how do I transfer or copy hard drive content from old desktop HP to new desktop hard drive?

[Glener]

just got a Dell OptiPlex 7010 MTW and I want to transfer hard drive content to it

[TheOldMan]

It really depends on what you wish to transfer or copy from the HP Pavilion p7-1241 to the Dell OptiPlex 7010 MTW.

If the things are files, photos, videos Etc, then that is relatively easy.  It also depends on if the HP Pavilion p7-1241 still works.

First, assuming the HP Pavilion p7-1241 is working - I would use a USB flash drive to copy what you wish to the flash drive and then plug the flash drive into the USB port on the Dell and copy from the flash drive to the designated folders on the hard drive of the Dell.

If the HP Pavilion p7-1241 is no longer working, then there are several methods to get the files copied over. 

1) remove the hard drive from the HP and connect the HP hard drive to a spare  SATA port on the Dell motherboard and a power connection from the power supply.  Boot the Dell as normal.  Do not try to boot the Dell from the HP drive.  Once the Dell has completely booted up, open "This PC" and look to see if the HP drive is showing.  If yes, double click on the HP hard drive and located the files needed to be copied.  copy and paste what you wish.  Do not try to move the files by removing from the HP drive and then dumping on the Dell drive.  If for any reason moving the files fails, then you will still have copies on the HP drive to try again.

2) if the items you wish to copy from the HP are programs, the that is a different story.  Maybe still possible but not in the "copy and paste" manner.

So, explain what you want of those two items or both.