What to expect when a 'Clean Install' is done on my computer

What to expect when a 'Clean Install' is done on my computer

What can I do to make the process easier?

  1. If you have any installation discs (or credentials for downloads) for programs you want back on the computer have them ready to go with the technician when they come to pick up the computer
  2. If the computer is a laptop or has a proprietary power supply have that ready to go with the technician.
  3. Remove any adapters for peripherals (keyboard, mouse, speakers, etc.) and set them aside in a safe place for when the computer is returned to you. This prevents them from being misplaced or damaged in the shop or in transit.
  4. If upgrading from a previous OS or moving to a new one, not all programs will have the same compatibility. If there are programs you simply must have, be sure to mention them before the process starts so we can check for compatibility.

What will be done to my computer?

  1. The computer will have an image backup made of the entire drive and then a copy of just the user folder will be made.
  2. The computer will be booted, if possible, and some product keys (PK) recovered. Many PKs may be unrecoverable but we get what we can. Quickbooks and Windows OS are PKs that are reliably recovered. These PKs will be uploaded to the associated ticket.
  3. The hard drive will be erased and the appropriate operating system(OS) will be installed. 
    1. If installing Windows some privacy settings will be adjusted for increased security.
  4. The OS will be updated using built-in software.
  5. Recommended software will be installed. Typically this includes Malwarebytes Free, Adobe Reader, LibreOffice, and Google Chrome. If a office program was installed before we will attempt to install that one before installing LibreOffice.
    1. An adblocker add-on is installed on Google Chrome to help prevent one source of malicious content from reaching your computer.
  6. Users will be recreated and data will be moved back to the computer.
  7. We will attempt to reinstall the programs we were able to recover the PKs for, this is not guaranteed to work.
    1. If upgrading from a previous OS or moving to a new one, not all programs will have the same compatibility. If there are programs you simply must have, be sure to mention them before the process starts so we can check for compatibility.

What will need to be done when the computer is returned?

  1. Plug all the peripherals back into the computer. Some will install the necessary drivers as soon as they are plugged in and there may be pop-ups, this is normal.
  2. The technician dropping off your computer can assist you with the re-installation of printer/scanners and reconnecting to internet.
  3. Re-installation of any programs that could not be installed in-shop.
  4. Import data back into the appropriate programs. (QuickBook, Outlook, etc.)

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