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🛠️ Building a New Laptop – Step-by-Step Guide

Updated

🔐 1. Verify Continental Admin Account Access

Before beginning the build process, ensure you have the necessary administrative privileges.

Steps:

  1. Confirm you have a Continental Admin account.
  2. Verify access to the following systems:
    • QIP Management Console
    • Active Directory
    • Asset Management System (BMC)
    • Image Repository or Deployment Server
  3. If access is missing, raise a request via the IT Access Management Portal or contact your local IT coordinator.

⚠️ Without proper access, you will not be able to complete the build process.

💾 2. Create an Up-to-Date USB Build Stick

To install the latest corporate image, prepare a bootable USB stick.

Steps:

  1. Download the latest approved image from the internal repository.
    • go to the following location in windows explorer: \\swrep\swrep\DSTools\USBUpdaterTool
    • Copy this entire file.
    • Past the new file onto a location on your C drive as this must be ran locally.
  2. Create the bootable USB:
    • Go into the "current" file.
    • Right click on USB Update Tool.exe and run as admin.
    • Once the application is open.
      • Insert a USB drive (minimum 8GB).
      • Select the ISO file usually the highest numbered version is best.
      • Ensure the correct USN file is selected to be copied to
    • Start the creation process and verify completion.

🏷️ Label the USB with the image version and creation date.

🌐 3. Add MAC Address to QIP

Register the laptop’s MAC address in QIP to ensure proper network assignment.

Steps:

  1. Retrieve the MAC address from BIOS or a live OS.
    • Dell Laptops have the Pass Through MAC address on the box the laptop was delivered in.
    • For second hand or laptops look in the BIOS as per step 1 above.
  2. Log in to the QIP Management Console.
    • https://vitalqip.conti.de/qip
    • Log in with your Admin credentials
      • Select DHCP from the top menu
      • Select IPv4 from the drop down menu
      • Select DHCP Mac Pool from the final menu
      • This will open a pop up window
      • Select Add
        • You must select a DHCP server and subnet
        • You must enter your username and password again
      • Once submitted you can move to the next step
      • It can take up to 60 minutes for this to update.

🔍 Double-check the MAC address to avoid conflicts.

🏢 4. Add PC Name to Active Directory

Join the laptop to the domain to enable policy enforcement and management.

Steps:

  1. Log in as a administrator.
  2. Confirm the you are in the correct Organizational Unit (OU).
  3. Add the PC using the standard naming convention.
    • Laptops are DYLXXXXW where XXXX is the next 4 digit number in the sequence
    • Desktops are DYDXXXXW where XXXX is the next 4 digit number in the sequence

🗂️ Move the device to the correct OU if needed.

🖥️ 5. Perform the Build on the Laptop or PC

Install the operating system and configure the base setup.

Steps:

  1. Connect PC to Conti WAN ethernet connection and power
    • If dongle is required, ensure Conti network is reachable
  2. Log into BIOS (hit F12 at splash screen)
    • If BIOS is Admin locked use password of Continental (capital sensitive)
    • Ensure Boot from USB support is enabled
  3. Insert current USB build stick
  4. Boot the laptop to the BIOS screen (hit F12 at splash screen).
  5. Select correct USB as boot device.
  6. Commence build
    • If the PC does not get network connection a start screen, you will need to wait for QIP to update
  7. At options screens:
    • Select all (currently 5) additional software packages to be added
    • Ensure correct PC name is used for device
    • Ensure PC label is added to bottom of PC with correct name
  8. Confirm device name and domain join are successful.

🧪 Test basic functionality (keyboard, touchpad, Wi-Fi, etc.) before proceeding.

🔄 6. Run Dell Command Update

Ensure all firmware, BIOS, and drivers are up to date.

Steps:

  1. Log into PC as Administrator
  2. Launch Dell Command | Update from the Start Menu.
    • If not installed navigate to Dell site and install this software.
  3. Click Check for Updates.
  4. Review and install all recommended updates.
  5. Reboot the device if prompted.
  6. Re-run the tool to confirm all updates are applied.

💡 Keeping BIOS and drivers up to date ensures compatibility and performance.

🛡️ 7. Apply Continental Patches

Ensure the device is compliant with Continental security standards.

Steps:

  1. Connect the device to the corporate network (LAN or VPN).
  2. Open Continental Control Center from the Start Menu.
    • Run "Update GPO's"
    • Run "Refresh CMI Data"
    • Run "Update GPO's" again
  3. Run Start Patching Process.
  4. Install all available Continental-approved patches.
  5. Reboot as required and continue to repeat steps 1 - 5 until no additional patches are found

🔒 Patching is mandatory before handing over the device to the user.

🧰 8. Install Optional Software via Ivanti Portal Manager

Install any additional software required by the user or department.

Steps:

  1. Open Ivanti Portal Manager from the Start Menu.
  2. One at a time Click the Install box next to each application.
  3. Wait for installation to complete and verify functionality.

📦 Only install software approved for your region or business unit.

📋 9. Document the Build

Record all relevant details to ensure traceability and support readiness.

Required Information:

  • Device Serial Number and/or Service Tag
  • Assigned User (if known)
  • Build Date
  • Image Version
  • Assigned PC Name

Where to Record:

  • Update the Asset Management System in BMC
  • Notify the end user or team lead

🖨️ Optional: Apply a physical label with hostname and asset tag.

✅ Final Checklist

  •  Continental Admin account verified
  • USB stick created with latest image
  • MAC address added to QIP
  • Device joined to AD
  • OS installed and configured
  • Dell Command Update completed
  • Continental patches applied
  • Optional software installed via Ivanti
  • Build documented in asset system
  • Device tested and ready for deployment


 

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