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Windham Central Supervisory Union

Google Transfer Service

Google Transfer Service

Instructions for Teachers and Staff: Migrating Google Data using the Google Transfer Service
This guide provides instructions for using the Google Transfer Service to copy data from your current account to a new Google Account. This process allows you to migrate the following:

  • Gmail: Only your email messages will be copied (excluding contacts, chat, and tasks).
  • Google Drive Documents:
    • Files you own in Google Drive.
    • Files located in your "My Drive."
    • Files in your "Shared with me" folder (provided the original document owner has not restricted sharing by turning off downloads and copies for viewers and commenters).
    • Excluded: Files in the "Google Photos" section of Drive are NOT included in this transfer.

 

Steps to Transfer Your Content

  1. Access the Transfer Service: Navigate to the Google Transfer Service page.
  2. Enter Destination Account: In the "Choose a destination" field, enter the full email address of the Google Account where you want to copy your files.
  3. Initiate Transfer: Select the Send code button. Google will send an authorization email to the destination account.
  4. Authorize the Transfer (Destination Account): Log in to your destination account, open the authorization email from Google, and follow the instructions to confirm the transfer request.
  5. Select Data to Migrate (Source Account): After authorization, return to the transfer page in your source account.
    1. Ensure the checkboxes for Gmail (Email only) and Drive are selected.
    2. The transfer will automatically include all specified content types (owned documents, My Drive, and applicable Shared with me files).
  6. Start Transfer: Select the Start Transfer button.
  7. Completion: The transfer process may take several days, depending on the volume of your data. You will receive an email notification in both accounts when the transfer is complete.

 

Important Notes about the Transfer

  • Copies, Not Moves: This process creates copies of your data. Your files and emails are not deleted from your original account.
  • Permissions: The copied files in the destination account will be owned by that account. File and folder structures will be preserved, but sharing permissions will not be maintained.
  • "Shared with me" Limitations: Files in your "Shared with me" folder will only be copied if the file owner permits downloads and copies for viewers/commenters.

 

Instructions for Moving Local Files to Google Drive
As computers are being collected for exchange, it is essential to move any files saved locally on your device to Google Drive to ensure you retain access. The most efficient way to do this is by using the Google Drive for desktop application.
To move your files, follow these steps:

  1. Download and Install: Navigate to the Google Drive download page and install the application on your computer.
  2. Access the Drive Folder: Once installed, Google Drive will appear as a new folder or drive on your desktop (e.g., in Finder on Mac or File Explorer on Windows).
  3. Drag and Drop: Simply drag and drop your local files or folders into this new Google Drive folder. These files will automatically sync to your "My Drive" on the web.