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Your Dartmouth-issued Windows PC is connected to our campus network environment, which provides access to important tools and resources — including shared files (OurFiles), Windows, and Microsoft Office. Staying connected and keeping your computer maintained helps ensure you don't lose access to any of these.
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▶ Quick Summary
| Connect to Dartmouth network |
At least weekly; monthly at minimum |
| Leave computer on overnight |
At least once a week |
| Install Windows updates |
As soon as they're available; check monthly |
| Update Microsoft Office |
Check once a month |
| Restart your computer |
At least once a week |
| Shut down before traveling |
Any time you'll be offline for several days or more |
| Report issues to ITC |
Right away — don't wait |
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Jump to a section: 1. Stay Connected | 2. Leave On Overnight | 3. Windows Updates | 4. Office Updates | 5. Restart Regularly | 6. Shut Down Before Travel | 7. Report Issues
| 1. Stay Connected to the Dartmouth Network |
| Frequency: At least once a week; monthly at minimum. Going more than 30 days without connecting may cause your Windows or Office license to lapse. |
Your computer needs to "check in" with Dartmouth's network periodically to confirm your Windows and Office licenses are still active. If you work remotely, connecting through VPN counts toward this check-in.
How to connect via VPN:
- Open the Dartmouth VPN application on your computer.
- Connect and remain connected for at least a few minutes to allow the license check-in to complete.
Need help getting set up with VPN? Contact ITC via the Service Portal.
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| 2. Leave Your Computer On Overnight |
| Frequency: At least once a week. |
Your computer runs important behind-the-scenes maintenance tasks overnight — including software updates and license renewals. Leaving it fully on (not in sleep mode) at least once a week gives it the opportunity to handle these automatically.
Concerned about energy use? Let ITC know — we can configure your machine to wake only for scheduled tasks and return to sleep when finished.
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| 3. Install Windows Updates |
| Frequency: Install updates as soon as they're available. Manually run Dell Command Update at least once a month. |
Windows updates keep your computer secure and running smoothly. While your machine handles most updates automatically, some require a manual step on your part.
To run Dell Command Update:
- Search for Dell Command Update in the Start menu and open it.
- Click Check to scan for available updates.
- Install any updates that appear.
If the same updates keep appearing without ever completing, or if you're not sure how to find Dell Command Update, please open a ticket with ITC via the Service Portal.
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| 4. Keep Microsoft Office Up to Date |
| Frequency: Check for updates once a month. |
Your Office 365 license is provided through your Dartmouth affiliation and requires periodic check-ins with the network to stay active. Keeping Office updated also ensures you're getting the latest features and security fixes.
To update Office manually:
- Open any Office application (such as Word or Outlook).
- Go to File > More... > Account.
- Under Update Options, click Update Now.
To verify your Office license is active:
- In the same Account screen, look under Product Information on the right side.
- Your license status should display as active.
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| 5. Restart Your Computer Regularly |
| Frequency: At least once a week. |
Restarting your computer — especially after connecting to the Dartmouth network — helps apply pending updates and refresh your account settings. A full restart is more effective than simply closing and reopening the lid.
Recommended routine:
- Connect to VPN or the campus network.
- Log out of your account.
- Log back in.
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| 6. Shut Down Fully Before Traveling |
| When: Any time you expect to be offline or away from your computer for several days or more. |
If you're traveling or will be away for more than a few days, perform a full shutdown rather than simply closing the lid. Sleep and hibernate modes are not a substitute for a proper shutdown in these situations.
Steps:
- Click Start > Power > Shut down.
- Wait for the computer to fully power off before closing the lid or packing it away.
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| 7. Report Issues to ITC Right Away |
| When: As soon as you notice an error, warning, or anything that doesn't seem right — don't wait. |
If you see any warnings about updates, licensing, or activation — or if something about your computer just seems off — please reach out to ITC as soon as possible. Catching issues early makes them much easier to resolve and helps us identify problems that may be affecting others as well.
Submit a ticket: services.dartmouth.edu
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