Preparing for a New Computer

Owned by Kimberly Adkins
Last updated: Mar 23, 2023 by Kimberly Adkins

Overview

The instructions below will help you through the process of backing up files and settings before turning in your old computer or before having your computer re-imaged or upgraded.


It is your responsibility to back up your data, and following these steps will ensure you are able to restore settings and access your data on your new computer. 

  • 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)

Table of Contents


Backing up Data

USF IT recommends that you back up your computer’s data to Box. It is not recommended to save anything on the local computer.

Files

  1. Log into https://usf.account.box.com/login.
  2. Click the New button in the upper right.
  3. Click Folder in the drop down menu to create a folder where you can save files.
  4. Name your folder.
  5. Click Create.
  6. Click on your new folder.
  7. 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:

To learn more about Box, please visit: Box - https://usfjira.atlassian.net/wiki/display/UHID/Box

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 Network Printers 

Make sure to document any network printers that you have mapped on your current computer. To do this, you want to go to the following:

  1. Click on the Windows Start Button located at the lower left.
  2. Type in Control  Panel and hit Enter.
  3. Click Devices and Printers.
  4. Document the printer names that you use.

Network Drives

Make sure to document any network drives that you have mapped on your current computer. To do this, you want to go to the following:

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Click on This PC.
  3. Document any mapped network drives found under Devices and drives.

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.

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:

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Back up and Restoring Outlook email Signatures

Multiple Signature Backup and Restore

For more detailed information and instructions that include images for backing up and recovering multiple email signatures, visit the following:

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One Signature Restore

For more detailed information and instructions that include images for recovering one signature, visit the following after you receive your computer:

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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:

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Accessing Applications and Files Remotely


There are different ways to access some of the materials you might need if you are working remotely and not at your new office computer. Below are links to products USF provides that might help in these cases.

VPN (Virtual Private Network)


Connecting to the USF VPN will allow you to be on the USF network when working remotely. To find more information on how to download and install this up on your remote device, please visit:

Apps.usf.edu (Application Gateway)


The Application Gateway is a virtualized environment where students, staff, and faculty can access software programs that cannot be provided as individual licenses. To learn more about this option, please visit:

Remote Desktop Connection

If you require access to your on-campus computer, please contact USF IT by calling 813-974-4357 or by visiting https://itchat.usf.edu.


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If you are unable to solve your issue with this knowledge base article, please contact the USF IT Service Desk by using Chat at itchat.usf.edu, calling (813) 974-HELP (4357) or emailing help@usf.edu. 

If you find any errors or omissions in any knowledge base article, please contact and inform the USF IT Service Desk by calling (813) 974-HELP (4357) or emailing help@usf.edu.