Checklist for transition to a new computer

Action Required by You Before Transition/Migration Day:

See detailed information below for each of these important topics.

  1. Data: Files that are NOT in: Desktop, Documents, Pictures.

  2. Settings: Save desired Settings like your Signatures, Dictionary, Bookmarks.

  3. Applications - non-standard applications.

Data

We will be configuring OneDrive "Backup" on your new computer to sync the folders, Desktop, Documents and Pictures to your OneDrive account.  This allows you to access these files from other computers, mobile devices and the web.  For more information:  OneDrive | Office 365 | The University of Texas at Austin (utexas.edu) 


Keep Desktop & Documents Available Offline

Right-click on the folder Desktop and/or Documents and choose "Always keep on this device".  This will sync these files and keep them available when you are not connected to the internet. For reference on how to use OneDrive: OneDrive help & learning - Microsoft Support.

  1. Other files/folders - NOT in: Desktop, Documents, Pictures
    1. If you have files in folders like "Downloads", “Music”, or “Videos” or files not store in your Windows profile (C:\Users\<YourAccount>)
      1. If they are work files, copy them to your Documents folder
      2. If the are personal files, copy them to a USB drive or save them to personal cloud storage. 
    2. Please note that items in the recycle bin will be lost.
  2. Outlook Personal Files (.pst)
    1. Outlook Personal files WILL NOT sync nor can be stored in OneDrive. 
      1. .PST files will need to be manually saved and moved to your new computer.  (Ask IT for assistance)
    2. Note:  You might have an Outlook Personal file (.pst) if you have a copy of a former employees mailbox or if you have saved or archived messages from your mailbox in the past. 

Save Desired Settings

When moving to a new computer, it is VERY important that you carefully go through the list below so that you do not lose any settings.

Any settings and folders outside of those three are the User’s responsibility.  Below are common items you may wish to transfer and instructions for doing so.

  1. Other files/folders - NOT in: Desktop, Documents, Pictures
    1. If you have files in folders like "Downloads", “Music”, or “Videos”, you should copy them to a USB drive or save them to cloud storage. 
    2. If you have files in any other folders not mentioned above, you can move these files to either the Desktop or Documents folder so that IT will move them.  Please note that items in the recycle bin will be lost.
  2. Bookmarks - Sync or Export
    1. SYNC: We recommend that you setup syncing on your favorite browser.  These links show how to setup syncing browser bookmarks and settings
      1. Firefox - How do I set up Sync on my computer?
      2. Edge - Sign in to sync Microsoft Edge across device  
      3. Chrome -  Get your bookmarks, passwords & more on all devices 
    2. EXPORT:  You can also save/export bookmarks to your Desktop or Documents folder so that you can import/load them on the new computer.  This link has instructions for saving and loading bookmarks for all major browsers.  How to Easily Back Up and Migrate Your Browser Bookmarks . 
  3. Outlook shared mailboxes 
    1. Please note if you add any shared mailboxes to Outlook and write down their email addresses. 
      1. Shared mailboxes are listed in your left folder pane.
    2. After the transition to your new computer, follow these instructions to add the mailboxes to your Outlook:  
      1. Outlook & OWA - Office 365 Resource Mailbox - Engineering IT - Public Wiki - UT Austin Wikis (utexas.edu)
  4. Outlook special files
    1. Items like Dictionary, Signatures, Stationery, Templates should be exported/saved to the Documents or Desktop folder for transfer to the new computer.
    2. For reference, Find and Transfer Outlook data files from one computer to another
  5. OneNote Notebooks
    1. Local OneNote notebooks are stored in Documents\OneNote and will be transferred. 
    2. It is a good idea to save all OneNote locations.  Please make a list of all OneNote notebook locations by going to “File” > “Info” . 
    3. You can select the location line, right-click, then copy.  Paste the location into a text or word file in Documents or Desktop for easy opening on the new machine  Teams and OneDrive Notebooks locations will be a web link.
  6. Sticky Notes -
    1. Sync Sticky Notes - Get started with Sticky Notes
  7. Digital Signature - for signing Acrobat documents or email
    1. If you have a digital signature for signing Acrobat documents or email.  Please contact IT for instructions.

Applications

IT will work with you to ensure all applications are installed on your new computer.  Please review your applications before transition day to make sure we catch any non-standard application.

Standard Applications include:

  • Office - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, OneDrive, Teams
  • Browsers: Edge, Chrome & Firefox
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader (NOT Adobe Acrobat Pro - Pro requires a purchased license)
  • Cisco AnyConnect - VPN
  • Zoom