Admit it: The minute your new PC arrives, you tear into it like a kid on Christmas morning, plugging cables into ports, installing software, and downloading files. But before you forge ahead — even if you've set up computers in the past — think about taking a more conservative approach to setting up your new computer:

• Save all paperwork, especially the purchase receipts. Start a file for your PC, just like the one you keep for your car, and make sure that you keep track of everything as you open each box.
• Save the box. Should you need to return the unit, many vendors require that it be shipped in the original packaging. Plan on keeping the boxes and packing material at least until your warranty or service agreement expires.
• Save all the installation disks. In addition to providing a vital backup if something goes wrong, these disks often include serial numbers and other information you'll need if you call for technical support.

Patience Makes Perfect

Resist the temptation to plug in anything right away. Sit back, relax, and read the instruction manual — even if this isn't your first PC. You may be surprised by some of the features included with your new computer, so consider this a fact-finding mission that can save you time and trouble — and perhaps an expensive call to a tech support line.

Next, before you start connecting cables, make sure that you have a surge protector capable of shielding both your power cords and phone line. A surge protector is cheap insurance, and it can prevent a power surge or lightning strike from destroying your computer. Static electricity is another danger, especially if you have to install any components inside your computer. Before you open your PC for any reason, buy an antistatic strip and learn how to use it: internal components, such as memory chips, are very sensitive to static discharges. (If you are considering adding additional RAM to your computer, check out Adding More Memory to Your PC for some helpful guidelines.)

If you're installing new hardware, such as a printer on a Windows machine, the computer should detect your existing hardware. If the system doesn't find a particular component, don't panic; start with the obvious problems, such as a loose or misplaced cable. Next, if your hardware comes with an installation disk, insert it and look for a program called Setup or Install. This program can load any software Windows needs to recognize your new hardware. For a very helpful overview to buying a printer, be sure to read our AllBusiness.com Business Printer Buyer's Guide.

When Plug and Play Isn't

Hardware using Universal Serial Bus (USB) technology is now standard. These devices boast true plug-and-play functionality, which means that your computer should detect the device and install it properly without any intervention.

Unfortunately, even the latest computers don't always deliver on this promise. If your system doesn't recognize a particular piece of hardware, delete it from the Device Manager, which you can find by clicking the System icon located in your Windows control panel. Then turn off the computer and either disconnect the device or, if it is internal, remove the device from its slot. Reboot your system without the device, then shut down again and repeat the installation process. Believe it or not, this procedure can solve many installation problems.

Finally, a word of caution: When something doesn't work, it's easy to get in over your head trying more extreme solutions, such as fiddling with obscure system configuration settings. Unfortunately, this can make the problem worse. If something goes wrong, "working backward" to undo a change may not put things back the way they were. Instead of turning a minor problem into a major disaster, get professional help to assist you with a setup problem.