Basically I am wondering if I am to transfer some (not many) of my old files across from my old PC to my new Laptop, such as photos, Wordpad documents and MP3s, is there a chance any of these could mess up my computer?

The reason that I ask is because in the past my old computer has had it's fair share of viruses, including very recently (to which it was fixed). Or will those files be fine, and if transferred across (from windows XP to 7 may I add) as just that - an image/mp3 (whatever) and nothing else? no part of virus/registry error or ANYTHING other than the image/mp3/document at hand will be transferred across is that correct?

Thanks

Hey Hi =]

Make sure the files you transfering are clean and that your computer is clean or you might transfer a virus to your new laptop and mess things up.
Old files can't mess up a new laptop

Make sure you have an Anti-Virus program installed on your new system,
such as:

AVG or MS Security Essentials

If you are transfering the data via USB, I suggest you download & install Arzoosoft USB Threat Defender on your new system to protect you from those potentially infected files.

Arzoosoft USB Threat Defender

If any of those files are infected with a virus, You will be protected.

JoshWebs

Hi =]

you've received some excellent advice.

I would just like to add that you won't need any extra program to test the files you want to transfer.

MSE, Microsoft Security Essentials, gives you the option of specifying the drive(s) you want to check for malware. Most AV products give you this option.

Whenever someone presents me with a USB stick, then I use MSE to select the USB drive and check the drive for malware. Since even big usb sticks are small in one sense, then scan of the usb is very rapid.

Once again, perfect advice by everybody. Thanks a lot!