Questions
- How do I set up my new Bowdoin Windows laptop?
- What steps do I follow to configure a new CAP Windows computer?
- How do I transfer my data to a new Bowdoin Windows computer?
- How do I restore my files from Druva to a new Windows laptop?
- How do I install apps on my new Bowdoin Windows computer using Company Portal?
- How do I connect a Dell monitor to my new laptop?
- How do I set up PaperCut printing on a new Windows computer?
- How do I set up OneDrive and Outlook on a new Windows laptop?
- My new Windows computer shows "Sign into Microsoft" at startup — what do I do?
Environment
This article applies to Bowdoin faculty and staff setting up a new Windows 11 computer received through the Computer Allocation Program (CAP).
- Who: Faculty and staff receiving a new Bowdoin Windows computer through CAP
- What: Windows 11 laptops (Dell Latitude)
- "Sign into Microsoft" at startup? If the computer displays a "Sign into Microsoft" prompt before the Windows login screen, complete Autopilot setup first. See Windows Autopilot: Configure New Computer with Bowdoin Software and Settings in the Related Articles section, then return here.
- Mac computer? See macOS Computer Setup: New CAP Computer in the Related Articles section.
Resolution
Step 1 - Confirm backup of old computer
Step 2 - Monitor and peripheral setup
Step 3 - Power on laptop and log in to Windows
Step 4 - Restore your data
Step 5 - Install apps using Company Portal
Step 6 - Reboot, Launch and sign-in to apps
Step 7 - Schedule follow up with Service Desk technician
Most Common Questions
For further assistance, please contact the technician assigned to your CAP ticket or the Bowdoin College Service Desk
Step 1 — Confirm backup of old computer
Skip this step if data is not being restored from a previous Bowdoin computer.
- On the old computer, launch Druva InSync from the Desktop, Start Menu, or Notification Area.
- Confirm the status shows Backup Complete with a recent Last Successful Backup date. Click Backup if a fresher backup is needed.
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Step 2 — Monitor and peripheral setup
To identify cables and ports before connecting hardware, see Cable Connection Types in the Related Articles section.
If using a Dell USB-C Hub Monitor (models P2422HE or P2722HE):
This monitor provides wired Ethernet, power, and four additional USB ports through a single cable connection to the laptop.

- Assemble the stand and attach it to the monitor.
- Plug the included USB-C cable into the USB-C port on the back of the monitor.
- Plug an Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on the back of the monitor.
- Plug the keyboard and mouse into the two USB ports on the back of the monitor.
- Plug the power cable into the back of the monitor.
- Power on the monitor using the power button on the back-right corner. Use the adjacent joystick to control the on-screen display. Select your language and choose Yes for Always on USB-C Charging so the monitor can power the laptop.
- Plug the USB-C cable from the monitor into any USB-C port on the laptop.
The monitor box includes a Display Port cable — this is only needed if connecting a second monitor. For a second monitor: remove the orange rubber plug from the primary monitor's Display Port connector, plug in the Display Port cable, and connect the other end to the second monitor.
Low wattage or Slow Charging warnings: These messages may appear on boot. See Message at startup - You have plugged in a lower wattage power adapter and Windows Displays Slow Charging Notification in the Related Articles section.
If using a Dell USB Thunderbolt Dock:

Plug the USB-C cable from the Thunderbolt Dock into any USB-C port on the laptop.
If using an Anker USB-C Multiport Adapter with an existing monitor:

- Plug the Ethernet cable directly into the Ethernet port on the laptop — do not use the Ethernet port on the multi-port adapter.
- Connect the monitor to the multi-port adapter using the included HDMI cable.
- Connect the 90-watt laptop power supply to the USB-C port on the multi-port adapter.
- Plug the USB-C cable from the Anker adapter into any USB-C port on the laptop.
If not connecting to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse:
Connect the laptop to power using the included power adapter. Connect to the Bowdoin network either by plugging an Ethernet cable into the laptop's expandable Ethernet port, or by joining Bowdoin Wi-Fi from the network icon in the lower-right corner of the Windows login page.
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Step 3 — Power on the laptop and log in to Windows
- Power on the laptop.
- Log in to Windows using the full Bowdoin email address and password.
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Step 4 — Restore data
Skip this step if data is not being restored from a previous Bowdoin computer.
Wait before installing apps: Do not install or configure applications until the data restore is complete.
- Once logged in to the new computer's desktop, launch Druva inSync.
- Select Replace Existing Device, then choose Restore. For full instructions, see Restore your Druva inSync data to a new device in the Related Articles section.
Restore tips: Campus Ethernet is recommended for the fastest transfer. The restore may take 30 minutes to 12 hours depending on the amount of data. The process resumes automatically if the computer is restarted. The old computer will stop backing up once the restore begins. During the restore, work can continue on the old computer — save new or modified documents to OneDrive or Microwave (the Bowdoin network drive).
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Step 5 — Install apps using Company Portal
The following apps are pre-installed and do not need to be reinstalled: Microsoft Office, OneDrive, Teams, and Druva inSync.
Additional software can be self-installed by launching Company Portal, searching for the app, and clicking Install. See Company Portal in the Related Articles section. Only reinstall software that will be used regularly. The Make Me Admin app may be used if administrator credentials are needed for software not listed in Company Portal.
If a Bowdoin-owned application is needed and is not listed in Company Portal, contact the Service Desk technician assigned to the CAP ticket.
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Step 6 — Reboot, launch, and configure apps
After the data restore completes, reboot the computer and configure the following:
- Microsoft Outlook — configure for Bowdoin email. See How to setup Microsoft Outlook for Windows for Bowdoin email in the Related Articles section.
- OneDrive — set up the sync client. See How to setup the OneDrive sync client in the Related Articles section.
- PaperCut printing — in the PaperCut Print Deploy Client app, click Add Printers in the left column. Search for Find-Me-Print [Bowdoin](Mobility) and click Sign in to install. Once installed, print to that queue. The "Failed" message next to
\\p-papercut-a\Find-Me-Print can be ignored. See PaperCut Printing Quick Reference Guide in the Related Articles section.
- Default programs — change default programs in Windows if needed.
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Step 7 — Schedule a follow-up with the Service Desk
If needed, contact the Service Desk technician assigned to the CAP ticket, or use their Bookings link to schedule a follow-up appointment for any remaining issues.
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Most Common Questions
I started my computer and see "Sign into Microsoft" prior to logging into Windows
How to identify cables and connection types
Do I need all the cables that came with the new monitor?
The box includes a Display Port cable which is not used unless a second monitor is connected.
How to install additional apps like Adobe, Zoom, Cisco AnyConnect VPN, etc.
How to set default programs
How to connect a second monitor to a Dell USB-C Hub Monitor
Remove the orange rubber plug from the primary monitor and plug in a Display Port cable. Plug other end of the Display Port cable into the second monitor.
My mouse won't move across both monitors correctly
How to install a non-PaperCut printer that is still on the Bradbury print server
Message at Boot - "You have plugged in a lower wattage power adapter..."
Windows 11 Displays Slow Charging Notification
Windows notification: "Work or School Account Problem"
Click Start > Settings Gear > Accounts > Access work or School > "Sign in again to fix your work or school account". Then sign in with your full Bowdoin email address.
My Bookmarks are not displaying in Firefox
Firefox Bookmarks were transferred with Druva. Contact the Service Desk technician supporting your CAP appointment and they can import your Bookmarks into Firefox.
What should I do with the boxes my computer equipment arrived in?
The boxes your computer equipment arrived in can be broken down and recycled.
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Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.