WINDOWS BASED
OPERATING SYSTEM AND COMPUTER SYSTEM UPGRADES

OVERVIEW:
This outline is an attempt to provide a "heads up" process of installing clean, upgrading, or moving your old computer to a new computer running a Microsoft Windows based operating system without loosing everything in the world you have collected. Plan on problems and be ready to "TechNote" them as you proceed. Be ready with a lined paper pad to write up the messages that you will be getting so that you can document those notices and refer to the technical messages so that you can process them later.

A. Preparing the old computer system :
1) Organize your data by moving and consolidating it into structured directories.
2) Clean & optimize the drive as much as possible
3) Get all of the current "online auto system updates" and/or application program upgrades
4) Setup and external hard drive a little larger than your current C/Drive

B. Preparing your data files:
1) Make sure ALL of your data is in your DOCUMENTS & SETTINGS / MY DOCUMENTS DIR
2) Try to consolidate your data files into like folder/directories.
3) Letters, memos, emails, etc = communications folder / work projects folder / technotes folder, etc.
4) Export the Outlook "contacts" email database
5) Export / copy the Internet browser "Favorites" list.
6) Export / backup copies of your accounting programs to RESTORE after your system re-build.

C. Software Cloning/Backup Programs:
1) Norton Ghost is one of the more popular drive cloning programs, study before using.
2) Operational cautions, cloning parts or an entire computer
3) Windows OS BACKUP utility / Start / Accessories / system Tools / Backup.
4) If your OS has problems, Win Backup or Ghost will DUPLICATE them.
5) Norton Utilities CleanSweep Uninstall Wizard will completely backup an application program including its registery data of application programs for which you may have LOST its original CD. This backup will be in an Norton Specific .ext and require Norton CleanSweep to re-install the application to the new computer programs directory.

D. Old System Settings:
1) Check and take notes of the settings you currently use on your OLD system, folder views,
tool pallet, shortcuts, etc.
2) Consolidate and verify your shortcuts, make sure they work now or delete them
3) Take screenshots and print them of your desktop and/or other directories that you may need
re-call those items for their reconstruction.
4) Create a desktop folder of your tool pallet program shortcuts & a folder of often used directory
shortcuts, e.g. letters, technotes, etc.
5) Fonts: copy your current system fonts from the Windows directory to your BU drive.

E. : Hardware Drivers:
1) Start / settings / CTRL panels / hardware / device drivers / open the (+) take a screen shot of the
device drivers to compare to the new list which may install with a new computer system.
2) Some HP driver need to run the Windows Wizard to link it to the system drivers. There are various
combinations of re-starting, plugging, unplugging process etc. for any number of drivers.
3) Printers / Scanners / modem / USB devices, versions / cameras, etc.
4) 8250 NIC driver / my computer / properties / hardware / Network Adaptors / properties / advanced /
install from list C;\ directory to DELL.

F. Application Programs:
1) Check that you have all original and upgrade application program CDs. If you have upgraded
programs they may require the original version installed before you can add the upgraded copy.
2) A system for application programs Jewel cases, front, back, spines / App SR#s.
3) All Windows upgrade Service Packs.