Hardwired IT sets up new computers on-site across Ottawa, sending a technician to your home to transfer your files, photos, and email from your old device, configure your accounts, install your software, and connect your printer and peripherals. The technician confirms what you need on-site and gives you an exact quote before any work begins, and shows you how everything works before leaving.
A retired couple in Orléans called after unboxing a new HP all-in-one to replace a decade-old desktop. They'd turned it on, hit a wall of Microsoft account prompts, and couldn't find a single one of their old photos — three frustrating hours in, they assumed the pictures were lost. The old machine was fine; nothing had been migrated yet, and the photos were sitting safely on the original drive. We transferred their documents, photos, and email across, signed them into their accounts, reconnected the printer, and walked them through where everything now lived — about two hours start to finish.
Here's what a typical new device setup visit looks like. You hand us the new machine. We plug in your old device (or a backup drive) and start the transfer — documents, photos, desktop items, music, downloads — everything. While that's running we sign you into your Microsoft or Apple account, configure your email client, and check what software you need reinstalled.
By the time the transfer finishes, the new machine is already mostly configured. We connect the printer (wireless or USB), verify it prints a test page, set up any other peripherals, and then walk you through where everything ended up. We don't leave you with a working computer you don't know how to use.
You can absolutely do a basic Windows setup yourself — Microsoft makes it fairly guided. But most people underestimate what "setup" actually involves once you factor in data migration, account re-authentication, software reinstallation, and peripherals. It's not one thing, it's fifteen things.
The on-site difference: we bring the right transfer cables and tools, we know the fastest way to move large photo libraries, and we've done this hundreds of times. What takes a non-technical user a frustrating afternoon typically takes us about 90 minutes.
It's also worth noting that the wrong approach to file transfer can result in missing files — especially if the old computer has files scattered across multiple drives or cloud services. We check all of it.
| Repair Type | How We Quote | Typical Time On-Site |
|---|---|---|
| New computer setup (no old device to migrate) | Exact quote after on-site diagnosis | 1–1.5 hours |
| New device setup with data migration | Exact quote after on-site diagnosis | 1.5–3 hours |
| Windows-to-Mac or Mac-to-Windows migration | Exact quote after on-site diagnosis | 2–3 hours |
| Multi-device setup (laptop + tablet + phone) | Exact quote after on-site diagnosis | 2–4 hours |
| Printer and peripheral configuration only | Exact quote after on-site diagnosis | 30–60 minutes |
We set up new computers from all major manufacturers. The devices we regularly configure include:
A client in Nepean purchased a new Dell XPS 15 to replace a 7-year-old HP Pavilion. They had not transferred anything yet and were accessing email through a browser as a stopgap. We arrived with a USB-C transfer cable, connected both machines, and began copying 180GB of documents, photos, and music. During the transfer we signed them into their Microsoft account on the Dell, installed Microsoft 365, configured Outlook with their Rogers email account on IMAP, installed Bitdefender, and connected their wireless HP printer. The transfer completed in about 90 minutes. We then walked through the Windows 11 interface changes from their old Windows 10 machine, verified every folder was intact, and confirmed the printer produced a test page. Total time on-site: 2 hours 15 minutes.
Real customer experiences will appear here.
A certified Ottawa technician comes to your home — same day in most cases.
Or call us: (613) 416-9482
Yes — we transfer all your files, photos, documents, music, and desktop items from your old device to the new one. We also migrate your browser bookmarks, email settings, and contacts where possible. You'll find everything exactly where you expect it.
Most new computer setups take 1.5 to 3 hours depending on how much data needs to be transferred and how many accounts and peripherals need to be configured. We stay until everything is working and you're comfortable.
Yes — that's exactly what we do. We come to your home in Ottawa or Gatineau with all the tools needed. You never have to unplug anything or carry your computer anywhere.
Absolutely. Printer setup, external hard drives, monitors, webcams, keyboards — we connect and configure everything as part of the same visit. Tell us what you have when you book.
Yes. Windows-to-Mac migrations are one of our most common requests, especially for people who want help navigating the differences. We transfer your files, walk you through the Mac interface, and make the transition as smooth as possible.
We specialize in it. We explain everything in plain language, never rush, and make sure you feel confident using your new device before we leave. Seniors also receive a 10% discount on all services.
Yes. If there's no old device to migrate from, we set up the new computer from scratch — create your account, configure email, install Office and any other software you need, and connect your peripherals. Usually faster than a migration.
We bring the tools and setup software. For licensed applications like Microsoft Office, you'll need a licence (we can help you purchase one if you don't have it). Free software like antivirus and browser extensions we handle at no extra charge.