Abstract: A system for replacing an existing networked computer with a new computer, as in an organization wherein an employee receives a new computer and must transfer programs and data from an existing computer to the new computer. The new computer, upon arrival, is equipped with an operating system. The invention applies a set of patches to the operating system, to correct known existing issues. The invention (1) installs a set of application programs in the new computer, (2) copies a predetermined set of files from the existing computer to the new computer, (3) establishes default configurations in the new computer, and (4) sets up an electronic mail program in the new computer, which includes correspondence and the address book from the existing computer, and (5) connects the new computer with the network. These processes are undertaken largely without human involvement. Thus, a large fraction of the functionality of the existing computer is replicated on the new computer.