Ok, I’m not a complete idiot. I have some idea. I’ve set up lots of new computers and even built a couple (decades ago). But here’s the situation:
I have a great PC laptop that has served my needs well for 7 years. Even after 7 years, my existing lapper is in great shape and I’d have preferred to use it for longer. Unfortunately, the fan started making Bad Noises. My computer guru gently suggested it might be time for a new system because he isn’t sure about replacement parts. It’s time. I complied.
I am going to be happy with the new laptop for sure. However, I haven’t set up a new computer in all this time! I know much has changed. Most notably, how Micro$oft pushes their Windows 10 and other software on new systems.
I don’t have time to do the set-up, so I’ll have my computer guy do most of it. However, before I hand it off to him, I’d like to boot it up to make sure all the components are working properly: No black pixels in the display, audio jacks, USB ports, etc. are in good working order.
Will I be able to do this without having to undertake a set-up routine before shutting the system back down? Or will I be forced to go through set-up before testing out the components?
It’s just been too long. Thanks for any insights and/or tips on what to expect these days.
You will probably be forced to go through setup before testing things. However, Dells, and perhaps other computers, have pre-boot diagnostic environments that you can get to by pressing F12, ESC, Del, or some other key. That will let you run tests without going through setup.
Expect for setup that Microsoft really, really wants you to create a Microsoft online account to use for login. If you do not want to do that, look up ahead of time (or have your computer guru) how to avoid it. There are some advantages to using a Microsoft account, for example if you already have an Office365 subscription, then it might be convenient.
This is exactly the sort of information I need. Thanks for taking time to reply.
The new system is a Lenovo. It appears I’ve already set up a Microsoft online account when I set up my old system, though I think the only time I used it was to download Office 10. I know they no longer support it, but I may need to do that again if the new version of Office doesn’t run macros from very old Excel spreadsheets.
I don’t have an Office 365 subscription. I thought I might purchase the Office 19 software package outright, no subscription, but not until I ascertain the answer to the old Excel macros question.
I’m sorry. I haven’t made my issue clear. It’s not that I’m opposed to using Windows 10. I expect it to run Windows 10. I just don’t want to get all tangled up with a bunch of set-up questions when all I want to do is pre-test all the hardware before handing it off to the computer guy to set it up. HE can fuss with all the set-up stuff.
Based on what @echoreply shared, I think I’m just going to push it off to the computer fellow and let him check out the hardware, too. The unit has a 15-day return policy, and I don’t have time right now to wend my way through the process.
Still, I would have liked to be the first person to boot it up! Oh, well.
Thanks to all for your suggestions. You helped focus my best path forward.
