Maintain Stuff as Migrate from Windows 7 to 8.1

Maintain Stuff as Migrate from Windows 7 to 8.1

So, when I moved from XP to Win 7 (late compared to most), I hear and read about Easy Transfer etc. It seemed mysterious and kind of cumbersome.

I figured the best was to figure out the FILE, FOLDER and PATHs for IMPORTANT things I wanted to CONSERVE.

If possible migrate PROGRAMS as THEY ARE.

XP32 > Win7x64 Migrate Settings Data: Chrome+Extn, Outlook+iTunes+App? - Windows 7 Help Forums
Now from XP > 7, a lot of paths changed.. Documents & Settings vs Users info, Local and other date..
Pretty much for every Program / Application.

Outlook was one drama, iTunes was other, Office another, WLMail another and so on.

Now, I am guessing there are some TOOLS or Simple Win 8.1 Upgrade that can be run on Win 7x64 Ultimate..
and there is..
.. Manual CURATING FILES, FOLDERS and PATHS and CONFIGURATIONS for Windows and Non-Windows thingies. (I did that XP .. > 7.. mapping big time.. and it was great.. but tiring to prepare the list and instructions)

Instead of exhibiting your BIAS to one of the above, can you please share info for both.. Windows in built easy simple mechanismss..
AND..
Exhaustive MAPPING LIST.. that allows me to ensure BY HAND, everything was taken bit for bit.
I've used RichCopy, RoboCopy and TeraCopy in CONJUNCTION.. extensively before. Its just painful and takes a lot of time, energy and attention to detail.
"easy transfer" resets folder modified date - Windows 7 Help Forums

XP32 > Win7x64 Migrate Settings Data: Chrome+Extn, Outlook+iTunes+App? - Windows 7 Help Forums