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r1015: Setup – New Computer

Setup – New Computer

Problem

You need to set up a new computer on an NT network. Here is the standard check list used at Riverbank.

Applies To

Microsoft Windows NT
Microsoft BackOffice Small Business Server

Solution

Item	Completed by
1. If you need to insert a network card, add it before starting the computer.
2. Connect computer, switch on, and follow Windows 98 set up. If asked to install a printer, cancel, as the printer will be installed from the network. When asked to enter network user name and password, enter user name and password. When asked to enter a Windows password, remove the password it suggests, and press Enter.
3. Check: a) Regional settings b) Keyboard c) Date & time
4. Install any other hardware: a) Modem
5. Network connection: a) If it’s a notebook computer, add the dialin.txt file to the root directory (C:\). b) Configure for network – Windows 98. i) Start | Settings | Control Panel | Network: ii) NetBEUI iii) TCP/IP iv) Obtain IP address automatically v) Client for Microsoft networks (1) Logon to NT domain (2) Enter domain name (3) If it’s a desktop, check Logon and restore connections. If it’s a notebook, check Quick Logon. vi) Identification (1) Computer name is computer tag number or similar. It’s an identifier for the computer, not the user. (2) Workgroup is usually the same as the domain name. c) Configure for network – Windows 2000 i) If it’s on an SBS server, add the new computer to the SBS server (SBS console | More Tasks | Add computer). Add it as a NT4 computer, prepare diskette btu DO NOT USE IT. ii) Network and Dial-up Connections. Check that TCP/IP is running, and add NetBEUI. iii) Control Panel | System | Network Identification. Add the computer to the domain.
6. Set up Windows Explorer: a) Windows 98 - View | Folder Options | View: i) Remove tick from Hide file extensions for known file types. ii) Check the button under Hidden Files labelled Do not show hidden files. b) Windows 2000 – Tools | Folder Options | View: i) Remove tick from Hide file extensions for known file types.
7. Connect to network and log on. a) For Windows 2000, log in as Administrator and add users.
8. Anti-virus: a) Remove any existing anti-virus programs, eg McAfee or Norton Anti-virus. b) Install Sophos from the network central installation. c) Check logon script for Sophos updates (Windows 98 only).
9. If you have any software that requires Office (pre-2000 versions), eg Bill Manville database, install it now.
10. Install Office 2000 Professional: a) Select Custom installation b) Run all from computer c) Leave existing installation (Access 97) on computer.
11. Install any additional software, eg accounts.
THE FOLLOWING TASKS APPLY PER USER...
[b]12.[/b] Set up network printers: a) Install all network printers. b) Set default to the most likely one. c) Check paper size (right-click on printer icon and select Document Defaults. Set paper size to A4, and paper source to a default tray (eg high capacity for plain paper).
13. Check mapping of network folders, eg Admin - drive J:, Data=G, Users=U user's private files - drive P
14. Put icons on desktop for Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access, Outlook.
15. If it’s a desktop computer set file locations in Word, Excel etc. to eg Admin folder (J:). Go to Tools | Options.
16. Outlook: a) Start| Settings | Control Panel| Mail and Fax. b) Create a new profile for this user. c) Add Microsoft Exchange Server i) Click Properties ii) In the Microsoft Exchange server box, enter the server name. iii) In the Mailbox box, enter the user’s name. iv) Click on Check Name.The users name and exchange server should now be underlined. v) If it’s a notebook computer, set up off-line folder (C:\Outlook\user name.ost) d) Add Outlook Address Book. i) In the Properties section set the display order to be Surname then first name. e) Set up icons on Outlook bar (eg company-wide contacts from Public Folders). f) Set the default address list. Set Properties of the contacts folder to enable it as an Outlook address book, then go to Tools | Services | Addressing to set it up as the default address list. g) Test sending and receiving of e-mail. h) If it’s a notebook computer set up and test synchronisation. NB Include any Public Folders in synchronisation (File | Folder | Add to Public Folder Favorites).
17. Notebook – set up Dial up Networking
18. Set up Internet Explorer: a) Connect via network. If it’s a notebook, set to Dial if not connected to a network. b) Set suitable home page. c) Check that it connects to the Internet when on the network. d) Check that it connects to the Internet when off the network.
19. Notebook computer – set up dial in to network.
20. Notebook computer – set up PCAnywhere for dial-in.
21. Notebook computer. If it requires connection for private e-mail address, set up the connection and verify send and receive of e-mail.
22. Screen saver
23. Desktop: a) Delete unnecessary desktop icons. b) Set desktop to auto-arrange icons: Right Click | Arrange Icons | Auto-Arrange. c) Add Windows Explorer to desktop.
24. Restart computer and log on to network. Check: a) Word i) Printing ii) Save document to private folder and to other network folders. b) Excel c) Outlook i) If notebook computer, test Outlook on-line and off-line. d) Internet access

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