Before Your Computer Transfer: Required Preparation

To ensure a smooth transition to your new computer and prevent data loss, please complete the steps below before your scheduled upgrade appointment.

⚠️ Important

 
No data will be transferred from your current device to your new one.
Any files not backed up prior to your appointment may be permanently lost after the 90-day retention period.

✅ Step 1: Back Up Your Files

Option A: Upload to Google Drive (Recommended)
  1. Open your web browser and go to drive.google.com
  2. Sign in with your Gustavus account
  3. Click “New” → “File upload” or “Folder upload”
  4. Select important files/folders (Desktop, Documents, Downloads)
  5. Wait for upload to complete
 
Option B: Use U-Drive (if applicable)
  1. Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac)
  2. Locate your U-Drive
  3. Drag and drop important files into your U-Drive folders
 
Option C: Use iCloud (Mac users)
  1. Click the Apple menu → System Settings
  2. Click your name (Apple ID) → iCloud
  3. Turn on iCloud Drive
  4. Move important files into iCloud Drive folders

🌐 Step 2: Save & Sync Browser Data

 
Google Chrome
  1. Open Chrome
  2. Click your profile icon (top right)
  3. Click “Turn on sync”
  4. Sign in with your Google account
  5. Confirm sync is enabled for bookmarks, passwords, and settings
 
Microsoft Edge
  1. Open Edge
  2. Click your profile icon (top right)
  3. Click “Sign in”
  4. Use your Microsoft account
  5. Go to Settings → Profiles → Sync and turn sync ON
 
Safari (Mac)
  1. Click the Apple menu → System Settings
  2. Click your name (Apple ID)
  3. Select iCloud
  4. Turn ON Safari

Export Bookmarks (Optional Backup)

 

Chrome / Edge
  1. Open browser
  2. Go to Bookmarks → Bookmark Manager
  3. Click the three dots (top right)
  4. Select “Export bookmarks”
  5. Save the file to Google Drive
 
Safari
  1. Open Safari
  2. Click File → Export Bookmarks
  3. Save the file to Google Drive

📧 Step 3: Save Important Emails & Attachments

  1. Open your email
  2. Download any important attachments
  3. Upload them to Google Drive or U-Drive

📁 Step 4: Check Common File Locations

 
Be sure to review and back up files stored in:
  • Desktop
  • Documents
  • Downloads
  • Pictures
  • Any local application folders

✔️ Final Checklist

 
Before your appointment, confirm:
 
  •  Files are backed up to Google Drive, U-Drive, or iCloud
  •  Browser sync is turned ON
  •  Bookmarks are saved or exported
  •  Important attachments are stored securely
 

❓ Need Help?

 
If you need assistance, please contact the GTS Helpline:
📞 507-933-6111
📧 helpline@gustavus.edu

Completing these steps ahead of time will ensure a quick and seamless upgrade experience.

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