Checklist for a Computer Reimage or Upgrade

Summary

This checklist can be used for prepping one computer or several. This applies to both desktops or laptops and ensure the process runs smoothly.

The reason for the reimage or upgrade is your computer's Operating System is outdated or not functioning properly.

The entire process averages around 30 minutes or so. You want to make sure you've saved everything you need by signing into your OneDrive or copying files to a File Share.

Upgrade - will retain the files and programs. It will not interfere while working. Upgrade starts when the computer is rebooted. Averages around 30 - 60 minutes.
Reimage - wipes the computer clean and reinstall programs. The computer will be out of commision until it finishes which averages around 30 minutes.

! It's recommended not to reimage more than five computers at the same time as this could bog down your network.

We can also set an automated schedule to push the reimage or upgrade. Please coordinate with us if you prefer this method.

Below, you'll find the Upgrade and Reimage Checklist.

Upgrade Checklist

Least disruptive method. Upgrades your Windows in the background.

1. Make sure your computer is connected on our network via docking station, network cable, hospital_employees WiFi, or Cato VPN. Barracuda VPN does not work at this time.

2. Ensure you are signed into OneDrive. This is to help recover files if something does go wrong. This will mainly apply to people assigned their own computer. If it's a shared computer such as Nursing or Therapy, this will not apply. Find the Cloud icon on the bottom right corner of the taskbar.

If the icon is blue, you're signed in and good to go.
If the icon is grey, the account has not been sign in. Click on the icon and sign in.

3. Ensure the power plan is set to "Never".

You'll want to ensure the power plan on your computer is to "Never" while on AC Power. Type "Edit" in the search bar of the taskbar and look for "Edit power plan."

Under "Plugged in" and "Put the computer to sleep", select "Never" and save changes. It's possible this setting is already applied, if that's the case, skip this step.

4. Ensure you have around 60 GB of disk space. Open File Explorer and click once on "This PC" on the left side of File Explorer. Look at your Local Disk (C:). Anything less could prevent the upgrade. You can free up space by deleting files from your Desktop, Downloads folder or images.

5. Once the previous steps are done, the computer is ready for an Upgrade. Your IT team will coordinate the Upgrade Push with you or your department head.

Reimage Checklist - push method

Will wipe computer clean and reinstall Windows. This will fix any existing issues with Windows. A reimage will mainly apply to shared computers such as Nurse and Therapy since they are the most used.

The push method can be scheduled or coordinated once the requirements below are met.

1. The computer MUST be on a network cable or docking station with a network cable. Wireless or VPN will NOT work for this method.

The icon must be this on the bottom right corner of the taskbar.

2. It should already be known since these are shared computers that users shouldn't be saving directly to the computer, BUT if they did, they should be signed into OneDrive. Otherwise, all data will be wiped.

3. Ensure the power plan is set to "Never".

You'll want to ensure the power plan on your computer is to "Never" while on AC Power. Type "Edit" in the search bar of the taskbar and look for "Edit power plan."

Under "Plugged in" and "Put the computer to sleep", select "Never" and save changes. It's possible this setting is already applied, if that's the case, skip this step.

4. Ensure you have around 1 GB of disk space. Open File Explorer and click once on "This PC" on the left side of File Explorer. Look at your Local Disk (C:). Anything less could prevent the upgrade. Let us know if you require assistance freeing up space.

5. Once the previous steps are done, the computer is ready for a reimage. Your IT team will coordinate the reimage with you or your department head.

Reimage Checklist - USB method

This method to be used if push method didn't work or crashed during reimage. Average time - 30 minutes.

1. The computer MUST be on a network cable or docking station with a network cable. Wireless or VPN will NOT work for this method.

The icon must be this on the bottom right corner of the taskbar.

3. Insert USB stick in available USB port of the computer to be reimaged.

4. Turn on computer and start tapping repeatedly on the F12 key until you see a menu. If it boots to the sign on screen, you weren't quick enough and you'll need to start the process again.

5. On the menu, you'll find many options. Use the arrow key on the keyboard and select the option that has the word "USB" and press enter. If you see USB NIC (IPV4), (IPV6), or UEFI-General USB, select the UEFI: General USB Flash xxxxxx.

If you're on a laptop and you don't see anything with the word USB, go into BIOS and turn on USB Configuration under SYSTEM CONFIGURATION.
On older Latitude 73xx's, mostly the 7300s and 7310s, you will need to turn on Thunderbolt in BIOS. Go to SYSTEM CONFIGURATION>THUNDERBOLT ADAPTER CONFIGURATION, tick the box that says "Enable Thunderbolt Boot Support."

6. It will load the "ManageEngine OS Deployer" preboot environment. It will ask for an "Authentication Passcode." We will provide you the code to kick start the reimaging process. Once this process starts, do not interrupt or try logging in when you see the login page. Applications are working in the background. We will let you know when it's ready to log in.

If the computers gives a message there is no drive, then it's not liking the settings for the SSD. It's most likely on the "Raid on." If this is the case, try switching it AHCI. This is found under SYSTEM CONFIGURATION>SATA Configuration in the older BIOS.