Re: New laptop transferring stuff.
If the 2 laptops are similar make/model then the easiest thing to do is take out the hard drive from the old laptop and put it in the new laptop. Then you won't have to transfer anything.
Otherwise, yes, there's going to be a ton of heart ache involved.
Things to consider copying or taking notes in regards to settings:
1. All browser settings including security, privacy settings, blocked sites and so on. Basically everything in the Tools - Options menus. Write it all down.
2. Browser favourites, individual folders etc
3. Antivirus settings
4. Firewall settings, including all blocked IP addresses etc. Some systems let you export the settings to a file which you can then import into the new system.
5. Any changes to your "hosts" file you have made for security and protection. I made a hell of a lot of changes to mine to properly block lots of spam/advertising sites and well known sites that track everything you do like Facebook and Googleads etc
6. Settings for all the software packages you have personally installed. Things like photoshop or whatever your interests are.
7. If you use e-reader sites like Kindle, you'll need to define the new PC as a valid machine etc.
8. Any settings you have made to Microsoft Office
9. Basically bring up Start - Programmes and go through every piece of software that is important to you. Note the settings you have made in each case.
Obviously all local data like documents, photos etc can all be backed up to an external hard disk which you should own already for regular backup. They are very cheap these days.
Good luck with it all !