How do I transfer files from windows XP to new Vista CPU?

My honest, humble opinion is to spend a little bit ($) on a external drive. 1. Go to CircutCity, BestBuy, etc., I don't know how much stuff you got on your XP comp, but make sure that you have [50-500 gigs] enough space. 2. Simply make a "backup" (copy), plug it into your USB on your new Vista and it will do everything else for you...

That depends on your level of knowledge and comfort. I would just take the drive out of the XP computer, put it into the Vista computer (assuming I'd ever run Vista, which I wouldn't), and copy the files I wanted. Then I'd put the drive back in the XP computer. Cost - nothing. If you're not comfortable with that (4 screws and two cables - it takes almost as long to describe how to do it as it takes to do it [just don't pull the cables, pull - or wiggle - the connectors]), connect both computers to the same LAN, share the drive in the XP computer, open that share in the Vista computer and copy the files. Cost - nothing. Depending on the amount of data involved (300GB? 10GB?) using a DVD-RW might be enough (if the amount is at the low end of that range - the disk can hold 4.3GB of data at a time - you can rewrite it, so you can move 4.3GB at a time, go back for more, etc.) - Cost is about $1 if you already have disks - buying one raises the price to a few dollars. It's probably easiest, but it's slower.

All you need is this:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2590892
Follow the instructions. A 2 years kid can do it.

Use a USB flash drive. A 4GB flash drive often goes on sale for $25 to $30. For very large files, use a portable USB hard drive. Just plug it into your XP machine, copy the files from your winXP, and then paste them on the flash drive. Next plug your flash drive into your new Vista CPU, and then copy and paste the files onto the desktop.

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/help/96d5d811-6d52-4dff-b39b-76c64a131dfe1033.mspx#EAE
that link has all ur options and tells u what to do

a usb drive is more expensive than a blank dvd, but a bit quicker. your choice, there is a cable method, but very expensive and complex.

Go to start, all programs, accessories, and system tools and do a transfer from one computer to the next with the transfer wizard.

You should get a flash drive and put all the files you want to keep then put it on your vista computer. If it is a lot of files copy a few at a time.