NOVAdevice: Getting Ready for Your Setup Appointment

Overview

Complete these steps before your NOVAdevice setup so your files, applications, and email archives move to your new device smoothly. 

Instructions

  1. Back up your files with OneDrive. Moving your data is the most important and most time-consuming part of setting up a new device. Taking care of it now will make your setup experience much smoother. Follow the steps in Microsoft OneDrive: Back up your files.
    • On Windows, OneDrive backs up your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders.
    • On a Mac, OneDrive backs up your Desktop and Documents folders.
    • Files saved anywhere else, such as your Downloads folder, other folders on your computer, or an external drive, are not backed up. Move anything you want to keep into one of the folders above or directly into your OneDrive folder.
    Once your files finish syncing to OneDrive, they'll be available on your new device as soon as you sign in.
  2. Make a list of the applications you use. Your new device comes with standard applications already installed, including:
    • Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more)
    • Browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge (Windows), Safari (macOS)
    • Microsoft Defender
    • GlobalProtect VPN
    • Zoom Workplace
    Write down any other applications you rely on, such as department software or specialized tools, so you have them ready at your setup appointment. To see the software installed on your current device, follow the steps in NOVAdevice: Viewing Device Details, Replacement Date, and Installed Software.
  3. Find and back up any Outlook .pst files (Windows only). A .pst file stores email on your computer rather than on the Villanova mail server, so it won't transfer to your new device on its own. If you use a Mac, skip this step.
    • Open Outlook and select File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
    • Select the Data Files tab. Any file whose location ends in .pst needs to be backed up. Files ending in .ost do not; they are copies of your mailbox that will download again on your new device.
    • Select a .pst file, then select Open File Location and note where it is saved.
    • Close Outlook, then copy each .pst file to a folder in your OneDrive.

 

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