Overview
This is a front-facing article for users to use in order to set up their computers when receiving them from Purdue. This article explains what to do prior to receiving their new device, and what to do after they receive it, taking them step-by-step through the new computer setup process.
Instructions
Before your new computer arrives, here are some things you can do to prepare (if applicable):
- Backup your data: Save any files that you want to keep from your current computer somewhere that will be accessible from your new device.
- Common folders that need copied include your desktop folder, documents folder, and pictures folder. Some applications may also save files to a folder in your root C:
- You can back these up by signing in to OneDrive, Box Drive, or copying them to your U: drive, flash drive, or external hard drive.
- Click Here to find information about setting up Cloud Storage for data backup on your current device.
- Export your bookmarks from your preferred browser: Follow the KB instructions to save the html file to one of the above backup locations, or sign in on the browser and verifying that they are "synced".
- Schedule a setup appointment (Optional): If you will be setting up multiple computers, or if you will need additional help following the steps below, please use one of these links to schedule a computer install appointment (any time after the computer arrives) with one of our support analysts:
Once you have received your order, follow the steps below to setup and being using your new computer:
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Verify all items were received: Locate and remove packing slip(s), then verify that all expected items have arrived. Packing slips for monitor boxes may be stickers located underneath the shipping label.
Verify computer service tag matches service tag on packing slip.
Contact agitorders@purdue.edu if anything is missing, incorrect, or if the service tags do not match.
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Unbox the computer: Remove the laptop or desktop and cables from the box.
Connect the power adapter, then press the power button to turn it on.
NOTE: The picture below shows the device with an ethernet cable plugged in. We recommend not plugging these in initially, as the device will need to have a reservation for internet access if on campus or at extension. If your only option is to be hard-wired via ethernet, please submit a request or call 765-494-8333 so that we can allow the device to be hard-wired to campus or extension.
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Follow the setup prompts:
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US keyboard layout > Skip second layout.
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Choose PAL3.0 if on campus or CES if at extension(If the device is being setup outside of Campus or an extension office, you can connect to your available wireless or wired network) > Connect > Continue Connecting > Career account username and password > Continue connecting > Next.
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Checking for updates, Setting up for work or school.
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NOTE: If you are prompted to enter your email address during the setup process, you can try your Purdue email address and password. If it doesn't work, or if you are required to create a local admin account with a custom username and password, do not proceed. It will need to be set up by Purdue IT. Please bring your new computer to AGAD 10 or call 765-494-8333.
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Find your temporary computer name: At the login screen, type ".\" in the username field. This will cause the computer name (AG-????????) to show below the password field. Supply the computer name to a Purdue IT analyst so they can assign it to your department group. NOTE: The computer name may contain any letter or number (1, i, L, 0, and o), which can be visually confusing.
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Connect to the network: For laptops and any computer with wifi, verify that you are already connected to PAL (or CES) at the login screen. Do this by checking the network/globe internet icon in the bottom right corner of the screen, then choose PAL3.0 (or CES) and supply your Career account username and password if necessary.
NOTE: If using a non-Purdue wifi connection, you must also connect to VPN on the login screen (Network sign-in). If the dropdown does not have anything filled in, you will want to type in webvpn.purdue.edu/Ag-General in the dropdown field before pressing Connect
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Log in to Windows: After connecting to a network, you should be able to log into the computer for the first time. However, the computer will be missing some software and policies that have not been applied yet. Web browsing and Outlook email should be available to use right away.
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Contact Purdue IT (formerly AgIT): After you are able to log in, please contact Purdue IT (service.purdue.edu or 765-494-8333) to make sure your new computer has been assigned to the right departmental group. Otherwise, your software and group policies will not be applied. You are encouraged to use the computer while it installs software and updates in the background, otherwise it may go to sleep and stop making progress until you use it again.
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Wait for updates and software to install: After a few hours on the network (possibly overnight), the computer should have most (if not all) software available to install or use. If you'd like additional assistance setting up your Windows user profile, please contact Purdue IT.
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Return old equipment: Old computers, monitors, and peripherals that were leased from AgIT will need to be returned. For campus users, please bring them to AGAD room 10 or schedule an appointment for someone to come to your office and pick up the equipment. For counties, please contact agitorders@purdue.edu to arrange a drop-off or pick-up.
Still need help? Click the 'Purdue IT Request' button to start a ticket.