New PC - Guidance needed before I set it up

AuntyJean

My OH bought me a new PC for Christmas (Dell 5150) which was delivered a couple of weeks ago but due to other commitments I have not had chance to set it up yet - have only taken items out of boxes and looked at them - very frustrating for me as I am a PC maniac (not an expert, just love them).

Before I just plug everything in has anyone any guidance as to set up procedure. What not to do, what is important, you know, all the stuff they don't tell you in the manual (which btw, is online!).

Currently using an old Gateway PC with OS Windows 98SE. Have Telewest Broadband and Belkin Router. Presumably my old USB hub will no longer be needed (used to connect printer and separate scanner and to download pics from digital camera).

Have also bought Transfer My PC which I haven't even looked at yet so assume I will need both up and running to transfer but will I need to be connected to the internet and on which PC?

Have found my MS Office 2000 Professional discs. At what stage do I install this on the new PC? How do I register for updates as it is already registered on my old PC?

Have my laptop as backup in case I bu*@er it all up and will be doing one final backup to that before I start (essential files).

Oh, just remembered. Have a second hard drive on old PC where I store all photos and music files.

Any help and advice greatly appreciated. I can see that I am going to be needing you guys and gals (Edinburghlass, are you still around?)

Target day is this weekend!

marylee

A couple of weeks ago, I was in a similar position, having bought a new Dell Dimension 5150. Completely a newbie, I was very nervous about setting it up and reconnecting to the internet. To put your mind at rest, I can tell you it is very easy to set up. It comes with some instructions how to set it up. If I could do it everybody can. I hope somebody will help you with the rest of your queries.

grumpasav

Suggest you load windows, load your anti-virus and firewall software (if you don't have these get them or you will regret it when you suffer your first infection - I use Norton Internet Security and I also have an anti-spyware programme - well worth the money), install your modem, set up your internet connection then get on-line and run the windows update utility to make sure you have all the latest patches etc. (don't think that because you've got a new computer the OS will be up to date - new updates are released all the time). Getting on-line as quickly as possible is a priority so that you can access help information, software updates, drivers, utilities etc. If possible have the installation disks for any peripherals handy (but if you don't you can probably find drivers on the internet or they may even be pre-loaded as part of windows), then just plug in your peripherals and re-start your computer to start installing them. Once you've got everything up and running start loading other applications like Office etc.
Hope this helps.

intel

First of all in Order..

A Firewall (I use Sygate)

Antivirus (I use AVG)

Scumware/AdWare Removal Tool (I use AdAware and Microsoft AntiSpyware)

All updates from Microsoft. (people who say dont update are mad)

Some links here http://www.intels.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/

Dont forget you should never run two Antivirus programs on the same PC

wolfman

Intel's suggestions are spot on.

Oh, and maybe an alternate browser. IE is fine, but you'll be less prone to nasties with Firefox or Opera (go Opera!).

I'd also consider buying Acronis TrueImage. Version 8 can be picked up for just over £10. It's backup/imaging software, once you have everything installed and nicely setup, take an image of it all. That way should something really hit the fan, you'll have an image to recover from. Takes about 5 minutes to recover too instead of the countless hours re-installing.

I also fall back to my image every month or two, run any updates, then re-image. That way it's always reasonably up to date.

Bob_the_Builder_5

You can use the File & Settings Transfer Wizard to copy your stuff across. See http://g.msn.com/9SE/1?http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/deploy/mgrtfset.mspx&&DI=1711&IG=653468a5bd4a4a3ea54ac74f075b3e48&POS=2&CM=WPU&CE=2&CS=AWP&SR=2

If I were you, I'd get someone to remove the old drive from your old computer, stick it in your new one and drag the documents across.

headcovers

AuntyJean wrote:

Have also bought Transfer My PC which I haven't even looked at yet so assume I will need both up and running to transfer but will I need to be connected to the internet and on which PC?

I have just used "Transfer my PC" for the first time on my new laptop at work.

You need to have installed everything onto your new computer first and have opened and run all the applications that you will transfer data and settings for at least once. You must have registered them all first as well.

You will set up TMPC on the old computer first and whilst it is more helpful to have an internet connection to allow you to register the product online, this can also be done by calling Orgolix on the phone and getting an activation code.

Once it is running on the old computer it will run through all your settings and data and store it somewhere on your old computer.

You must then install TMPC on the new computer (you do not need an Internet connection as it is now already activated.)

DO NOT CONNECT THE CABLES FOR TMPC UNTIL TOLD TO BY THE SOFTWARE.

By the way, I copied 9GB of data and settings and it took 2 hours and 47 mins and you can't use the new computer or old one whilst it is doing this.

By the way - you were aware that TMPC is for transferring data from applications and settings (favourites in IE, control panel settings, etc) and not the software applications themselves, weren't you! :rolleyes:

intel

And dont forget to make sure the old PC is clean before any transfers or you may
just infect the New PC without even realising it...

justpaper

intel wrote:

First of all in Order..

A Firewall (I use Sygate)

Antivirus (I use AVG)

Scumware/AdWare Removal Tool (I use AdAware and Microsoft AntiSpyware)

All updates from Microsoft. (people who say dont update are mad)

Some links here http://www.intels.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/

Dont forget you should never run two Antivirus programs on the same PC

thats the one right there,.. there was a test done on winxp str8 out the box (fresh install of winxp or new pc) it was put online with firewall and AV programs,. but due to bugs in windows it was infected by trojans as soo as it got on the net,..

so updating it 1st is a major thing,. (check if u have service pack 2 installed (SP2) but u'll still have to do the following) down load a program called autopatcher http://www.autopatcher.com/ its all the windows updates nicely packed,.(burn it onto CD and install it on ur new pc) i guess u'll be after dec 2005(full verison is 119mbish) and jan 2006 update package which is only 3mb

marylee

My PC is two weeks old, and it's XP SP2, I have updated but what is this autopatcher, do I still need to download it and install it on my new PC. Thanks

intel

marylee wrote:

My PC is two weeks old, and it's XP SP2, I have updated but what is this autopatcher, do I still need to download it and install it on my new PC. Thanks

You DO NOT need autopatcher and frankly I wouldnt reccomend a non-microsoft downloader.. IMHO... But I do see where justpaper is coming from
I think that would be handy if it is ok to download from and that especially goes for Dial-up Users, In saying that you can always slipstream a disc.

Slipstream


You can get SP2 from PC World FOC.