Overview
Welcome to your Windows PC! This device is the property of USC and is assigned to you for the duration of your employment, to be used exclusively for University purposes related to research, teaching, and professional pursuits.
Before you begin
The guide below will take approximately 15–30 minutes to complete. You will need:
- Access to an Internet connection.
- Your USC NetID and passphrase. Your USC NetID is the 3-8 character username that you received prior to your first day.
- A Dornsife Account. Typically, your department administrator or hiring manager will have requested this account already for you.
Logging into your Windows PC
The first time that you turn on your computer, you will need to perform the following setup:
- Follow the prompts on the screen to select your region, keyboard layout, and wifi network if you are not connected to Ethernet.
- On-campus: To connect to USC Secure Wireless, use the following credentials:
- Username: Your USC NetID
- Password: Your USC NetID passphrase
- Off-campus: Connect to a secure home wifi network.
- You are prompted to sign in. Type your USC NetID in the following format:
- Click Next.
- Type your password, which is the same as your USC NetID passphrase, and click Sign in or Next.
- Windows proceeds to set up. Allow 15–30 minutes for the process. Once setup completes, the desktop appears.
- If the process is taking significantly longer than 30 minutes, contact DTS for assistance: we may need to manually configure your computer.
Computer administrator login
If you are installing programs or performing other administrative actions, you may be prompted to type your username and password. Do not use your @usc.edu login. Instead, type your credentials as follows:
- USC NetID@dts.usc.edu
- For example, if your USC NetID is ttrojan, type ttrojan@dts.usc.edu
Logging into Outlook, Zoom, and Slack
To find installed software, type the name of the application into the Windows start menu:
Outlook, Zoom, and Slack are essential communication tools at USC. All three applications are already installed and available on Dornsife-managed computers. If you do not see an application, wait 30 minutes and check again: if the computer is new or recently re-imaged, applications may not be immediately available.
Log into Outlook: Troubleshooting
Additional software
For more software, refer to our guide, "Software at USC."
For software installation instructions, refer to our guide, "Using Company Portal."
Using VPN when off-campus
You do not need VPN to access most applications, such as Outlook, Zoom, or Slack. Only connect to VPN if you need to access the following applications while off-campus:
- Areas of myDornsife designated with a lock icon
- Remote desktop
- SPSS
- Secure CRT/SIS
- Dornsife network drives (such as G: and U:)
Disconnect from VPN
To disconnect once you're done, click Disconnect.
Connecting to printers
You will need a few minutes to perform the initial setup of installing the printer app and adding your department's shared printers to your computer. Once you've completed this setup, printing is as simple as opening your document and selecting a printer.
Step 3: Print your documents
Whenever you need to print something, make sure your computer is connected to Ethernet or USC Secure Wireless (do not use USC Guest Wireless). Open the document you want to print. You will be able to select any printer as long as you added it to your computer using the steps above.
Connecting to shared drives
Not all departments or staff rely on shared drives. If, however, you are instructed by your department administrator or hiring manager to connect to the G:, U:, or S: drive, make sure to obtain the shared drive's address from them, and then follow the steps below:
Connect to a shared drive
- Connect to the USC network:
-
On campus: Use Ethernet or USC Secure Wireless. Do not use USC Guest Wireless.
-
Off campus: Connect using VPN.
- Open File Explorer by clicking the folder icon in the taskbar:
- Windows 11 taskbar:
- Windows 10 taskbar:
- To begin mapping:
-
Windows 11: Right-click This PC in the left pane and select Map network drive.
-
Windows 10: Click This PC in the left pane. Click Map network drive at the top.
- In the Drive field, select G: (or another initial, depending on which shared drive you were asked to connect to).
- In the Folder field, paste the address you received from your department administrator or your hiring manager.
- Click Finish.
- If you are prompted to sign in, type the following credentials and click OK:
-
Username: Your USC NetID@dts.usc.edu (for example, if your USC NetID is ttrojan, type ttrojan@dts.usc.edu)
-
Password: Your USC NetID passphrase
- File Explorer opens the address. Double-click your department folder to open your department's network drive. Within your department folder, you can open the usr folder to find your user folder (also known as the U: drive).
Connecting to the network drive after you map it
Once the network drive is mapped, you can find it by opening File Explorer, selecting This PC, and selecting the network drive under "Network locations."
As long as you are connected to the USC network, you can access the network drive.
Transferring files and setting up file backup
Transferring files from your old computer
To transfer files from your old computer to this computer, follow our guide, "Transferring your files to a new computer."
Setting up file backup on your computer
We strongly recommend setting up Microsoft OneDrive for computer backups. Without OneDrive in place, DTS may not be able to recover your important files in the event of loss, theft, or damage.
Setting up automatic file backup is fast, secure, and easy: you only have to set it up once on your computer, and from then on, any files added to OneDrive will be backed up and available on other devices even if you lose access to your computer:
Returning your Windows PC
This device is the property of USC. In using this device, you commit to responsibly caring for and maintaining it throughout your employment. Upon separation from the University, or at the end of the device's useful life, you commit to promptly returning this device in the same condition as it was received, except for normal wear and tear.
Returning a new computer for exchange
Requests to return new IT equipment should be initiated as soon as possible by opening a ticket with the Help Desk. Return policies vary by vendor, but DTS will assist Dornsife departments and staff in assessing the options available if the return window has closed.
Returning an old computer
You can return equipment for recycling or for repurposing within Dornsife:
Contacting DTS for support
Dornsife Technology Services
Email: ts@dornsife.usc.edu
Phone: 213-740-2775
Hours: M–F, 9am–5pm
You can also submit a ticket to our Help Desk or start a chat with us (red droplet-shaped icon in the bottom right corner of this page).