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Hardware & Software > Operating Systems > Setting up your Windows XP computer

Setting up your Windows XP computer

Task:

I need an easy, step-by-step process from transitioning my old computer to my Windows XP computer.

Follow these steps:

1. Back up your files. Before you take down your old computer, make sure you have backed up all the important data files that you need from it. The recommended and easiest way to do this is with ADSM/TSM (Tivoli) backup. Information about TSM, including how to load it and run a backup, can be found on the web at http://www.auburn.edu/oit/tsm. For assistance, call the OIT Helpdesk (844-4944).
2. Unbox, attach cords and plug in. After backing up data from your old computer, unplug and take it down. Then unbox and place the new machine. If you want someone to unbox and set up your new computer for you, Digital Repair Facility (844-4512) can be contacted to provide this service for a fee.
3. Make sure to keep all software and documentation that comes with your computer (and printer if you got one) together in a safe place where you can locate it quickly if you or any IT professional should need it when working with your equipment.
4. If you ordered a printer, note that a parallel or USB printer cable to connect the printer to the computer may have to be purchased separately, since they do not automatically ship with all printers. If you need a printer cable, one may be purchased from OIT Computer Support (844-4512).
5. If you plan to use e-mail, the Internet, or the mainframe, then your new computer must have network access. Call the OIT Helpdesk (844-4944) if you need help determining whether you have network access.
6. When your Windows XP machine is turned on for the very first time, a series of questions will be asked. Carefully read and answer the questions and follow the instructions. Some of the questions may include:
   • What is your region, language, type of keyboard and time zone?
   • What do you want to name the computer?
   • Will this computer connect to the Internet directly or through a local area network?
   • Ready to activate (register with Microsoft)?
   • Who will use this computer?
7. Set up your Windows XP user accounts
   • Click Start, then right-click My Computer and select Manage.
     
   • Click the plus next to Local Users and Groups.
     
   • Click Users folder.
     
   • Disable all accounts except "Administrator" by right-clicking on each account, selecting Properties, checking Account is Disabled, and clicking OK.
   • Right-click "Administrator", select Rename from the menu and type your AU User Name then press Enter.
     
   • Now right-click your AU User Name, click Set Password, then click Proceed.
     
   • Type a password in the New password box, type the password again in the Confirm password box and click OK.
     
8. Install software. The table below shows OIT Web pages where you can download and learn to install and run software that you need.
   • For AU Net Software (virus protection, GroupWise, file backup and more) is available at http://www.auburn.edu/download (from off-campus, this requires Auburn Windows Domain login).
     
   • For AU Office customers (AU Office applications such as MS Office or WordPerfect), click Start > AUOffice > Install to PC
   • For AU Office customers (Novell client software) see below.
   If your department participates in the AU Office program, you can contact your assigned IT professional in the L-Building with questions you may have. More information about AU Office is at www.auburn.edu/oit/hardware_software/auoffice.php.
9. AU Office customers: install the Novell Client.

    

   • Open Internet Explorer and click here to download.
   • Click Open in the "File Download" window.
   • Close the DOS command window.
   • In the "Novell Automatic Client Upgrade" window, click Yes.
   • Close Internet Explorer.
   • In the Installation Complete window, click Reboot.
   • Upon reboot, when the Novell window appears, log into the Novell network using your AU User Name and Novell password.

To start learning how to do tasks such as set up a custom look and feel like Windows Classic, Automatic Update, desktop shortcuts, start menu, task bar, and find files and folders, have a look at some of these links below:

Common Topic: Keeping Windows up-to-date
Common Topic: Managing hard drive space