|
In preparation for the 2009 PC Refresh, UNIT is reviewing its methods for moving user information between computers, as well as assessing the current processes for backing up and restoring user information when a faculty or staff member requires their computer to be re-imaged. Based upon the results of this research, UNIT is recommending that only the user’s Windows profile be migrated from their current computer to their new refreshed computer.
In past PC Refreshes, UNIT has attempted to migrate all of the data present on a user’s machine. This included user data as well as any files and folders associated with programs a user installed. Older operating systems, email clients, and productivity applications stored data in varying locations. In order to ensure no data loss for the user, all data needed to be moved. Furthermore, hard drive sizes were much smaller with past PC Refreshes, so the amount of time it took to move data, as well as the amount of space required on the new machine was less of an issue. The type and size of the individuals data has grown exponentially over the past several years making complete data migrations difficult and impractical.
With the 2004 PC Refresh, the University standardized on Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Office 2003. During this time, the University also transitioned to Microsoft Outlook as the supported email client. Users received a much larger hard drive than previously, allowing the installation of many additional programs resulting in a greater percentage of data that is stored on the hard drive. On average, users are consuming 10 gigabytes and as much as 60 gigabytes of hard drive space with additional programs and data. Moving all of a user’s data and program files would not only lengthen the time needed to complete the Refresh process, it also poses a security risk by potentially moving files inflected with malware to the new machine due to the larger footprint of data being transferred.
By migrating the windows profile, UNIT will be able to move a user’s Desktop, My Documents, Internet Explorer Favorites, and Outlook email. This ensures that all data associated with standard applications supported by the University is moved, as well as data for many other applications that store data within the windows profile. Users are already familiar with this process. Backing up and restoring the windows profile is the standard backup practice used by the University Helpdesk if a user requires their machine to be re-imaged. Moving the windows profile, and not all files and folders on a user’s machine will be the most efficient, safe and effective method of moving users data during the 2009 PC Refresh.
Overview of Data Migration Plan:
- Move data and migrate user settings that resided in primary end users VUAD profile
- My Documents
- MY Favorites
- Outlook ( Local mail and settings)
- Desktop
- Mapped drives and printers
- Data stored in any other location would have to be moved by the user into one of the identified locations in order to be successfully migrated.
- Office Setting
- We will be migrating from Office 2003 to 2007.
- It is not possible to transfer many customized Office 2003 setting during the migration process.
- UNIT will provide directions for end users to export and save their current settings where possible.
- Thunderbird local mail will not be migrated.
- The University has standardized on Outlook and considerable resources were used to migrate each user over the new platform.
- Attempting to move this mail would unnecessarily add to the complexity and time required for each migration.
- Users should work directly with their college or department IT staff if they have a need to migrate mail or setting from an unsupported client.
- UNIT will develop a communication plan and develop documentation to inform and assist users with the data migration process.
|
