New Durabook Laptop - Initial Setup, Partition Layout, and Software Preinstallation

What your Durabook comes with

AETools Durabook laptops ship with:

- Windows 11 Pro preinstalled (Techline Connect, ODIS, and several other OEM tools now require this).
- Multiple partitions preconfigured for different OEM software stacks.
- Diagnostic software preinstalled per your order (Ford IDS / FDRS, WiTECH 2, Techline Connect, etc.).
- Default user accounts set up - AETools provides credentials at handoff.
- The laptop itself, charger, and any included VCIs (per your order).

Typical hardware specs (Durabook S14): Intel Ultra 5, 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD. Higher specs available on request.

Note: Verify current standard configuration with the AETools sales team specs and preinstall lists can change between order batches.

Step 1 - Before you turn it on, confirm what you ordered

Open the order confirmation email and verify:

- Which OEM software was preloaded (each is on a different partition).
- Whether VCIs are included (MDP, WSP, MDI 2, AEZ Flasher 3, etc.).
- Whether subscriptions are pre-activated or require setup after first boot.

This avoids confusion later if you don't see a partition you expected, it's faster to catch on day 1 than after the remote setup session.

Step 2 - First boot

When the laptop arrives, complete the first boot:

- Plug in the AC adapter.
- Power on.
- Windows 11 Pro will go through first-boot setup if not already completed.
- The BootIT menu appears (green screen with partition list) - see Step 3.

Step 3 - Understand the partition layout

Durabooks ship with multiple partitions, each preloaded for a specific OEM. Typical layout:

- Partition 1 - Chrysler / Stellantis (WiTECH 2).
- Partition 2 - Ford (IDS, FJDS, FDRS).
- Partition 3 - GM (Techline Connect, Tech2Win).
- Partition 4 - Foreign / European (VW/Audi, BMW, JLR).
- Partition 5 - Specialty (Honda IHDS, Nissan, Mazda).

Note: Verify exact partition allocation with the AETools team it can vary by order. Some orders include Heavy Duty / John Deere partitions.

When you boot, the BootIT menu lets you pick which partition to load. Each partition is essentially its own Windows install with its own OEM software stack- they don't share desktops, files, or accounts.

Step 4 - Schedule the first remote setup session

AETools typically schedules a remote session within the first few business days to:

- Activate any subscriptions that need first-boot activation.
- Pair your VCIs to the laptop.
- Verify the OEM software actually launches and communicates with a test vehicle.
- Add your accounts (Y-Tech, Motorcraft, ACDelco TDS) into each respective software.

You'll receive a call or email scheduling the session. The session uses ScreenConnect via aetools.us.

If you haven't been contacted within 2–3 business days of receiving the laptop, open a support ticket -the install scheduling may have slipped.

Step 5 - Connect the laptop to your shop network

Before the remote session, get the laptop online:

- Connect to your shop Wi-Fi or wired network.
- Confirm internet access by opening a browser.
- Make sure the laptop can reach aetools.us - some shop firewalls block diagnostic vendor sites.

If your shop has a restrictive firewall, ask IT to allow connections to AETools' domains and to the OEM diagnostic portals you'll be using (motorcraft.com, acdelcotds.com, techauthority.com, etc.).

Step 6 - What the remote session looks like

During the session:

- AETools sends a remote access code (e.g., "code 66716").
- Go to aetools.us → ProAE Solutions → Remote Secure Access (or similar exact URL varies).
- Enter the code.
- The ScreenConnect Client downloads and connects.
- A technician takes control and runs setup on each partition.

Sessions take 30–90 minutes typically per partition. If you have 5 partitions with full software stacks, the full setup may span multiple sessions over a few days.

Step 7 - After setup, do this

Once setup is complete:

- Save credentials somewhere safe each partition's OEM software needs different logins. Use a password manager or a secure shop document.
- Test each partition with a real vehicle before relying on it for paid work.
- Disable Windows automatic updates on each partition if possible automatic updates have been a major cause of partition breakage. AETools will advise on this.
- Don't install random third-party software on diagnostic partitions. They're optimized; adding clutter breaks them.
- Don't switch partitions mid-programming. Always finish the current session before rebooting to another partition.

Step 8 - Common first-week issues

"Partition 5 doesn't have software yet" - If you ordered a partition for software that requires longer activation (certificate-based OEMs like VW/Audi), it may ship empty and be installed during a follow-up remote session.

"I don't know which partition is for what" - The BootIT menu shows partition names. If they're cryptic, open a ticket - AETools can rename them or send you a layout document.

"I want to add software AETools didn't preload" - Open a ticket to request it. Some software has cost or licensing implications.

"Windows is asking for activation" - Windows 11 Pro should be pre-activated. If it's prompting for activation, contact AETools - there may have been a licensing hiccup at the factory.

"One of the partitions won't boot" - See the related article on multi-partition recovery don't wipe it yourself.

Related articles

- Durabook Multi-Partition Black Screen when a Partition Won't Load Windows or Diagnostic Tools - https://knowledgebase.aetools.us/-preloaded-software-options-for-your-new-computer

-How to fix multi-partition issues on a Durabook laptop using BootIT - https://knowledgebase.aetools.us/how-to-fix-multi-partition-issues-on-a-durabook-laptop-using-bootit

Contact AETools for support

For additional help with new Durabook setup, partition layout questions, or scheduling your remote setup session, contact AETools:

- Phone: 913-856-6678
- Website: https://aesolutions.us - Submit a support ticket online