How to Avoid Data Migration Mistakes When Setting Up a New PC or Cloud Service
As soon as the excitement of moving to a brand-new computer or cloud system begins to wear off, the realization sets in that you need to somehow move all your data, settings, apps, etc. from one system to another.
Data migration is a part of life with technology because there always comes a time when a computer ages out and needs replacement. When this happens, things like personal and business email, saved browser passwords, folders, files, and applications all have to be moved from one PC to another. And this isn’t as easy as just copying over your files.
Unfortunately, data loss during migration happens all too often because people try to migrate the information themselves or work with those who aren’t IT professionals.
Approximately 29% of data loss incidents are caused by human error.
Data migration mistakes also happen when moving data to cloud applications, either from on-premises systems or from another cloud tool. Data conflicts can easily occur.
The resulting data loss can result in downtime and time and money spent going through data recovery or data recreation.
How to Avoid Data Migration Problems
Here are some of the biggest data migration mistakes made when moving to a new PC or cloud application and tips on how to avoid them.
Not Starting Migration Early Enough
After a frenzy of cloud adoption over the last few years, companies are now streamlining cloud use to make it more cost efficient and productive. When you’re moving from one cloud platform to another, you’re typically trying to time the subscriptions so that you’re not paying for two services in a single month.
However, a big mistake is only giving yourself a day or two to migrate data before your old account is shut down.
If you hit any road bumps and you haven’t backed up your data elsewhere, you could end up paying more to have to turn an old account back on (hoping your data hasn’t been purged) to give yourself more time for a thorough transfer.
It’s worth it to pay for an extra month or half month (if they’ll prorate) to ensure you have plenty of time to transition your data before losing access to the old system.
Not Validating a Transfer First
Before you try to move everything that you have from one system to another, it’s important to validate that the data is being read correctly.
This involves moving a small amount of data, so any bugs can be worked out, if necessary, before trying to migrate everything. Not doing the validation first can leave you with a big mess and having to delete files from the new system and start back at square one of your migration.
Not Fully Backing Up Your Data Elsewhere First
If you’re moving from one computer to another and run into migration problems, you could end up losing part of your data or having it corrupted. If you don’t have a backup copy to rely on, that information could be lost permanently.
You should fully back up all data on your system by taking a full image (not just copying files), so data can be completely restored if needed.
Missing Important Settings/Files
A DIY data migration can run into problems with data being left behind. If someone doesn’t know all the areas of a PC or a cloud application where data may reside, they might not transfer it and then find out later, they’re missing important information.
When transitioning to a new PC, this could be things like:
- Sent or archived emails
- Saved browser passwords or favorites
- Installed software
- System preferences
- Security policies
When transitioning to a new cloud app from a former one, this could be things like:
- Data contained in customer note fields
- Custom fields that have been added
- Field options one app has that the other one doesn’t
- Integrations and automations that have been added
If you’re unsure of what data may be lurking in unknown areas of a device or cloud app that you need to move over, it’s important to work with an IT professional that knows the ropes of data migration.
Not Having a Cloud Data Migration Plan
One of the common mistakes that people make when moving to a platform like Microsoft 365 is that they’ll dump all their data in one application, without any strategic plan.
For example, Microsoft 365 gives businesses several areas where they can store and share data to make workflows more efficient. These include:
- Personal data: OneDrive
- Department/Team data: SharePoint Teams sites & Microsoft Teams
- Company Wide data: SharePoint Communication sites
Before attempting a cloud platform migration, it’s vital to understand where data can be stored and shared and to have a plan for where each type of data you have should be migrated.
Work With Quantum PC Services for Expert Data Migration
Eliminate data migration headaches by working with us. Quantum PC Services can help your Sturgeon Bay area business ensure data is moved efficiently and successfully from one system to another.
Contact us today to learn more! Call 920-256-1214 or reach us online.
