Set up a new computer and move my files over safely
A step-by-step plan to set up a new laptop or desktop, transfer files and apps, and wipe the old one safely.
The prompt
Help me set up my new computer and move everything over from my old one.
Old computer: [make, Windows or Mac, roughly how old, still works yes/no]
New computer: [make, Windows or Mac]
What I need to move: [e.g. photos, documents, email, browser bookmarks and saved logins, printer, specific programs]
How I use it: [e.g. email, photos, video calls with family, banking, work, games]
Plans for the old computer: [keep / give to family / sell / recycle]
Comfort with tech: [low / medium / high]
Give me a plan in phases:
1. Before I start: back up the old computer, list the programs I use, find license keys or account logins I'll need (keep them private - don't paste them here), and make sure I can get into my main email account.
2. Setup: first-time setup choices explained simply (account type, privacy settings to consider, updates), and which options to decline if I'm unsure.
3. Moving files: the built-in transfer tools or cloud options for my combination of computers, with steps marked [CHECK ON MY COMPUTER].
4. Essentials: security updates, built-in security protection, backup, printer, and a browser setup.
5. Checking everything arrived: a short checklist.
6. Wiping the old computer: signing out of accounts and doing a full reset before it leaves my hands.
Warn me about common traps: fake download sites, "PC cleaner" pop-ups, and paying for extra software I don't need.
Highlighted [brackets] are blanks to replace with your own details.
Fill in the blanks and use this promptMore Personal Life & Wellbeing prompts
What to fill in
- make, Windows or Mac, roughly how old, still works yes/no
- make, Windows or Mac
- keep / give to family / sell / recycle
- low / medium / high
- CHECK ON MY COMPUTER
How this prompt is built
This prompt follows the Few-Shot structure (Few-shot prompting). A few-shot prompt includes one or more worked examples of the input and the output you want, so the model can copy the pattern instead of guessing it.
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