[3] Microsoft incorporated a key technology into the Windows Easy Transfer tool based on its acquisition of Apptimum in 2006.

[8] It could be launched from the Windows XP CD-ROM and presented options to transfer data and settings via a 3.5-inch floppy, computer network, direct cable connection, or a Zip disk.

Users could also create a wizard disk to initiate the migration process when run from earlier operating system.

As with the final release, this preliminary version could use an optional specialized USB cable to transfer data between computers.

[16] Windows Vista and later versions did not support incoming connections over IrDA, serial, or parallel ports, but incoming connections over Ethernet, HPNA, and wireless LAN were supported.