Overview
You will need to complete the following procedures before turning in your computer or before having your computer re-imaged or upgraded. Following these steps will prevent potential complications.
- Back up your computer data to avoid losing files and bookmarks
- Back up and restore Outlook email signatures
- Back up Outlook data files (.pst files)
- Disable the VPN to prevent conflicts during set up
Backing up Data
USF IT recommends that you back up of your computer’s data to Box. It is not recommended to save anything on the local computer.
Files
- Log into box.usf.edu.
- Click the New button in the upper right.
- Click Folder in the drop down menu to create a folder where you can save files.
- Name your folder.
- Click Create.
- Click on your new folder.
- Click Upload to copy files or folders from your computer.
The following is a list of common places users store files on their computer:
- Desktop
- Documents
- Music
- Pictures
- Videos
For more detailed information and instructions that include images on how to save files to Box visit the following:
- https://usfjira.atlassian.net/wiki/display/UHID/Box+-+Saving+User+Files+to+Box
- https://usfjira.atlassian.net/wiki/display/UHID/Box+-+How+to+Easily+Save+Desktop+Files+to+Box
To learn more about Box, please visit: https://usfjira.atlassian.net/wiki/display/UHID/Box
Bookmarks
Create an account
The easiest way to save your bookmarks is to login to a preexisting account on your browser or create an account, which will allow you to save your bookmarks, history, and other settings to sync securely across all devices. The following instructions will help you sync your bookmarks to your account for Google and Firefox.
- Open the browser with your bookmarks.
Select the user icon in the upper right of your browser. (see image below)
If you are already signed into your account, your icon may look different. Click on the icon and proceed to step 2
- Select Turn on Sync.
- Sign in to your account or create a new one.
- Follow the on screen prompts to choose what you will sync and complete the process.
Once your information is synced, you just have to sign in to your browser on your new computer.
Export Bookmarks
If you choose not to create an account, you will need to export a file that contains your bookmarks, save the file to Box, then use the file to import them into your new or re-imaged computer.
For detailed instructions with images on how to complete this process in each web browser visit the following:
Back up and Restoring Outlook email Signatures
Multiple Signatures Back up
On your old computer do the following:
- Locate the Signatures folder on your computer under C:\user\<netid>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft
- Right click on the folder and select Copy
- Sign in to Box
- Paste the Signatures folder into Box
Multiple Signatures Restore
On your new computer do the following:
- Locate the signatures folder in Box
- Right click on the folder and select Copy
- Navigate to C:\user\<netid>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft on your computer.
- Paste the Signatures folder into the Microsoft folder
For more detailed information and instructions that include images for backing up and recovering multiple email signatures, visit the following:
One Signature Restore
- Open Outlook and select Sent Items. Then find an email you sent previously that includes your signature.
- Copy your signature
- Click New Email
- Click on Signature
- Click New
- Name your Signature
- Paste your Signature into the Edit Signature field
- Edit the signature as needed
- Click OK
For more detailed information and instructions that include images for recovering one signature, visit the following after you receive your computer:
Back up Outlook Data Files (.pst files)
Outlook data files (.pst files) are used to store copies of messages and other items locally to your computer. With the advent of the Microsoft Exchange Server these items are now stored on a mail server in the cloud. If you need access to previously sent and received messages that were stored locally to your computer, you will need to back up these files and add them to your new computer.
USF IT does not support the use of these files. If you wish to load any PST/Outlook Data File back into Outlook, please submit a ticket to help@usf.edu for the Email team to discuss archiving options
For detailed information on how to back up Outlook data files visit the following:
Disable the VPN
If you are currently running Global Protect VPN the following must be performed before you receive your new computer. If the computer being replaced does not run the VPN, these steps can be skipped.
- Click on the “Show Hidden Icons” arrow at the bottom right of the toolbar. (see image below)
2. Click on the Global Protect Icon. (see image below)
3. Click on the 3 lines at the top right corner. (see image below)
4. Click Disable. (see image below)
Preparing for a New or Re-imaged Computer.pdf