Hi Anthony,
Some tips from my limited experience.
1. Use a EQDIR cable to connect the mount with the laptop.
2. Make sure you map the COM port of the EQDIR cable and stick to that port each time (or map the COM port each time, your choice
)
3. Fire up Stellariumscope , connect to mount (I do Stellarium auto start from Stellarium scope).
4. Map your bearings and save the site as a default.
I have the same sequence on my old xp and my new(er) Win7, both works fine.
I also recommend Backyard EOS and a game controller (I use an old PS2 wired controller via a USB converter).
Now just waiting for clouds and rain to go away
Hope that helps
Bo