EIU Panther Tech

EIU Dell Laptop Instructions

Important note: DO NOT set up the laptop with your EIU email address! You will lose access to your EIU email one year after graduation or one year after your last class, which would mean losing access to your laptop.

Setting Up Your Dell Laptop

(for instructions with images click here)

In the box: laptop, power cord/adapter, manual.

1. Plug in the power cord / adapter and allow it to charge while setting up.
2. Power on the laptop and wait for the setup wizard to run.
3. Choose your language and country, then select a keyboard layout. (You may configure a second keyboard layout if you would like.)
4. Connect to wifi by selecting "eiuwifi" in the list of available networks and clicking "connect".
5. The computer will then download any available updates. Allow this process to finish completely.
6. Review and agree to the License Agreement.
7. Name your device and click "next".
8. The screen will go dark as it runs the setup process.
9. Once prompted, select the device for personal use. Do not use your EIU email as you may lose access to the computer one year after you graduate or take your last class at Eastern.
10. Click "sign in" and log in with your Microsoft account or create a Microsoft account if you do not have one.
11. After sign in, you will be prompted to set up a PIN. Click "ok" after selecting a pin.
12. Choose your privacy settings and click "accept" after reviewing all the options.
13. Review your personal information, then review and accept Dell's privacy policy.
14. You will see offers for Microsoft365, Game Pass, and Cloud storage. Note: As an enrolled student you get Microsoft365 within Panthermail at no cost to you.
15. After this screen, the computer screen will go dark and run the setup process.
16. The laptop is on a grace period on the EIU's wifi network to allow set up. Once the grace period is over, visit netauth1.eiu.edu in order to complete wifi set up. (For more information connect to EIU wifi, click here.)
17. For any future device-related concerns, it’s best to reach out directly to Dell at 1(800)999-3355 as this device is your personal property. The EIU Help Desk is available to assist you with any EIU services, including wifi troubleshooting and applications like Paws, D2L, and Panthermail.
18. You can reach our Help Desk at 217-581-4357 or shoot us an email at support@eiu.edu.