help with setting up new desktop please

hostertlady

I have finally got a new desktop but it has been so long since i set one up that i am scared to get it out of the box!!:eek:

i have backed ( i think) all the stuff thats on my current laptop onto an external HD,

I know it sounds thick but do i just unplug my current desktop, set up my new desktop, and plug the wires in??
at the moment i am using a speedtouch router which has a wire into the back of my current desktop(cos it is really old) and i also run my laptop and my sons desktop upstairs wireless free from the speedtouch router..

i know i will have to re-install my printer,

anythin else i need to do?

simple please

thanks in anticipation and dread!!

penrhyn

If you mean a Speedtouch USB modem then you may have to find updated drivers for it. if they are available at all. Do this before you power down the old PC.
Or you might want to treat yourself to a nice new Modem/router.

Appart from that its a matter of plug and play....but if you are not connected to the internet then the operating system (Windows7) won't be able to register so you'll have to do this later.

Savvy_Spender_South

There will be a pictorial guide in the box with coloured plugs to match cloured sockets, this helps.

The rest is really a case of responding to individual situations so make a start and email the questions as they occur, we will have it done by tea time.

triggerhappy_2

The hardware section of this will come in handy if you're not sure which cables go where (and don't have a guide in the box):

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/frontpage-help/set-up-a-new-desktop-computer-HA001188627.aspx

If your router is going to stay where it is, I'd just connect the desktop with an ethernet cable (the same one as your old desktop) as it'll be a good, stable connection and will get you up and running quickly without faffing around with wireless (particularly if you're not hugely comfortable with that sort of thing.) Windows 7 will more than likely recognise the router straight away without any need for set up.

Once you've started it up and run through the Windows set up, I'd update all your drivers and install your printer (again W7 likely to just recognise this and suggest a suitable driver without the need for any disks.)

Optional, but something I do with any new machine:

- Download and run the PC Decrapifier - a quick way to get rid of all the unwanted pre-installed software taht came with your machine (AOL etc.)
- Head to http://ninite.com/ and pick the software you need (e.g. Firefox, Skype etc.) - it'll create a one step installer that will install everything you've chosen in one step.

If anything else comes up there'll be plenty of folk here willing to help out but as Savvy Spender says above, that will be a case by case thing.

hostertlady

thanks everyone so far, just got in so i will do it in the next couple of hours, i will be back later!!

if i have any problems i will use my laptop to talk to you

hostertlady

well its all plugged in, it is initializing!!


i was told that my daughter would be able to play the sims 3 on it but this new one is windows 7 and on the box for sims 3 it says i need to have windows xp or vista--- now what??

Abbafan1972

hostertlady wrote: »

well its all plugged in, it is initializing!!


i was told that my daughter would be able to play the sims 3 on it but this new one is windows 7 and on the box for sims 3 it says i need to have windows xp or vista--- now what??

I would try it and see what happens. I am using Microsoft money which is donkeys years old and to my surprise worked with my current laptop which has Vista.

Ignore what the box says and just give it a try.

Savvy_Spender_South

It actually means it will not work on Windows 98SE or 200/NT. do not worry.

It should work as long as Sims is 32 Bit software and the new Win 7 is. i would think they both are becuause it sounds like you probably are not the sort of customer to ask for 64 Bit.

All should be ok.

hostertlady

i have installed my printer on my new desktop

and i am now in the process of transferring some of my stuff off my data stick onto my new desktop

it has been ok so far

macman

Get a decent AV program installed as a priority-and I don't mean Norton or McAfee, even if there is a free trial of either on there...

hostertlady

macman wrote: »

Get a decent AV program installed as a priority-and I don't mean Norton or McAfee, even if there is a free trial of either on there...

i did buy kapersky 3 user a couple of months ago, i will do that i think

ps. the sims 3 is working:j