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Setting up a new computer

Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to avoiding illness in ourselves. Prevention in the computer world is no different. And like a newborn baby, a newly purchased computer is subject to many terrible diseases and problems if not properly cared from the moment it is taken from its cardboard box.

I follow these steps when setting up a new computer system for my clients, and recommend this methodology for all new computer setups:

  1. Before setting up the new computer, backup all of your data to CD’s, DVD’s, external hard drives, or flash drives for transfer to the new computer  Make sure you get not only your obvious data like documents, pictures, and financial data, but also your address book, email settings, favorites/bookmarks, etc. Remember, you can backup data, but not programs, so collect your installation CDs for programs you want to reinstall.
  2. Make note of your email settings and configuration (if you didn’t back them up).
  3. When setting up the new PC, DO NOT connect printers, scanners, cameras, and especially the Internet until later.
  4. Once at the new desktop, the first place to head is the Control Panel –> Programs and Features. Remove all trial software that you don’t plan on purchasing (Quicken, Quickbooks, Office suites, etc). Also remove any Internet provider software that you will not use like AOL, Earthlink, NetZero, etc.
  5. Now go back to Add/Remove programs and uninstall any trial security software that came with the machine.
  6. Now, you can hook up your Internet connection. Once you have a connection established, visit my tip on how to download and install Microsoft Security Essentials and follow those steps before continuing to Step 7.
  7. Setup your email program and accounts.
  8. Install your peripherals (scanners, printers, etc) per your manufacturers instructions (now that you are connected to the Internet, many older peripherals may automatically be installed by Windows 7.
  9. Install any programs that you want on the new system
  10. Transfer your data from their backup locations.
  11. Strongly consider downloading and using Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome as your primary browser.
  12. Create your Recovery CD set found in your manufacturer’s options or utilities folder (if required).
  13. Enjoy your properly setup and safe, new computer!
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17 thoughts on “Setting up a new computer”

  1. Elaine

    I have a new computer with Windows7 and have installed Windows Security Essentials. Do I need anything more for spyware or adware or does Security Essentials cover these problems?

    2. Carolyn

      I have Gmail, when I click on an enbedded web address it will not connect to the web address. It goes to IE and will not load.

      1. Carolyn

        I turned on the computer tonight and can
        go to web sites from my email when I click on them….I hope it stays working.
        Thank you …don’t reply (yet).

        1. Carolyn

          Another Day !

          I turned on the computer and it is not going to the web sites from my email.
          I also have Windows live mail and it works fine going to the web sites.

      3. Dave

        It’s always good if you provide the OS (XP, Vista, 7, etc.) and the IE version (click on ‘Help’ and ‘About Internet Explorer’). Any help you may get will be more accurate if that information is known.

        Also, does it work if you right-click on the web address, and then click either ‘Open in New Tab’ or ‘Open in New Window’?

        Another possibility is: right-click on the web address, click ‘Copy Shortcut’, and then paste that shortcut into the address field at the top of IE. Make sure you completely replace any existing address. It might be easier if you open a new tab first.

        These suggestions are based on the IE8 that I’m using. If you have something else, the exact wording you see may be different.

        1. Carolyn

          Dave, Bless You !
          Your direction works for me:
          Right-click on the web address, click ‘Copy Shortcut’, and then paste that shortcut into the address field at the top of IE.

          I have Windows 7 IE9 Sorry I didn’t include that information in my email.
          Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

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