Return here easily using go/backup/.
You should consider the following points before you receive a replacement (or refreshed) computer and complete all that apply to you.
Please note that if we are refreshing your computer to resolve a problem, this process will remove all data from it, so it is critical that you make sure all of your data is backed up ahead of time.
Tips
It can be helpful to use a different computer for a morning/day to note what's not as you expect. Are you missing specific software? Are you unable to access your files? Do some programs look or act differently? Answering "yes" means you have some work to do and the appropriate section for PCs or Macs below will help you through it.
For any computer-specific data, create a new folder on OneDrive or Google Drive Desktop to hold these local items from your current computer (e.g., screen snapshots of customizations/layouts, favorites, signatures, bookmarks, etc.). This way, you can easily find them when you transition to the replacement computer.
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If you have specific preferences, take screen snapshots to help you remember how things look (e.g., your desktop, the Taskbar or Dock, Outlook's navigation pane, etc.).
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For non work-related, personal data (videos, music, pictures, etc.) that needs to be backed up, you must use your own storage, such as personal cloud storage, an external hard drive, CD, DVD, or USB device.
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Take advantage of this chance to do some housecleaning!
Preparation Steps
Review the following steps before your device is wiped / switching to your new device:
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If receiving a new device, review the Standard Computer Models for Faculty and Staff to see which best works for you.
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Make a list of software you currently use on your computer so you can re-install it. Some software comes pre-installed, and most other software is available for installation via self-service methods. See our checklist of common apps to install or set-up on a new Mac or Windows computer.
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Back up (copy) all locally-stored files (saved on the device) to the cloud or other appropriate locations (e.g., OneDrive, Google Drive, a shared departmental folder in the cloud or on Middfiles, iCloud, and/or a personally-owned device).
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Set up syncing of web browser favorites/bookmarks by signing into or creating an account with the browser you use, then turning sync on; or, export them to a file which you can store in the cloud or email to yourself.
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Note the names of all printers you use; you will need to reconnect/reinstall them.
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If you use the Outlook application, note the names of all other shared mailboxes you use. If you use email signatures or have customized views, you will need to separately save / recreate these.
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Think about any other customizations you may have on your computer—e.g., Office templates, autocorrect entries, and Settings preferences, that are stored locally—and make notes of customizations you will not be able to recreate from memory.
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Backup and deauthorize iTunes (if authorized).
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Confirm that you see expected folders and files in the cloud storage that you use by logging in via web browser (e.g., go/onedrive/, go/googledrive/).
Operating System-specific instructions