setup-migration

New Computer Set Up Detailed

☑️ New Computer Set-up (Detailed Checklist)

This guide outlines a methodical procedure for setting up a new PC, performing necessary optimizations, and migrating user data and software. Do everything in groups and finish each section before moving to the next unless multi-tasking.

Note Taking: Keep detailed notes about everything completed (findings, test results, recommendations) in Microsoft OneNote, Notion, or Samsung Notes.

Group 1: Initial System Clean-up and Essential Software

1. System Clean-up 🧹

  1. Uninstall all pre-existing security programs/software.
  2. Uninstall all obvious Bloatware:
    • “Free Trial” software.
    • Obvious junk programs & toolbars.
  3. Adware/Malicious Programs: Reference the organization’s preferred “Browser Hi-jack” guide or equivalent knowledge-base article to find and remove malicious adware programs.

2. Install/Update Essential Programs 🌐

  1. Ninite.com Installation: Use Ninite to install the following (or any other requested software):
    • Chrome, Firefox, Edge
    • Java, .Net & Silverlight Runtimes
    • Sumatra PDF
    • Malwarebytes Antimalware
    • Zoom
    • 7Zip
    • VLC Media Player
    • MusicBee
  2. BleachBit Installation & Clean-up:
    • Download and Install BleachBit: https://www.bleachbit.org/download
    • (Prerequisite: You may need to install C++ 2010 Runtimes if an error occurs: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/msvcr100-dll/826a842c-7a2f-4ebc-bb21-4cee86b234b0)
    • Run Clean-up: On its opening page, enable the following cleaning options:
      • Temporary Files
      • Web Browser(s) Cache
      • System Prefetch, Recycle bin & Temporary files
      • Windows Defender Quarantine & Log files

Group 2: Performance Tune-Up

3. Performance Tune-Up 🚀

  1. Paging File: Set the PC’s paging file (virtual memory) to either $1.5$ times the amount of RAM or set to $4096\text{MB}$.
  2. Visual Effects Optimization: Access the Performance Options menu:
    • Right-click ‘My Computer’ $\rightarrow$ Properties $\rightarrow$ Advanced System Settings.
    • Click ‘Advanced’ tab $\rightarrow$ Click ‘Settings’ under the “Performance” area.
    • Un-check all visual effects options except for:
      • “Use visual styles on windows and buttons”
      • “Smooth Scroll List Boxes”
      • “Smooth Edges on Screen Fonts”
      • “Show Translucent Selection Rectangle”
      • “Use drop shadows for icon labels on the desktop”
  3. Start-up Program Entries (Task Manager):
    • Disable all unnecessary start-up items.
    • Typically leave start-up programs related to:
      • OneDrive/MS Office
      • iCloud Drive
      • Printers, WIFI Software, Audio/Video Software
      • Specialty apps (Garmin, Fitbit, etc.)

Group 3: Data Migration and Software Installation

4. Data Transfer/Software Migration 💾

  • CLIENT RESPONSIBILITY WARNING: The client is ultimately responsible for securing and backing up their data. We are not responsible for missing or lost data. Clients should hold onto their old system for $2-4$ weeks.
    1. Browser Data: Use existing account synchronization services or export/import browser data (Passwords, Bookmarks, etc.) from the old computer.
    2. Personal Data Migration:
    • Transferrable Data: Directly transfer data such as music, documents, pictures, etc.
    • Software: ALL SOFTWARE must be reinstalled. We cannot simply transfer programs.
    • Licensing: The client must provide any and all needed account/product key information for purchased software installation and activation.
      1. Location Check: We backup data from/to their default locations (My Documents, Pictures, etc.). The client is responsible for informing the technician of any data saved in “non-standard” locations.

5. User Software: Installation, Setup, Activation, Etc. 🔑

  1. Microsoft Office:
    • Install, Activate & Test.
    • Setup Outlook email and email signature if needed.
    • Open a document, spreadsheet, etc. to make sure all components work.
  2. Install and configure other user software:
    • Quicken/QuickBooks
    • TurboTax/Tax-it Deluxe
    • Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, etc.

Group 4: Peripherals and System Updates

6. Peripheral Installation 🖨️

Install and verify all peripheral devices:

  • Printers/Scanners, Dymo Label Printers
  • Webcams, Microphones/Headphones
  • Bluetooth Devices (Speakers, Mouse/Keyboard, Controller, etc.)

7. Windows Updates & Driver Verification 🔄

  1. Enable Microsoft Updates: Access Windows Updates $\rightarrow$ Advanced Options. Enable the Microsoft Update feature to check for both Windows and Microsoft program updates. Enable “Notify me when a restart is required”.
  2. Run Updates: Allow the system to check for new updates. Download and install all available updates. (Repeat this process until no new updates are found).
  3. Failed Updates: Do not hyper fixate on failed updates; they usually resolve after a few update/restart cycles.
  4. Verify Drivers: Verify the installation of all device drivers. Use software like HWiNFO (https://www.hwinfo.com/download/) or CPUZ (https://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php) to identify hardware and correct any conflicts.
  5. Restore Data to Desktop: If the OS was reinstalled, Place a copy (DO NOT MOVE) of any/all backed up user data on the PC’s desktop. Parse the data as needed (My Pictures, Videos, Documents, Etc).

Group 5: System Customizations and Client Review

8. System Customizations ✨

Try to match the look and layout of the previous system:

  • Start Menu Pinned Apps
  • Desktop icons and their location
  • The Windows Taskbar (icons, layout, auto-hide, etc.)
  • File Explorer/Folder Navigation (Quick access folder shortcuts, Favorite folders list)
  • Mapped network drives
  • Default Apps (Default browser, Default PDF handler, etc.)
  • Default Printer

LASTLY: GO OVER THE SYSTEM WITH THE CLIENT! ✅

  1. Have the client get online and make sure the browser is setup and working; make corrections as needed.
  2. Have the client check their email and make sure it’s all working; correct whatever is needed.
  3. Have the client test printing, scanning and any other functionality to ensure all is working correctly/as needed.
  4. Recommendation: Recommend the client hold onto their old systems for $2-4$ weeks so we can access the old system if/as needed.