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Hmmmmm, this seems a bit out of place in the p2p forum...
There is software that allows such a thing, though it's not typically recommended. Supposedly it will port all your files and programs including the registry settings for them (or whatever you choose to port.) The most popular is called PC Relocator if I'm not mistaken, but I've also heard that there are better choices out there. If you still want to take that path, some google searching might dig those programs up for ya. ;-)
If you're only transferring files, not programs, the ideal thing to do would be to do a clean install of your OS (if it's not already there) on the new PC and physically set the old hard drive as a slave on the new pc and just copy files over, as it would be extremely fast and secure. However, you won't be able to move most programs that way because they won't work on the new computer without all the missing registry information.
There is also a way to clone the information on your hard drive onto the new hard drive by setting the new one as a slave on your old pc and doing some clever dos commands (or using software such as Norton Ghost). However, when the new hard drive is replaced in the new pc, you may experience some strange problems, as the windows activation will detect dramatically different hardware and may try to keep you from using it without buying a license. I'm sure there are other problems that can arise, but I haven't done it myself, so I'm no expert.
Anyway, I have no step by step for you, as I'm no hardware expert, but hopefully that helps you consider your options. I actually have to face the same dilemma in a couple months when I get my new comp. I will probably go with the latter, unless one of the hardware gurus here tells me a better idea to achieve the same end. Some of their expertise would be welcome in this thread, as I am also interested in the replies. Particularly I want to know what else could go wrong if I cloned my drive and dropped it in the new pc. Great question!
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