Repurposing a Computer for a Different Employee

Departments whose computers are managed by ITS can have their devices repurposed for new users. When an employee departs from the university or moves to a different department, their current computer may still be usable, and it may be suitable to assign it to a different (pre-existing or new) employee in their department. This article will outline the proper procedures for repurposing a computer for a different user.

This procedure is relevant for employees on the Storrs campus. If you are at a regional campus, extension office, or are not managed by ITS, please refer to your direct IT contact for proper procedures.

Repurposing a computer involves erasing all data off of it. It is the responsibility of the department that owns the computer to ensure all important data is backed up elsewhere. For more information on backing up data, please see this article.

When repurposing a computer, ITS technicians will review the computer to make sure that it meets modern computing standards and meets State of CT data compliance policies. If the computer does not meet minimum standards, your department will be instructed to purchase a new machine.

Repurposing a Windows computer

There are two types of Windows computers managed by ITS: those managed by Microsoft Intune and those by Microsoft Endpoint Manager. The management software used will determine which procedures need to be taken. If you don’t know which management system your computer uses, see this article. If you cannot determine the management system used, ITS will let you know.

Windows computer managed on the local Active Directory (Endpoint Manager)

  1. The supervisor of the former employee emails techsupport@uconn.edu with the following information:

    1. Computer service tag (printed on the side or bottom of the computer)

    2. UConn asset tag (sticker on bottom or side of computer)

    3. NetID of the old user

    4. NetID of the new user

    5. Department

    6. If the computer is moving to a new department:

      1. New department

      2. Custodian NetID (typically the financial manager of the new department)

  2. Once the ticket is created, an ITS technician will review the information. Once the device is approved to be repurposed, you will be sent instructions on dropping the computer off to ITS for repurposing.

  3. Once ITS has the computer, a technician will erase the computer and update all necessary back-end systems to reflect the new user of the computer.

  4. You will receive an email when the process has completed. If possible, the new user should come to pick the computer up to work through any potential sign-in issues.

  5. Once the new user has successfully signed in and has possession of the computer, it has been successfully repurposed.

Windows computer managed on Azure Active Directory (Microsoft Intune)

  1. The supervisor of the former employee emails techsupport@uconn.edu with the following information:

    1. Computer service tag (printed on the side or bottom of the computer)

    2. UConn asset tag (sticker on bottom or side of computer)

    3. NetID of the old user

    4. NetID of the new user

    5. Department

    6. If the computer is moving to a new department:

      1. New department

      2. Custodian NetID (typically the financial manager of the new department)

  2. Once the ticket is created, an ITS technician will review the information. Once the device is approved to be repurposed, the computer will be wiped remotely. Please make sure that the computer remains on and plugged into the internet.

    1. Some Intune-managed computers cannot be erased remotely. ITS will notify you if this is the case.

  3. Once the computer is finished the automatic wipe and reinstallation of Windows, you will see the “out-of-box-experience” screen. This is where you choose a network, sign in, etc. This process should be completed by the new user. Details about the new sign-in procedure can be found here.

  4. When the new user is successfully signed in, they are automatically granted administrator rights on the computer and are listed as the primary user of the computer.

Repurposing a Mac

  1. The supervisor of the former employee emails techsupport@uconn.edu with the following information:

    1. Computer serial number (printed on the side or bottom of the computer)

    2. UConn asset tag (sticker on bottom or side of computer)

    3. NetID of the old user

    4. NetID of the new user

    5. Department

    6. If the computer is moving to a new department:

      1. New department

      2. Custodian NetID (typically the financial manager of the new department)

  2. Once the ticket is created, an ITS technician will review the information. Once the device is approved to be repurposed, you will be sent instructions on dropping the computer off to ITS for repurposing.

  3. Once ITS has the computer, a technician will erase the computer and update all necessary back-end systems to reflect the new user of the computer.

  4. You will receive an email when the process has completed. The new user must come to pick the computer up to work through any potential sign-in issues.

  5. Once the new user has successfully signed in and has possession of the computer, it has been successfully repurposed.

Repurposing an iPad

  1. The supervisor of the former employee emails techsupport@uconn.edu with the following information:

    1. Device serial number (printed on the back of the iPad and available in the Settings app)

    2. UConn asset tag (sticker on bottom or side of computer)

    3. NetID of the old user

    4. NetID of the new user

    5. Department

    6. If the iPad is moving to a new department:

      1. New department

      2. Custodian NetID (typically the financial manager of the new department)

  2. Once the ticket is created, an ITS technician will review the information. Once the device is approved to be repurposed, the iPad will be wiped remotely. Please make sure that it remains on and plugged into the internet.

    1. Older iPads or those not purchased on HuskyBuy cannot be wiped remotely and will need to be dropped off to ITS. If this is the case, a technician will let you know.

  3. Once the iPad is finished the automatic wipe and reinstallation of iPadOS, you will see the “Hello” screen. This is where you choose a network, sign in, etc. This process must be completed by the new user. Details about the sign-in procedure can be found here.

  4. Once the new user signs in with their NetID, the repurposing is complete.

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