Windows Easy Transfer Companion will enable users to transfer documents, photos, music, email, address book entries, Windows settings, and programs between an old machine running Windows XP and a new Windows Vista PC. Windows Easy Transfer Companion is a Microsoft migration tool for Windows Vista designed to work in concert with Windows Easy Transfer.

Microsoft revealed that Companion was created in addition to Windows Easy Transfer, an initiative catalyzed by customer feedback. "Although the standard Easy Transfer wizard does not move installed programs, this is a very important capability that's been requested by our customers. Because of this we have been working on a new tool called Easy Transfer Companion, which will transfer programs and program settings from a Windows XP-based PC to a Windows Vista-based PC. When used together with Easy Transfer, you will be able to move everything you need to your new PC running Windows Vista," stated Nick White, Microsoft Product Manager.

Currently, the Companion tool is in Beta stage, and Microsoft is looking for user input on the overall functionality. Due to the Beta stage, Windows Easy Transfer Companion is available exclusively in English.

"Easy Transfer Companion is based on technology we acquired from Apptimum, Inc. last year -- makers of the popular Alohabob PC Relocator software. Because this tool is in Beta, at the end of the transfer process it will ask for your feedback on how well it worked so we can continue improving its performance and bring it to a wider number of users in the future," White added.

Windows Easy Transfer Companion 1.0 Beta was tested by Softpedia as being 100% Free and is available for download here.