A Desktop Crew technician can visit your home to help set up a new Windows PC or Mac and move the accessible files you agree on. Before the visit, a short checklist helps you decide what must be available on the new computer and what needs a separate plan.

1. Keep the old computer available

Do not erase, trade in or recycle the old computer before the agreed transfer has been checked. Have both computers, their power adapters and any existing backup drive available. Tell us if the old device will not start or if you cannot access it: planned transfer from an accessible device is different from recovery from a failed drive.

2. List the files you actually need

Start with documents, photos and the folders you use every day. Note files saved outside the usual folders, on an external drive or under another user account. Include any local email archives or project libraries you want assessed. A list of folder names is enough for the initial discussion; do not upload private files to an inquiry form.

Choose a few representative files that you can open yourself after the transfer. This gives you a practical check beyond seeing that a folder exists.

3. Check the backup and cloud accounts

Have your existing backup available and note when it was last updated. Check that you can access important files rather than assuming every folder is included. If you use OneDrive, iCloud or another cloud service, tell us which account holds the files and whether they are available locally or only through that service.

A transfer method should match your devices and the location of the data. Microsoft documents moving files between Windows PCs through OneDrive. Apple documents Migration Assistant transfers from another computer or a Time Machine backup. The appropriate option and supported content depend on your setup; neither means every program or file can be moved without review.

4. Separate files from applications

Make a short list of the applications you rely on, especially paid software, email tools and specialist programs. Copying a document folder does not install the application that opens it. Compatibility, installers, subscriptions and licence activation need their own checks. Moving between Windows and macOS may require a different version of an application.

For employer-managed computers, get approval from the responsible business contact before any changes. Personal home-office equipment and company systems have different access requirements.

5. Be ready to sign in yourself

Check that you can sign in to the accounts needed for the agreed work and have your own verification device available. Enter credentials yourself during the appointment. Do not send passwords, recovery codes or confidential documents through our contact form or messages. If access is unavailable, tell us before the visit so we can discuss the scope.

6. Include the equipment you use every day

Have the printer, external drives and the usual accessories available. Tell us which tasks matter: opening a document, checking email, joining a meeting or printing. Printer compatibility, scanning and backup arrangements can be discussed as part of the setup; they are not automatically included in every transfer.

7. Check the result before retiring the old device

Open a few agreed files on the new computer and confirm that the applications and accounts needed for your everyday tasks work as expected. Discuss any remaining items, inaccessible data or separate recovery work. Keep the old computer and backup until you are satisfied that the agreed files are available. Erasing the old device requires a separate decision; it is not part of a standard transfer.

A checklist for arranging a home visit

  • Your city and the two computer models.
  • Whether the old computer starts and your files are accessible.
  • The main folders, applications and daily tasks to review.
  • Any existing backup or cloud storage to assess.
  • Printer or accessory setup you would like to discuss.

Desktop Crew serves Palm Beach, Broward, Martin and St. Lucie counties. We discuss visit availability, the work and charges before proceeding. Read the setup service details:
New computer setup and data transfer at your home

For a printer that needs connecting or shows offline, see:
On-site printer connection help