Swap Workstations
📦 0. Pre‑Flight
✅ | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
☐ | Confirm new workstation is fully imaged & updated | Should already have its MSP360 restore, Windows updates, AV, etc. |
☐ | Make sure you have: phone camera, small flashlight, cable ties, alcohol wipes | Saves a walk back to the storage closet. |
🔌 1. Power Down the Old Box
- Close all apps and gracefully shut down Windows (
Start → Power → Shut Down). - Flip the rear PSU switch or pull the power cord after Windows is off.
📸 2. Document the Existing Setup
- Photo‑bomb the rear I/O
- Snap a clear shot of all cable placements (USB, DisplayPort, audio, Ethernet).
- Front & peripherals
- Take extra photos if there’s anything exotic (USB hubs, card readers, X‑ray sensors, etc.).
- Save the pics to the ticket or the site’s “Workstation Swaps” folder for future reference.
Why? Some devices (label printers, scanners) depend on the exact USB port they were originally installed on to keep their driver assignments.
🧹 3. Remove the Old Workstation
- Label it “$ORIGINAL_HOSTNAME-RETIRED.
- Unplug power last so you don’t yank live cables.
- Set it aside on the cart or shelf reserved for wiped/imaged returns.
🔄 4. Install the New Workstation & Peripherals
Step | Action | Tip |
|---|---|---|
4.1 | Place the new PC in the same orientation (vents clear!). | Verify feet aren’t blocking airflow. |
4.2 | Replicate cabling using your photos. | Match port‑for‑port; blue USB 3.0 → blue USB 3.0, etc. |
4.3 | Power on and let Windows finish first‑boot tasks. | Stay nearby in case BitLocker or domain join prompts appear. |
🧪 5. Functional Testing Checklist
Run through each section that applies to this workstation’s role.
🖥️ Core System
- Logged in with correct user profile
- Network connectivity (wired/Wi‑Fi VLAN)
- Display(s) detected, correct resolution / orientation
- Audio playback & mic detection
🖨️📠 Peripherals
- Default printer installed → test print
- Barcode / document scanners recognized → test scan
- Special devices (card readers, signature pads) → run vendor test app
- X‑ray / imaging sensors (if applicable) → capture test image
🔗 Application Stack
- Launch each production application
- Confirm it integrates with its companion apps/services (databases, cloud logins)
- Verify any add‑ins (Outlook, browser extensions) load without errors
🗑️ 6. Clean‑Up & Handoff
- Cable‑manage (Velcro, ties) so nothing dangles.
- Wipe fingerprints & desk dust.
- Leave a quick sticky note or Teams message:
“Hey <user>, new PC’s online. Let me know if anything feels off. –IT”
- Update your ticket with:
- Photos taken
- Test results (pass/fail)
- Asset tag / serial of old & new units
🚀 Done!
Grab your coffee ☕—the next workstation awaits.