the profile.

Note:

The file extension for the profile must be .dpf.

•	To open a profile to use for the next migration, press the Open button.

•	To delete a profile, press the Delete button, select a profile to delete, then press the OK button.


Searching for Files and Folders

Desktop DNA’s search mechanism allows a number of sophisticated methods for searching for and migrating files and folders on the source system.  To search for files and folders, you must:

•	Specify search criteria in the appropriate search tab pages: Application & Type, Name & Location, Date, and/or Size. (The tabs are described in the following sections.)

•	Add filters to the filter list.

•	Select one or more of the filters you have created. (See Using filters for information on these two steps.)

•	If you want to display the items found by the search, press the Find Now button.

Notes:

1	Items matching the selected filters will be migrated whether or not you press the Find Now button.

2	To reset all search tabs to the default search criteria, press the Reset button.

When you migrate, all of the files and folders that match the search criteria in the selected filters will be migrated.

Searching by application and type

Within the Application & Type tab page:

•	Click on the arrow to the right of the of Type field to display a list of file types.  You can select All files or folders to select all the files created by the selected application.  You can also select only those files with a particular extension.

•	To create a filter that will exclude files matching the application and type, check the Exclude files matching this filter checkbox.

•	Press the Add Filter button to set the specified search criteria.

•	Press the Reset button to ensure that the next filter does not contain unwanted criteria.

Searching by name and location

Within the Name & Location tab page:

•	Type in the name of the file to search for in the Named field or Click on the arrow to the right of the Named field to select the name of a file or folder to find.

•	Type in the name of the drive or folder to search in the Look in field or Click on the arrow to the right of the Look in field to select a drive or folder to search.

Note:

Only drives and folders that you have added to the list by pressing the Add Filter button will be displayed when you click on the arrow.  You may also use the Browse... button to specify a drive or folder.

•	Select the Include subfolders checkbox to include the subfolders of the selected folder.

•	Select the Use parent folder of matching items checkbox to select the folder containing the items.

•	To create a filter that will exclude files matching the name and location, check the Exclude files matching this filter checkbox

•	Press the Add Filter button to set the specified search criteria.

•	Press the Reset button to ensure that the next filter does not contain unwanted criteria.

Searching by date

Within the Date tab page:

•	Click on the All files radio button to search for all files.

•	Click on the Find all files radio button, then select “Modified,” “Created” or “Last accessed” from the pull down menu.

•	To specify the time span during which files were created, modified or accessed, use the between and during the previous radio buttons, pull down menus and fields.

•	To create a filter that will exclude files matching the specified creation times, check the Exclude files matching this filter checkbox.

•	Press the Add Filter button to set the specified search criteria.

•	Press the Reset button to ensure that the next filter does not contain unwanted criteria.

Searching by file size

Within the Size tab page:

•	Click on the arrow to the right of the Size is field to search for a file, by default, of approximately the size specified in the Kb field.  This can be changed to “at least” or “at most” the size specified in the Kb field, if desired.

•	Enter a file size in the Kb field, or click on the arrow buttons to specify a size.

•	To create a filter that will exclude files matching the specified size limit, check the Exclude files matching this filter checkbox, then press the Add Filter button.

Using filters

Once you have specified your search criteria in the tabs, you save them as a filter by pressing the Add Filter button.  The Search dialog box expands to show a list of the filters you have added.

•	To conduct a search using one or more filters, make sure the checkbox for each filter you want to use for the search is checked, then press the Find Now button.  This opens a pane in the Search dialog box that displays the files and folders that were found.

Note:

Pressing the Find Now button displays the files and folders that match the criteria.  The files and folders that match the selected filters will be migrated whether or not you press the Find Now button

•	To delete an unwanted filter, select the filter, then press the Delete Filter button.

•	To delete all filters, press the Delete All button.


Log Options

This dialog box allows you to set Desktop DNA to create various log files, to specify where each log file will be saved and set the amount of detail each log file will contain.

Creating an Undo Log allows Desktop DNA to return the destination system to the condition it was in prior to the migration associated with the undo log file.  The undo log will be named uniquely by adding the date and time to the name.

Creating an Error Log will aid you with determining the cause of a problem if one occurs during a migration.  Miramar Systems Tech Support will require that you supply an error log if you request assistance.  The error log will be named uniquely by adding the date and time to the name.  The amount of detail saved within the file can be adjusted via the Level: pull down list.

An Exception Log maintains, in file form, a list of those items that were detected on the source that could not be migrated.  Exceptions most likely occur due to having detected an application but a script needed to migrate that application does not exist.  The amount of detail saved within the file can be adjusted via the Level: pull down list.  This file is overwritten during every migration.

Press the Advanced button to enable additional logs.


Advanced Log Options

This dialog box allows you to set a couple of logs in Desktop DNA that will technically document migrations.  These logs are overwritten during every migration.

Creating a Network Log will aid you with determining the cause of network problems.  Miramar Systems Tech Support may require that you supply a network log if you request assistance for a network migration.  The amount of detail saved within the file can be adjusted via the Level: pull down list.  Avoid setting this log to the Very detailed level on a Desktop DNA source system left unattended as the file will grow quite large.

Creating a Debug Log will aid Miramar Systems Tech Support with determining the cause of recurring migration problems.  This log is also useful when testing a custom application script.  This file is overwritten during every migration.


Desktop DNA Settings

The Overwrite setting tells Desktop DNA how to handle duplicate files.

•	The Never radio button prevents Desktop DNA from overwriting any duplicate file on the destination system.

•	The Newer radio button allows Desktop DNA to overwrite any duplicate file applied to the destination system that has a date/time stamp newer than the existing one.

•	The Always radio button enables Desktop DNA to overwrite all duplicate files on the destination system.

The Compression setting tells Desktop DNA to what extent a DNA file will be compressed

•	The None radio button prevents Desktop DNA from compressing a DNA file.

•	The Quickest radio button has Desktop DNA compress a DNA file to a lesser extent.

•	The Smallest radio button has Desktop DNA compress a DNA file to the greatest extent which will be more time consuming.

The Cab File location setting tells Desktop DNA where to obtain files unique to the destination system such as printer drivers.

•	In the Location edit field, enter the path to the cab files for the OS.

•	Or press the Browse button to locate the cab files.

•	Uncheck the Never prompt… checkbox to enable Desktop DNA to interactively request the cab file location during a migration.

Note:

The default path for the drivers cab file in Windows 2000 is c:\winnt\driver cache\i386\driver.cab.

The Settings pages setting enables or disables whether specific application data files (associated to the application by file extension) can be globally selected for migration.

•	Check the Show application document options checkbox to be able to select application data files in the Select applications and settings page.


Completion Notification

This page marks the completion of a set of Desktop DNA functions.  All tasks for the current tab page have been completed.  You may press the Back button to review or change any item.  When you are completely satisfied with your selections, press the Next button on this page to continue to the next tab page.


Cannot perform action

Desktop DNA cannot perform this action.  This is a stop page that is designed to prevent you from accessing wizard pages that cannot be displayed while Desktop DNA is in its current state.  Refer to the text on the page for an explanation of the current state.  If this problem persists, contact Miramar Systems' Tech Support.  Please be sure to provide a complete description of the problem or desired action and the set of log files from the migration in question.

Notes:

•	For a multiple user migration, you may need both Local Administrator and Domain Administrator rights.

•	If your destination is not already set for multiple users, you will need to activate it.  On the destination system, open the Passwords Control Panel and in the User Profiles tab select the Users can customize… radio button.


Command line parameters

Desktop DNA lets you migrate a system without going through the steps in the wizard. You do this via command line with command line parameters. You can also skip to certain steps in a migration process by using a specific set of command line parameters.

Note:

To perform unattended migrations, you must have at least one profile or DNA file saved from a previous migration.

Desktop DNA can be run from a command line and performs Desktop DNA functions as specified by command line parameters.

Syntax

The syntax for running a command line is:

"C:\pathname\DesktopDNA.exe" /parameter [text]

Rules

These rules apply to running Desktop DNA via command line. Rules for individual parameters are given in the popup descriptions.

•	If a path contains any spaces, as the path of DesktopDNA.exe will when it is installed in the default directory, the path must be enclosed in quotes as shown in the examples.

•	Command line parameters are not case sensitive.

•	Entering the whole parameter name works the same as entering its letter designation. (For example, /Apply is the same as /A)

•	A hyphen (-) may be substituted for the forward slash (/) preceding a parameter.

Command line parameters

The Desktop DNA command line parameters, their syntax and their rules for use are described in a popup topic for each function.

The Desktop DNA command line parameters are:

Parameter	Function	Description
/A	Apply	Applies the specified DNA file.
/C	Connect	Connects the destination system to the source system.
/D	DNA file	Creates a DNA file of the source system.
/H	Help	Displays help for the command line switches.
/M	Migrate	Starts the migration.
/P	Profile	Specifies a profile for the migration.
/R	Restart	Restarts the destination system .
/U	Uninstall	Uninstalls Desktop DNA.
/V	Validate	Validates the migration.
/W	Wait	Waits for the destination system to connect.
/X	Exit	Exits Desktop DNA after a completed migration


Command line parameter usage

Running Desktop DNA via command line

You have several options for running Desktop DNA via command line:

1.	You can run Desktop DNA from the command line in the MS-DOS window.  To open the window, select Start/Programs/MS-DOS Prompt.

2.	You can run Desktop DNA from the command line in the Run window. To open this window, select Start/Run.

3.	You can set up a "Special Purpose Shortcut" as described below.

Setting up a special purpose shortcut

You can set up a shortcut to run the desired command line parameters. Then, all you have to do is double-click the shortcut icon on your desktop to run Desktop DNA with the command line parameters.

To set up a special purpose shortcut:

1.	Locate the Desktop DNA shortcut on your desktop. If no shortcut appears on your desktop, create one before proceeding.

2.	Right-click on the Desktop DNA shortcut, and select Create shortcut.  This creates a new Desktop DNA shortcut on your desktop.

3.	Right-click on the newly-created shortcut, and select Rename.

4.	Rename the new shortcut to reflect the action of the command line parameters.

5.	Right-click on the new shortcut again, and select Properties.

6.	In the Properties window, Click to select the Shortcut tab.

7.	In the Target field, add the desired command line parameters after the path, then click on OK.

8.	To run desktop DNA with the specified command line parameters, simply double-click on the new shortcut.


Next button

If active, you may press this button to advance to the next migration task.


Back button

If active, you may press this button to return to the previous migration task.


Remote Button
Network button

Press this button when you want to migrate directly over the network.  This will initiate remote functionality.


Local Button
DNA File button

Press this button when you want to create or use a previously created DNA file.  This will initiate local functionality.


Source button

Press this button to set this Desktop DNA system to be the source of a migration.  This system will become a Desktop DNA server.


Destination button

Press this button to set this Desktop DNA system to be the destination for a migration.  This system will become a Desktop DNA client.


Enter Password button

Press this button to set the password for this Desktop DNA server.  The password must be between 5 and 8 characters (inclusive), may contain any legal Windows® character and is case sensitive.


Connect button

Press this button to connect directly to the detected Desktop DNA server identified to the right.


Search again ...
Search again ... or Find Others button

Press this button to display a listing of detected Desktop DNA servers.  Prior to refreshing the page, the Desktop DNA server search routine will run.


IP Address button

Press this button to connect to a system you know is a Desktop DNA server but does not respond to a local search.


Exit Button

Pressing this button will terminate Desktop DNA.


Desktop DNA server list

This list shows the Desktop DNA servers found by the network search subroutine.


Create DNA file button

Press this button to create a DNA file that will store all of your selected settings, applications and files in a single storage file.


Open a DNA file button

Press this button to open an existing DNA file.


DNA file path

This edit field contains the full path to your DNA file.  If you don't remember the complete path, press the Browse button to locate your DNA file.


Browse for DNA file button

Press this button to browse to the location of your DNA file.


Edit Selections button

Press this button to deselect which of the settings, applications or files stored in the DNA file will be applied during this migration.  If you do not edit your selections, all of what is stored in the DNA file will be applied.


Go to Destination

Press this button to go directly to the Destination tab page.  If you do not edit your selections, all of what is stored in the DNA file will be applied.


System settings list

This tree view shows all of the available system settings.


Select All system settings button

Press this button to select all of the available system settings.  Pressing this button will apply a check mark to each of the boxes in the tree view associated with a system setting.


Deselect All system settings button

Press this button to deselect all of the available system settings.  Pressing this button will remove all check marks in any of the boxes in the tree view associated with a system setting.


Application setting list

This tree view shows all of the available application settings.


Select All application settings button

Press this button to select all of the available application settings.  Pressing this button will apply a check mark to each of the boxes in the tree view associated with an application setting.


Deselect All application settings button

Press this button to deselect all of the available application settings.  Pressing this button will remove all check marks in any of the boxes in the tree view associated with an application setting.


File and Folder list

This tree view shows all of the available files and folders.


Select All files and folders button

Press this button to select all of the available files and folders.  Pressing this button will apply a check mark to each of the boxes in the tree view associated with your files and folders.  Please use caution when pressing this button as there may be files selected which should not be migrated such as those belonging to the operating system and to applications which do not have scripts written.


Deselect All files and folders button

Press this button to deselect all of the available files and folders.  Pressing this button will remove all check marks in any of the boxes in the tree view associated with your files and folders.


Search button
Filter… button

Press this button to open a dialog box that will allow you to set a highly customized file search criteria.


Print button

Press this button to print the entire contents of the adjacent settings or specified file.


Connect network drives checkbox

Check this checkbox if you need to migrate items from a network drive on the source system.


Basic button

Press this button to select which drive will receive the migrated applications and files.


Advanced button

Press this button when you choose to alter the directory structure on the destination system during the migration.


Drive destination list

This list allows you to set an individual drive on the source system to migrate to a specific drive on the destination.  The drive letters do not have to match.


Show network drives checkbox

Check this checkbox to have mapped network drives on the source and destination systems displayed in the list.


Drives pull down list

This pull down list shows all of the drives on the destination system which can be mapped to a drive on the source machine.


Application destination list

This list displays the selected applications and allows you to set the destination for the files associated with each application.


File and Folders destination list

This list displays the selected files and folders and allows you to set the destination for them.


Validate button

Press this button to have Desktop DNA check the destination system for known inconsistencies or conflicts (highly recommended).


Do not validate button

Press this button to skip validation (not recommended).


Validation list

This list displays the results of the recent validation.  Expand the tree to view the specifics.


Go to Settings Page button

Press this button to go directly to the Settings page where you can alter your selections.  From that page, select the Validation tab to return directly to this location.


Fix All button

Press this button to have Desktop DNA uncheck all system setting, application setting or file or folder check boxes which could result in problems if migrated to the destination system.


Save as Text button

Press this button to have the contents of the adjacent list saved to a text file.


Print button

Press this button to print the contents of the adjacent list.


Start/Stop Migration button

Press this button to initiate the migration or to halt the migration, as appropriate.


Status bar

This status bar gives an indication of the progress of the current activity.


Migration History list

This list displays the results of the recent migration or loaded undo log.  Expand the tree to view the specifics.


Undo button

Press this button to restore the system settings, application settings and files and folders to the system state prior to the recent migration or migration which produced the undo log.


Save as Text button

Press this button to have the contents of the adjacent list saved to a text file.


Load Undo button

Press this button to select and open a previously saved Undo file


Print button

Press this button to print the contents of the adjacent list.


Select All undo settings button

Press this button to select all of the available undo settings.  Pressing this button will apply a check mark to each of the boxes in the tree view associated with an undo setting.


Deselect All undo settings button

Press this button to deselect all of the available undo settings.  Pressing this button will remove all check marks in any of the boxes in the tree view associated with an undo setting.


Errors list

This tree view shows all of the errors encountered during the recent migration.


Save as Text button

Press this button to have the contents of the adjacent list saved to a text file.


Print button

Press this button to print the contents of the adjacent list.


Exceptions list

This tree view shows all of the exceptions encountered during the recent migration.


Save as Text button

Press this button to have the contents of the adjacent list saved to a text file.


Print button

Press this button to print the contents of the adjacent list.


Save... button

Press this button to save the current profile for future use.


Open... button

Press this button to load a previously saved profile.


Delete... button

Press this button to delete a previously saved profile.


Transfer button

Press this button to go directly to the Migration tab page.


Edit Profile button

Press this button to go directly to the System Settings page.


New Migration button

Press this button to start a new migration without exiting Desktop DNA.


Muscle Mibration button
Muscle Migration button

Press this button to select a migration of applications that have not been scripted.


Current User button

Press this button to restrict the current migration to settings for the currently logged in user.


Multiple Users button

Press this button to migrate the settings for one or more users of this computer.


Passwords button

Press this button to set the password or password generation behavior when applying a multi-user migration.


Show orphan profiles checkbox

Unchecking this checkbox will prevent the migration of users’ settings from either a domain user profile that exists on the local system but has been removed from the domain or a user profile from a domain other than the one to which the current user has authenticated.


Print button

Press this button to have the contents of the adjacent list view printed.


Print button

Press this button to have the contents of the adjacent list view printed.


Select users

This tree view lists all of the User Profiles found on this system.


Apply

/A or /Apply

This applies the specified DNA file to the migration. It is equivalent to “Open a DNA file” in the wizard.

Rules

Must be followed by the name of an existing DNA file.

Syntax

"C:\pathname\DesktopDNA.exe" /A filename.dna /M

Example

This example migrates the DNA file storage.dna to the current system:

"C:\Program Files\Miramar\Desktop DNA\DesktopDNA.exe" /A storage.dna /M


Connect

/C or /Connect

This connects the destination system to the source system.

Rules

Must be followed by the IP address or DNS name of the source computer.  Must also be followed by the password if the source system was secured with a password.

Syntax

"C:\pathname\DesktopDNA.exe" /C IPaddress password

"C:\pathname\DesktopDNA.exe" /C DNSname  password

Example

This example connects to the source system specified by the IP address.  It migrates source system elements to the destination system as specified in the profile, accounting.dpf:

"C:\Program Files\Miramar\Desktop DNA\DesktopDNA.exe" /C 192.168.10.1 password /P accounting.dpf /M


DNA file

/D or /DNA

This creates a DNA file of the source system.

Rules

Must be followed by a file name.  Must be used with the /P parameter.

Syntax

"C:\pathname\DesktopDNA.exe" /P filename.dpf /D filename.dna

Example

This example creates the DNA file, storage.dna, of the source system using the criteria stored in the profile, corporate.dpf:

"C:\Program Files\Miramar\Desktop DNA\DesktopDNA.exe" /P corporate.dpf /D storage.dna /M


Help

/H or /Help

This displays information for the command line parameters.

Syntax

"C:\pathname\DesktopDNA.exe" /H

Example

"C:\Program Files\Miramar\Desktop DNA\DesktopDNA.exe" /H


Migrate

/M or /Migrate

This initiates a migration.

Rules

Must be used with the /C and /P parameters; or the /A parameter; or the /D and /P parameters.

Syntax

"C:\pathname\DesktopDNA.exe" /C IPaddress /P filename.dpf /M

"C:\pathname\DesktopDNA.exe" /A filename.dna /M

"C:\pathname\DesktopDNA.exe" /P filename.dpf /D filename.dna /M

Examples

This example migrates the source system specified by the IP address to the destination system as specified in the profile, accounting.dpf:

"C:\Program Files\Miramar\Desktop DNA\DesktopDNA.exe" /C 192.168.10.1 /P accounting.dpf /M

This example creates the DNA file, storage.dna, of the source system:

"C:\Program Files\Miramar\Desktop DNA\DesktopDNA.exe" /P filename.dpf /D storage.dna /M

This example applies the DNA file, storage.dna, to the destination system:

"C:\Program Files\Miramar\Desktop DNA\DesktopDNA.exe" /A storage.dna /M


Profile

/P or /Profile

This applies the specified profile to a migration.

Rules

Must be followed by a file name. Must be used with either /C, /D, or /A.

Syntax

"C:\pathname\DesktopDNA.exe" /C IPaddress /P filename.dpf /M

"C:\pathname\DesktopDNA.exe" /P filename.dpf /D filename.dna /M

"C:\pathname\DesktopDNA.exe" /P filename.dpf /A filename.dna /M

Examples

This example migrates the source system specified by the IP address to the destination system using the profile, accounting.dpf:

"C:\Program Files\Miramar\Desktop DNA\DesktopDNA.exe" /C 192.168.10.1 /P accounting.dpf /M

This example creates the DNA file, storage.dna, from the source system using the profile, accounting.dpf:

"C:\Program Files\Miramar\Desktop DNA\DesktopDNA.exe" /P accounting.dpf /D storage.dna /M

This example applies the DNA file, storage.dna, to the destination system using the profile, accounting.dpf:

"C:\Program Files\Miramar\Desktop DNA\DesktopDNA.exe" /P accounting.dpf /A storage.dna /M


Restart

/R or /Reboot

This restarts the destination system when the current migration is complete.

Rules

Must be the last switch. Do not use with /X.

Syntax

"C:\pathname\DesktopDNA.exe" /C IPaddress /P filename.dpf /M /R

Example

This example specifies a DNA file to restore, migrates the file, and then restarts the destination system.

"C:\Program Files\Miramar\Desktop DNA\DesktopDNA.exe" /A "C:\Program Files\Miramar\Desktop DNA\Examples\Store Dna.dna" /M /R


Secure

There is no /s switch in v1.0 of Desktop DNA.


Uninstall

/U or /Uninstall

This removes Desktop DNA-specific items from the Windows® Registry.

Syntax

"C:\pathname\DesktopDNA.exe" /U

Example

"C:\Program Files\Miramar\Desktop DNA\DesktopDNA.exe" /U


Validate

/V or /Validate

This creates a validation log file for the migration.

Rules

Must be followed by a file name. Must be used with the /C and /P parameters, or the /A parameter.

Syntax

"C:\pathname\DesktopDNA.exe" /C IPaddress /P filename.dpf /V filename.log /M

"C:\pathname\DesktopDNA.exe" /A filename.dna /V filename.log /M

Examples

This example creates a validation log file of the migration after it migrates from the source system specified by the IP address to the destination system using the profile, accounting.dpf :

"C:\Program Files\Miramar\Desktop DNA\DesktopDNA.exe" /C 192.168.10.1 /P accounting.dpf /V validation.log /M

This example applies the DNA file, storage.dna, to the destination system and creates a validation log file of the migration:

"C:\pathname\DesktopDNA.exe" /A storage.dna /V validation.log /M


Wait

/W or /Wait

Causes the source system to wait for a connection from the destination system.

Rules

May be followed by a password to protect the source system from unauthorized migrations.

Syntax

"C:\pathname\DesktopDNA.exe" /W password

Example

This example assigns a password to the source system and puts it into a wait state, readying the Desktop DNA 'server' for connection by the destination system:

"C:\Program Files\Miramar\Desktop DNA\DesktopDNA.exe" /W admin12


Exit

/X or /Exit

Exits Desktop DNA when a migration is complete. If you view logs for error reports, you may not want to use this switch, since it exits without giving you a chance to view the logs.

Rules

Must be the last switch. Do not use with /R.

Syntax

"pathname\DesktopDNA.exe" /P "pathname\filename.dpf" /D "pathname\filename" /M /X

Example

This example uses a profile to create a DNA file, migrates to the specified location, and exits Desktop DNA.

"C:\Program Files\Miramar\Desktop DNA\Desktopdna.exe" /P "C:\Program Files\Miramar\Desktop DNA\Examples\store.dpf" /D "C:\Program Files\Miramar\Desktop DNA\Examples\Store Dna.dna" /M /X


Desktop DNA tabs

These tabs are used to help you quickly navigate the Desktop DNA wizard.


Desktop DNA Title Bar

Desktop DNA v2.5

 from

Miramar Systems, Inc.


DNA File Definition

A DNA file is a data file that contains all the system settings, applications, application settings, files and folders that you have selected to migrate or back up.


Profile Definition

A profile is a data file that provides you a way to save the settings and destination criteria for a particular migration. A DNA profile lets you replicate a previous migration exactly.


Creating Profiles

A Desktop DNA Profile is useful for reducing the number of items that must be selected each time a migration is performed.  It contains all of the checkboxes that you have checked and all of the files you have selected. A Desktop DNA Profile contains information relevant to both the source and destination systems.  It also depends upon what applications and operating systems are detected on your computers.  If you want to make a profile that contains all possible options for both storing migratable information and applying it as well, the profile should be made in a direct connection between two computers.  This recommendation applies whether you plan to actually migrate with DNA files or use the direct connection approach.

1.  The tasks listed below make up the simplest way to create a profile that contains store (selection) information only.  Click next as needed to get to the page with the buttons and selections specified.

On any typical machine, start Desktop DNA and begin as if creating a DNA file.

a. Click the DNA File button

b. Click the Create a DNA file button

c. Click either the Current User or Multiple Users buttons

d. On the Select system settings page choose which settings you will migrate

e. On the Select application and settings page select the application settings, applications, or associated application documents which you will migrate

f. On the Select files and folders page select the desired files or folders or create search filters

g. Click on the Profiles tab and click the Save button and choose a name for this file.

2. Destination selections can also be stored in a profile.  If you have a typical machine with all applications installed that you would like to select, you may save your profile during your first migration and use that same profile for subsequent migrations.  When you specify that applications should migrate to new locations or when drives will be different on the destination, or if you redirect search filters, these selections may be saved in the profile, too.


Detectionless Scripts

Detectionless scripts are 'non-functional' in that they cannot under any circumstances migrate anything.  With these scripts, the associated application does not need to be installed.  These scripts are only useful for creating profiles.  To create your own profile, follow these steps to prepare a sample source and sample destination machine in a staging area or lab environment.

NOTE:  Filters and destination paths can be stored in a profile, but if you use the detectionless scripts, Desktop DNA will not be able to determine the application paths associated with each program that you are migrating.  Thus you will not be able to store changed application paths in profiles create in this manner.

1	Install Desktop DNA on both machines

2	On both machines, rename the folder Application Scripts and System Scripts to something like Application ScriptsZZZ and System ScriptsZZZ respectively.

3	Create new folders called Application Scripts and System Scripts on both machines and copy the scripts from the Tools folder on the CDROM: ‘AllApplications.script’ and ‘AllSystemSettings.script’ into each folder respectively

4	Connect the two computers to the network and start one as the source and the other as the destination.

5	Now select all system settings you would like to include in the profile.

6	Then select all application settings you would like to include in the profile

7	Then select all files and any filters for finding specific files that you would like to include in the profile.

8	If you would like to specify any of the destination paths for drives, applications, or files and filters, select the Advanced Destination button and choose the destination paths that you want to include in the profile.

9	Instead of continuing with the migration, click on the Profile tab and press the Save button to save the profile.

10	Now you have a profile that can be used on any of the machines in your organization.

If you load this profile and Desktop DNA detects the applications that a user has on a particular machine, it will migrate those applications if you have them selected in the profile.  See the manual for examples of command lines that will load a profile and migrate your settings in an unattended mode.


Sample Profiles

The sample profiles included on your CD are intended to be used as educational tools.  They can used as a starting point for your own migrations, but we encourage you to begin with some migrations that are not very time consuming and, if at all possible, can be done in a laboratory or test environment prior to migrating operational machines.

The sample profiles are organized roughly by how long the migration would take.  Settings only migrations generally do not take very long to migrate.  When you migrate settings and data, it will usually be longer than settings only migrations, but it really depends upon how much data you have.  When migrating applications, data and settings, expect the migrations to be very time consuming.

Below is a description of all of the sample profiles and items you should expect to migrate when these profiles are used to select your migration options.  Also a list is shown below identifying where on the CD you can expect to find these profiles.

Adobe Settings.dpf is a Desktop DNA profile that migrates settings for Adobe Acrobat, Illustrator, Pagemaker, Photoshop, and ATM.

Adobe Settings.with Adobe docs.dpf is a Desktop DNA profile that migrates settings for Adobe Acrobat, Illustrator, Pagemaker, Photoshop, and ATM with filters for associated documents.

All App and Settings.dpf is a Desktop DNA profile that will migrate all detected applications, applications settings, and system settings, (including the contents of My Documents.)  NOTE:  This migration will most likely take several hours, so be sure to start with quicker migrations.

All Settings with My Docs.dpf is a Desktop DNA profile that will migrate all detected application settings and system settings (including the contents of My Documents).

Browser Settings.dpf is a Desktop DNA profile that will migrate all detected settings for Netscape or IE browsers.  This includes all Netscape user profiles and connection information, favorites and general settings for IE.

Corel Wordperfect Suite.With System.dpf is a Desktop DNA profile that will migrate all OS settings, Corel WordPerfect Office settings and Outlook settings, IE and Netscape settings; and creates search filters for all Corel WordPerfect Office documents.

Eudora settings.dpf is a Desktop DNA profile that will migrate all OS settings and Eudora Pro settings.

Lotus Notes Settings Only.dpf is a Desktop DNA profile that will migrate only Lotus Notes settings.  This includes mail files and archives if they are stored in the data directory.

Lotus SmartSuite.Lotus Notes.With System.dpf is a Desktop DNA profile that migrates all OS settings, Lotus SmartSuite app settings, Lotus Notes app settings, IE and Netscape settings; creates search filters for all Lotus SmartSuite documents, and Lotus Notes Documents/Files, but no My Document items.

LotusSettings.dpf is a Desktop DNA profile that migrates only settings for Lotus Notes and Lotus SmartSuite.

Microsoft Settings.Microsoft Documents.My Docs.with system.dpf is a Desktop DNA profile that migrates all OS settings; MS application settings (Office, IE and Visio), search filters for all MS Office documents and Visio documents, plus all items in the My Documents folder and subfolders.

Microsoft Settings.Microsoft Documents.with system.dpf is a Desktop DNA profile that migrates all OS settings; MS application settings (Office, IE and Visio), search filters for all MS Office documents and Visio documents.

MSOffice Settings only.dpf is a Desktop DNA profile that migrates MS Access, MS Excel, MS Powerpoint, MS Word, MS Outlook and Internet Explorer settings only.  This profile does not select associated documents, but does include Outlook’s Mail files (.PST).

My Docs only.dpf is a Desktop DNA profile that migrates all contents of My Documents folder and all subfolders of My Documents.  Note:  In WinNT this may be your Personal folder.

Netscape Settings.dpf is a Desktop DNA profile that migrates all settings for Netscape Communicator.  This includes all of the Netscape user profiles.

Quicken.QuickBooks.MSOffice.with System.dpf is a Desktop DNA profile that migrates all OS Settings; MS Office settings, IE and Netscape settings, Quicken and Quickbooks settings; search filter for MS Office documents, search filter for Quickbooks and Quicken data files.

System Settings only with My Docs.dpf is a Desktop DNA profile that migrates all system settings including My Documents and all items contained in subfolders of My Documents.

System Settings only without My Docs.dpf is a Desktop DNA profile that migrates all system settings except My Documents.

Windows user profiles.with system.dpf is a Desktop DNA profile that migrates all system settings for all users that have unique profiles on your computer whether accounts authenticate to domains or authenticate locally.

Winzip. Some desktop. Some sound files.dpf is a Desktop DNA profile that migrates appearance, mouse, screen saver, Winzip (application, settings and documents) and a filter for all .wav files modified in the past 6 months.

Location of sample profiles:

Tools folder on CDROM in \tools\sample profiles\applications.data and settings

All App And Settings.dpf

Tools folder on CDROM in \tools\sample profiles\data and settings

Adobe Settings.with Adobe docs.dpf

All Settings with My Docs.dpf

Corel Wordperfect Suite.With System.dpf

Lotus Notes Settings Only.dpf

Lotus SmartSuite.Lotus Notes.With System.dpf

Microsoft Settings.Microsoft Documents.My Docs.with system.dpf

Microsoft Settings.Microsoft Documents.with system.dpf

My Docs only.dpf

Quicken.QuickBooks.MSOffice.with System.dpf

System Settings only with My Docs.dpf

Winzip. Some desktop. Some sound files.dpf

Tools folder on CDROM in \tools\sample profiles\settings only

Adobe Settings.dpf

Browser Settings.dpf

Eudora settings.dpf

Lotus Settings.dpf

MSOffice Settings only.dpf

Netscape Settings.dpf

System Settings only without My Docs.dpf


Muscle Migration

Background

Desktop DNA is a script-based product.  This means that for any setting that you might need to have migrated, Miramar Systems has tried to anticipate that need and provide a script that moves the necessary files and Registry settings.  However, this powerful capability of Desktop DNA has some limitations.  Miramar Systems cannot always anticipate all of the application settings you might want to migrate.  You could have proprietary applications that were written by someone inside your company or a new version of an application may have been released for which we haven't yet been able to create a script.  Muscle Migration® is a technology introduced with Desktop DNA version 2.5 that overcomes these limitations.

How it works

Muscle Migration® creates scripts by itself as Desktop DNA examines your computer looking for applications that it might migrate.  These scripts are generated on-the-fly and essentially migrate big groups of Registry entries and files that it associates with an application that you might want to migrate.  These big groups of files include certain complete sets of files from the system directory including all system DLLs.  This part of a Muscle Migration alone implies that there is no 'small Muscle Migrations'.  Whether you select all applications detected, or just one setting in the Muscle Migration page, the migrations will always be time consuming.

Things to consider prior to choosing Muscle Migration®:

1.  Do you need this feature?  If we already have scripts that migrate the settings you need to migrate, do not press the Muscle Migration… button.

2.  Can you migrate everything at once?   We recommended doing your migration in two steps.  First migrate all of the Muscle Migration items.  Then do a second migration using Desktop DNA scripts to migrate settings and your data.  Minor problems might occur with shortcuts or application paths if you combine Desktop DNA script migrations and Muscle Migrations into the same migration.

3.  Can you disable Muscle Migration?  If you do not want anyone in your organization using the Muscle Migration feature, simply remove the file DNAMassMigration.dll file found in the components directory which is a sub-folder of the Desktop DNA application folder.  This will prohibit Desktop DNA from generating any scripts on-the-fly.

4.  Are the items that you would like to migrate closely related or dependent on system files or drivers?  If you have applications that run as services or that control system specific features of Windows such as networking tools, display adapter utilities, sound utilities or anti-virus programs, do not select these for migration using Muscle Migration as these are less likely to migrate properly.


Multiple Users

Multiple user profiles in a single migration

Desktop DNA has a powerful feature that allows you to migrate all of the Windows User Profiles from your source machine to a destination machine.  In order to do this, you must log into Windows as an Administrator user or a user who is part of the Administrators group.  You may select User Profiles associated with a domain or those which authenticate to the local Windows system.  If you migrate User Profiles associated with domain accounts (or Active Directory accounts), you will need to ensure that the user logged in at the time of migration has administrative rights locally and is a member of the Domain Admin group.  Having a user with these permissions logged in during migration allows Desktop DNA to create accounts on the domain if you are changing domain membership.

Migrate a User Profile that is different from logged in user

Additionally, you might want to use the Desktop DNA’s 'Multi-User' feature to migrate a single user who isn't currently logged in.  If you are part of a migration support staff, you may find that managing passwords can be quite a challenge. Frequently, computer users may not be available to log in for you if the migrations are performed after hours.  This feature allows you to log in with administrative rights and migrate the single User Profile of the person that uses this particular workstation.

Current user migration

This is the legacy feature that Desktop DNA has employed from its inception.  In this mode, all settings migrated from the source machine are selected from the currently logged in user and migrated to the user logged in on the destination.

How to make sure that your Windows 9x or Windows Me system is prepared for a multi-user migration

The Passwords Control Panel is used to setup Windows 9x or Windows Me systems for multiple user profiles.  Click on the User Profiles tab and select the Users can customize their preferences and desktop settings… radio button if it is not already selected.

Note:

For Windows 95, 98 and Me, this must be setup on both source and destination before a migration can be made for multi-users.

Rights needed to perform migration

Desktop DNA gets its access permissions from the logged in user.  In order to migrate settings, applications or data for a user other than the one who is currently logged in, the user performing the migration must be a member of the Administrators group.

Capability of creating or deleting domain accounts

Desktop DNA will create domain user accounts if the user performing the migration has Domain Administrative rights.  It can also delete accounts on the domain if the user has sufficient rights and Desktop DNA is asked to ‘undo a migration’.

Passwords

For any accounts that are created by Desktop DNA as part of a multi-user migration, you may specify passwords in the following manner.

1.  Blank.  You may set all passwords for these accounts to null or blank.

2.  Common.  You may specify a common password for all created accounts.

3.  Random.  You may elect to have Desktop DNA randomly generate passwords for you with a set of rules you provide.  You can specify numerals, letters, and extended characters to be used or not used in generating these passwords.  The passwords are listed in clear text in the Exception Log for you to distribute to the users.

An option is also available to set the flag requiring that a user change the password at next login.

Multiple user limitations

Desktop DNA can migrate User Profiles and create accounts on the domain or the destination machine as needed, but there are a couple of limitations.

1.  For accounts that are created by Desktop DNA, users are not assigned to any groups.  If the users need 'Power User' rights, then you must add the user to the Power User group after the migration is complete.  Likewise, if the user needs Administrator rights, add the user to the Administrators group.

2.  In Windows NT or Windows 2000, profiles for accounts that exist (or authenticate) locally will always be migrated to User Profiles for local accounts and User Profiles for domain accounts will always migrate to profiles for domain accounts on the destination machine.

3.  No NTFS permissions for files and folders are migrated by Desktop DNA version 2.5.