When you get a new computer, it should feel exciting; not stressful.
At Pacific Northwest Computers, our goal is to make your new system feel familiar, functional, and secure, while minimizing downtime and surprises.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what we typically do during a new computer setup & migration, whether we’re working in-shop, onsite at your home or office, or remotely where possible.
1. Step One:
Take Care of the Old Computer
Before we even touch the new system, we spend time with the old one. This is how we make sure nothing important gets left behind.
Backing up your data (properly)
We don’t just drag a few folders to a drive and hope for the best. We:
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Back up key user folders: Documents, Desktop, Downloads, Pictures, Music, Videos, and any custom data folders.
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Verify cloud syncs (like OneDrive) and double- or triple-check that data has actually synced and/or copied to our external backup drive; not just “supposed to be there.”
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Confirm that any specialty data (QuickBooks files, line-of-business databases, custom app data) is included where needed.
Saving browser data and sign-ins
Modern workflows live in the browser, so we:
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Back up browser bookmarks/favorites for all installed browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Brave, etc.).
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Preserve saved passwords where possible, making sure sync is enabled or export/import options are available.
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Note which browser you actually use day-to-day so we can set it as default on the new system.
Capturing how your desktop is organized
Everyone has their own “system”:
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We take screenshots/photos of your desktop and Quick Access (pinned folders, network shares, etc.) so we can recreate your workspace layout on the new PC.
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We note any mapped network drives and frequently used shared folders.
Email, Office, and Microsoft accounts
If you use Outlook or Microsoft 365, we:
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Confirm what type of email account(s) you have (Microsoft 365, Outlook.com, Exchange, IMAP, etc.).
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Back up Outlook rules, signatures, and sometimes profiles (where applicable).
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Export contacts as a separate backup so they can be restored even if something else goes sideways.
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Collect/verify Microsoft account credentials so we can reinstall and activate Office on the new computer if needed.
Printers and other devices
We also:
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Check which printers and scanners are installed and which one is set as the default.
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Download or save the appropriate drivers/software for those devices (especially for older or business-critical printers).
2. Step Two:
Initial Setup of the New PC
Once the old system is fully documented and backed up, we move on to the new machine.
Handling the Windows first-time setup
On a new Windows 11 PC, we:
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Walk through the out-of-box experience (OOBE) and configure things based on your preferences (Microsoft account vs. local account where applicable).
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Match the username to what you had before when it makes sense (this can help with certain migrations and familiarity).
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Configure privacy settings, basic security preferences, and initial regional settings.
Removing bloatware and trial junk
New computers often ship with:
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Trial antivirus programs
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Games and promos (Candy Crush, etc.)
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Vendor “helper” apps you don’t actually need
We go through and uninstall bloatware and trial software, leaving you with a leaner, faster system that’s easier to maintain and less likely to nag you with popups.
Updating Windows and the Microsoft Store
We then:
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Run Windows Update to pull in the latest security patches and drivers.
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Run Microsoft Store updates so built-in apps are current and stable.
Having a fully updated system before loading your data reduces weird glitches later.
Configuring network & sharing settings
For systems that need to talk to servers, NAS devices, or other PCs on your network, we:
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Set the network profile to Private (for trusted home/office networks).
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Enable file and printer sharing where appropriate.
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Turn off password-protected sharing if your environment is set up that way (or keep it on if you need the extra control).
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Install legacy components like SMB1 when absolutely necessary for older NAS devices or servers that still require it. (We only do this if your environment depends on it.)
3. Step Three:
Recreating Your Everyday Workspace
This is where the new computer starts to feel like “yours,” not just “a computer.”
Desktop & taskbar layout
Using the screenshots and notes from the old system, we:
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Recreate desktop icons, shortcuts, and folder structure as closely as possible.
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Rebuild taskbar pins with your commonly used apps: browsers, email, file explorer, line-of-business apps, etc.
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Re-pin Quick Access folders in File Explorer so your frequently used locations are right where you expect them.
Installing essential software
We then install the usual core tools most clients need, such as:
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Web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, etc.)
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PDF tools (Adobe Reader or similar)
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Compression tools (7-Zip)
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Java / .NET runtimes if your apps need them
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Malwarebytes (paired with built-in Windows Defender for security)
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BleachBit for basic cleanup and maintenance tasks
We keep things clean and minimal; no unnecessary “system optimizers” or heavy third-party antivirus suites you don’t need.
4. Step Four:
Data Migration & Account Sign-Ins
With the structure in place, we move your data and sign you back into what matters.
Moving your files over
We:
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Copy documents, photos, videos, and other data from the external backup (or old PC) to the appropriate folders on the new system.
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Place any specialty data (like accounting databases or custom program data) where those applications expect to find it.
We’re careful about data transfer vs. software transfer: programs must be reinstalled, not just copied, but data (your content) can be moved.
Restoring browser data & credentials
We then:
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Import bookmarks/favorites into your preferred browser(s).
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Re-enable sync and/or import any previously backed-up passwords.
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Set your preferred default browser.
Restoring Windows credentials
Where appropriate, we also:
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Import saved Windows Credentials (for things like network shares, RDP connections, or specific line-of-business systems).
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Confirm you can still access servers, NAS devices, and shared folders using those credentials.
5. Step Five: Apps, Email, and Line-of-Business Software
Once your data and layout are in place, we move up the stack to the software you actually work in every day.
Depending on your needs, we’ll help install and configure things like:
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Zoom, Teams, Skype
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TeamViewer or remote-access tools
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Steam, GIMP, LibreOffice, etc.
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Any specialized business software: POS systems, CRMs, medical/dental software, etc. (where you provide the installers and license info)
We work with you to ensure we’re installing the right tools, not just a generic list.
If you use Microsoft 365 or standalone Office, we:
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Install Office from your Microsoft account portal or existing license.
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Sign in with your Microsoft account or business credentials.
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Configure Outlook profiles and add your email accounts.
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Restore Outlook rules and signatures, and double-check that contacts are present and usable.
We’ll also send test emails and confirm everything is sending/receiving properly.
We then:
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Install and configure printers and scanners, setting the correct default printer.
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Remap any network drives (shared folders on a server or NAS).
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Recreate Quick Access shortcuts to those mapped drives or shared folders.
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Confirm you can print, scan, and browse shared files without errors.
6. Step Six: Security, Passwords & Final Polishing
At the end, we make sure things are secure and user-friendly.
We will:
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Set up your Windows password and/or PIN, ideally matching your previous password if that’s what you prefer (as long as it’s safe to reuse).
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Configure lock screen and sleep settings so your system isn’t either constantly locking on you or staying fully open all day in a shared space.
Before we consider the job “done,” we:
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Test printing, internet access, email, and line-of-business apps.
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Open your usual programs and make sure they launch and behave as expected.
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Walk you through any notable changes (for example, differences between Windows 10 and 11, or new security prompts).
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Answer questions and make minor adjustments on the spot.
7. What We Ask You to Prepare
To keep your appointment efficient and cost-effective, there are a few things we recommend clients gather ahead of time:
Software & licenses
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Any installers you have: CDs, USB sticks, download links, or vendor logins.
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License keys/product keys for paid software such as:
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Microsoft Office
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QuickBooks/Quicken
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Specialty business or medical software
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Login info for relevant online accounts (Microsoft, Google, email providers, vendor portals, etc.).
Data & accounts
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If possible, a pre-backup of your data to an external drive or cloud storage (we can do this for you too, it just adds time).
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A list of important usernames & passwords you’ll need (or access to a password manager).
Vendors & special systems
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For more complex setups (Point of Sale, CRM/EMR, specialty hardware), it helps if you:
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Notify your software/hardware vendors you’re moving to a new system.
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Have vendor support info handy in case we need to contact them during setup.
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8. How We Can Help You With Your New Computer
Whether you’ve just ordered a new PC from a retailer, bought something online, or had us build a custom system, we can:
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Set up the new computer in-shop at our Vancouver location.
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Come onsite to your home or business.
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Provide remote support for certain parts of the process when appropriate.
We don’t offer full phone walk-through support, but we’re happy to recommend a few simple checks by email or text and then schedule a proper appointment if the situation needs hands-on work.
Ready for a New Computer Setup?
If you’d like help getting your new computer set up and migrated properly (without losing data or spending hours fighting with accounts and printers), Pacific Northwest Computers can help.
Contact info:
Created & Maintained by Pacific Northwest Computers
📞 Pacific Northwest Computers offers Remote & Onsite Support Across:
SW Washington including Vancouver WA, Battle Ground WA, Camas WA, Washougal WA, Longview WA, Kelso WA, and Portland OR
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