Install A Compaq Evo D510 Motherboard

Install a Compaq Evo D510 Motherboard

To install a Compaq Evo D510 motherboard, you must open the computer and disconnect the old motherboard first. The inside of the Compaq Evo D510 is compact, which makes it a little difficult to reach things without almost completely disassembling the computer. However, because the computer is so small, there are not a lot of parts to disassemble. The Compaq Evo D510 is made so you can disassemble the computer with minimal use of a screwdriver.

Instructions

1. Unplug the computer, then push the two green tabs on the back of the computer inward at the same time. Pull the back of the computer away from the case to open the computer.

2. Lift the green hard drive retaining bracket on the right of the computer if the back of the computer is facing you.

3. Disconnect the power and data cable from the hard drive tray. The inside of the computer that you can see is divided into three parts. The left side has power supply unit, the bottom-right side has a fan and the upper-right side has a black, rectangular hard drive tray.

4. Pull the hard drive tray to the right to remove it.

5. Remove the memory modules located under where the hard drive tray was. Push the two white clips securing the memory modules away from each other, then lift the memory modules out of the computer to remove them.

6. Remove the optical drive. Turn the computer around so the front is facing you. In the bottom-left corner, push the green tab to the left. While you are pushing the green tab, grab the optical drive located just above the green tab and pull it away from the computer until the cable connected to the back is revealed. Disconnect the cable and remove the optical drive.

7. Reach into the computer and disconnect any cables that may be connected to the green motherboard inside, including (if the back of the computer is facing you, the system power cable in the upper-left corner, the hard drive connector to the right of the system power cable, the optical drive connector along the upper-right edge of the motherboard, and the power connector (different from the system power cable) just below the optical drive connector.

8. Turn the computer over so the bottom is facing up and unscrew the six screws from the motherboard. There is one in each corner, one screw in the middle of the motherboard at the bottom (if the back of the computer is facing you), and one about 2 inches to the left of the direct center of the motherboard.

9. Unscrew the silver, square heatsink from the motherboard. There is one screw in each corner. Lift up on the heatsink to remove it.

10. Unclip and lift up on the latch holding the processor in place. The latch is to the left of the processor if the motherboard is oriented so the memory slots are closest toward you. Push down on the latch and maneuver it around the small plastic tab sticking out from the processor slot. After lifting up the latch, lift the processor out of the slot and place it in the new motherboard. Close the latch on the new motherboard.

11. Replace the heatsink and screw it into place.

12. Place the new motherboard on the bottom of the computer and screw it into place.

13. Reconnect the system power cable, hard drive connector, optical drive connector and power connector.

14. Reconnect the optical drive and place it back into the slot. Push on the front to firmly seat it in place.

15. Replace the memory modules by placing them into the memory slots, then pushing down on each end of the memory slot. This will cause the white clips to clip into place.

16. Slide the hard drive tray back into place, then reconnect the hard drive and power cables.

17.Lower the retaining bracket and slide the computer back into the case until it clips into place.

Tags: hard drive, optical drive, back computer, Compaq D510, drive connector

Make A Bootable Usb In Win Xp For Asus Eee

Make a Bootable USB in Win XP for Asus Eee

A bootable drive is a tool that allows you to circumvent entering into your standard operating system, instead placing your computer at a command prompt in MS-DOS. This is necessary for making certain system changes, such as the installation of a new BIOS file. While in the past the only viable method for creating a boot disk was through the use of a floppy drive, advances in technology have made it possible to construct a boot disk out of a USB drive as well. All you will need is one simple, free program.

Instructions

1. Insert your USB drive into the computer. Format the drive by clicking on the "Start" button and "run," then typing in "Format x:," where "X" is the letter of the USB drive. Format the USB drive using the FAT file system. This process will erase everything on the drive, making it useful as a boot disk, and should take no longer than a few minutes.

2. Download the free WinToFlash program (see link in Resources below). This is a piece of freeware that will automatically prepare your USB drive with the files that it needs to act as a boot device. Install the program on your hard drive after it has finished downloading.

3. Run the WintoFlash program. At the program startup, select that you want to prepare a "Boot Disk," and indicate the letter of the USB drive. Input the "Drive Type" as "USB Stick," the format type as "USB HDD" (hard disk drive), and the file system as "FAT32." The program should take five to 10 minutes to write the required files to the USB drive, after which time you will have a fully functioning boot disk for your Asus Eee.

Tags: boot disk, Bootable Asus, disk drive, drive after, file system

Install A Sound Card On A Computer

These instructions will work for the majority of Intel & AMD PCs running Windows XP/Vista. If your computer currently has a sound chip (called "on board sound") or if your sound card requires a change in jumpers or IRQs, installation will be much more complicated and you might want to consult a professional.

Instructions

1. Shut down the computer.

2. Unplug machine from the surge protector.

3. Disconnect all peripherals from the computer.

4. Remove the cover of the chassis and lay computer on its side if it is a tower.

5. Ground yourself to the computer. If you have a grounding strap, put it on and follow its directions. Otherwise, ground yourself by touching a metal part of the chassis.

6. Remove the back panel, if necessary.

7. Locate the existing sound card if there is one already installed. If it is screwed in on the side of the slot hole, unscrew it and pull the card out firmly.

8. If the computer doesn't already have a sound card, find an open slot.

9. Knock out or unscrew the metal plate on the card's slot holder on the back panel.

10. Insert the sound card gently but firmly into the slot. Rock it into position if necessary, but don't force it. Don't touch any connectors on the card.

11. Connect cables from the CD-ROM drive to the sound card.

12. Replace the back panel and any removed screws. Screw sound card into slot holder if it has a screw hole.

13. Reconnect monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Connect speakers to the sound card's ports.

14. Turn on the speakers and restart the computer.

15. If Windows detects the sound card upon startup, follow instructions to install the card's driver and additional software. If Windows doesn't detect sound card, manually complete the installation using the Add New Hardware control panel.

16. Play music CD to test sound card.

17.Shut down computer.

18. Replace cover of computer. Reboot computer.

Tags: sound card, back panel, sound card, down computer, into slot, Shut down

Know If Resistors Are Good Or Bad

Know If Resistors Are Good or Bad

Before testing a resistor to see if its good or bad, you must know its value. Resistors decrease the current flowing through a circuit. Each is made to work under a limited load, with the ability to decrease a specific amount of current. The bands around the components indicate resistor values with a color code. Determine the value of a resistor and then test it to see if it meets that standard.

Instructions

1. Turn off the power running through the circuit containing the resistor you need to test. Exhaust the stored power from any capacitors in the circuit by touching both capacitor terminals with the metal blade of an insulated screwdriver to short out the power.

2. Look at the color bands around the barrels of the components for the code to determine resistor values. The bands grouped close together represent numbers with the last one being a multiplier. The band slightly separated indicates a tolerance variable. Consult an electronics catalog or use the link in the resources section and click on the resistor color chart to determine the numeric value for each color.

3. Check resistor values with the color codes. A resistor with red, green and black bands followed by a yellow multiplier band and a silver tolerance band would indicate 2, 5 and 0, or 250 multiplied by 10,000, which equals 2,500,000. The reading could vary by 10%, being plus or minus 250,000.

4. Remove one end of the resistor from the circuit board to get an accurate reading. Use a solder iron to melt the solder, holding one end of the resistor. Pull that end up until it is no longer in contact with the board.

5. Set a digital multimeter for "ohms." Set an ohms range that is equal to or higher than the value of the resistor to be tested. Touch the red lead from the meter to one side, and the black lead to the other. Resistors do not hold a polarity, so it doesn't matter which side gets the red or black lead. Check the reading to determine if the resistor is good. The two and a half million value resistor is good if the meter reads between 2,250,000 and 2,750,000 due to the silver tolerance band figure of plus or minus 10 percent.

Tags: resistor good, resistor values, value resistor, bands around, black lead

Find Out What Motherboard I Have Installed

Find out the name of the motherboard installed in your computer.

The motherboard is a major hardware component of a computer. It is the "circuit board" into which the most important components of the computer are plugged. To know the brand of the motherboard, you can either open up the computer or use a software to determine it for you. If your computer is new, opening up the computer may "void" the warranty, so you may want to use software instead.

Instructions

1. Boot the computer and press the "Pause" key when the computer initializes the first screen page. You should see the type of processor, amount of RAM and type of video card installed. Below this information should be the brand, model and version of the motherboard. If it is not listed, proceed to Step 2.

2. Open the computer casing to see the motherboard's product name. Disconnect all cables and use a screwdriver to open the computer case. Note that there is no exact way to open a computer casing, as it differs from one case to another.

3. Locate your motherboard. It is the main board where all hardware devices are attached. Look for the brand name and model number of the motherboard. The label is usually engraved in large letters, larger than all the other labels you will see.

4. Download a "hardware identification program" and install it to your computer if opening the computer casing will void the computer's warranty. Most hardware identification programs work the same way.

5. Launch the program and navigate to the main menu. Select "Mainboard information" or "Motherboard information." This displays the complete motherboard information including the brand name, model and version. It may also display the chipset model, number of memory slots and other relevant information, depending on the software you are using.

Tags: computer casing, open computer, your computer, brand name, brand name model

Repair A Dell Inspiron 1200 Laptop

Several troubleshooting steps will be required to repair your Dell.

Computer repair can be complex, and many individuals often leave the task to the capable hands of a computer repair technician. All the same, there are a number of problems that you can troubleshoot and repair in your home without anyone's aid. Battery, keyboard and monitor problems are common issues that you can fix with only a Phillips head screwdriver, even if you have no prior repair experience or computer expertise.

Instructions

1. Check the battery indicator light. Laptop batteries last for roughly 1000 charges, so your Dell Inspiron 1200 laptop's battery may need to be replaced. Flip the unit over and locate the horizontal battery outline on the top center of the bottom of the Dell. Below this will be the battery release mechanism. Slide it to disengage the battery and replace it.

2. Check the keyboard cable below the keyboard of the Dell Inspiron 1200 laptop if the keyboard is unresponsive. Do so by first removing the keyboard-related screws on the bottom of the unit with a Phillips head screwdriver. These screws should be marked with a keyboard icon for easy identification.

3. Flip the Dell Inspiron 1200 laptop back over once the screws are removed and pop out the keyboard shield. This shield will be above the keyboard and directly below the bottom of the monitor, and it can be pried up and out by using a thin wedge-like object to pry under one of the shield's edges. Lift the keyboard partially out once the shield is gone and check to see that the keyboard cable that runs from the base of the Dell to the bottom of the keyboard is correctly plugged in. Reconnect it if necessary.

4. Check the "LCD Closed Switch" if the display is dark and not powering up. The LCD Closed Switch governs the backlight because it acts as a sensor that judges whether the Dell laptop is open or shut, and accordingly tells the monitor's backlight to power "on" or "off". This switch is actually a small, pin-size button located directly beside the right bottom hinge of the laptop's monitor. Tap this switch vigorously several times, as it may have become "stuck" in the "off" position, resulting in a display that has its backlight turned off even when the computer is open.

5. Reconnect the inverter cable of the monitor if the display still doesn't work after tampering with the LCD Closed Switch. Remove the plastic caps that cover the screws on the bezel of the Dell Inspiron 1200 laptop's monitor by simply popping them off; then remove the screws along the monitor's perimeter with your Phillips head screwdriver. Once the bezel is removed, notice the white inverter cable at the bottom center of the display. It should be plugged into the inverter cable connector to its right. If it is not, plug it back in.

Tags: Dell Inspiron, Dell Inspiron 1200, Inspiron 1200, Inspiron 1200 laptop, Closed Switch

Install Gigabit Drivers On P4pe

The Asus P4PE series of motherboards used Socket 478 processors, including the second-generation Intel Pentium 4 CPUs. The P4PE is a full ATX size motherboard and supports DDR memory and features an integrated gigabit Ethernet networking adapter. Microsoft Windows may not recognize the Ethernet adapter upon installation and requires the use of driver software to make the network card operate properly. You can install the gigabit Ethernet drivers into the Windows system to make the card work.

Instructions

1. Download the gigabit Ethernet controller drivers from another computer and save them to a temporary location, such as a USB flash drive.

2. Connect the temporary storage device to the computer with the P4PE motherboard.

3. Click the "Start" button in the lower left corner of the screen.

4. Right-click "Computer," then click "Manage."

5. Click "Device Manager."

6. Right-click "Ethernet Controller," then click "Update Driver."

7. Click "Browse," and navigate to the folder containing the downloaded drivers. Click "OK" to proceed with the driver installation.

Tags: gigabit Ethernet, then click

Use A Pin Extractor

Pin connectors are commonly used in computer electronics.

When working with electronics, sometimes it's necessary to remove connector pins from their housings. Pins are secured within the housing via locking tabs -- easily bendable metal strips alongside the pins. These tabs pop out once the pin is pushed into the connector. A pin extraction tool serves to press the locking tabs back down, so that the pin may slip easily back out from the connector housing. If you have to remove multiple pins from a housing, it is a good idea to mark the proper socket for each pin connector. This makes it easier to replace the pins later on.

Instructions

1. Line up your extractor with the pin or socket terminal. Insert the pin all the way into the extraction sleeve. This will release the locking tabs along the side of the pin.

2. Push the trigger on the extraction tool. Some tools may have a long ejector, while others may have a simple button. This will expand the springs within the extraction sleeve, pushing it forward.

3. Slide the pin back out of the connection housing. It should slip out without any resistance. Repeat as needed for other pins.

Tags: locking tabs, extraction sleeve, extraction tool, pins from, This will

Install An Intel Cpu In A Motherboard

These instructions apply to many Pentium III, Pentium II and second generation Celeron processors (CPUs using Slot 1 motherboards).

Instructions

1. Make sure the motherboard voltage matches the CPU's requirements before installation.

2. Check Intel's Web site (http://support.intel.com) for integration notes concerning your CPU.

3. Place the motherboard on a clean, static-free surface, such as its packaging bag.

4. Locate Slot 1 (it should be parallel to the DIMM slots) on the motherboard.

5. Install plastic retention brackets onto each side of the socket, according to motherboard manufacturer's instructions. Tighten screws.

6. Handle the processor package by top corners to avoid touching the chips.

7. If you have an older Pentium II in a Single Edge Contact Cartridge (S.E.C.C.) package, push in latches on short sides.

8. Carefully insert the processor package into slot. Push it down between the retention brackets and guide it into the socket until the levers on the retention brackets lock into place.

9. If you have a Pentium II in an S.E.C.C. package, completely slide out the latches.

10. Connect the cable from the processor's fan to the motherboard connector and power supply.

Tags: retention brackets, processor package

Replace A Raid Controller Without Losing Data

Multiple drives can hold the data making up a single RAID drive array.

Making a RAID array takes multiple drives connected into a single unit and controlled by a RAID controller. With built-in redundancy, the loss of a drive won't lead to a loss of data in most RAID setups. The loss of a RAID controller, however, leaves the drives inaccessible until you're able to install a replacement controller. Different controllers use different setup instructions for the RAID arrays, meaning that the replacement controller needs to be of the same make and model as the old controller or a newer model that is compatible with it. Once an adequate replacement card is found, you'll be able to replace the old one quickly. After successful replacement, you can access your RAID array without any loss of data, continuing with its normal use.

Instructions

1. Turn the computer off and disconnect its power cord.

2. Open the case by removing the case cover. Remove the screws holding the cover in place and then slide the cover back from the front case panel and lift it away. Locate the RAID controller card in the expansion slots at the rear of the motherboard.

3. Unplug the RAID drives from the controller card. Remove the data cables from the controller card and attach a piece of masking tape to each data cable, marking each according to the data port in which it was located.

4. Remove the screw holding the controller card in place. Pull the card from the motherboard. Align the notch in the bottom of the replacement card with the notch in the expansion slot. Push the card into the slot and secure it to the case using the screw removed from the old card.

5. Plug drive cables into the RAID card in the same order removed, matching the number of each drive cable with the marked drive slot. Remove any masking tape.

6. Replace the case cover, securing it with the case screws. Reconnect the power plug to the power supply.

7. Turn the PC on and allow it to load the operating system. If the replacement card is of the same make and model, the RAID drive should boot right up. If the card differs but is compatible with the older RAID card, run the setup software for the card located on the CD-ROM that came with the card to set up the new card to use the existing RAID drive.

Tags: controller card, RAID drive, replacement card, card same, case cover, compatible with, from controller

Improve Your Computer Skills

Improving computer skills

Improving your computer skills is necessary, in these times of changing technology. Having great computer skills can present a lot of opportunities, including an increase in your income. Take a look at some of my suggestions below.

Instructions

1. A great way to improve your computer skills, is to enroll in a computer course. If you don't want to take it in a traditional classroom, try enrolling in an online program.

2. There are a lot of computer learning software, that you can purchase in the stores or online. Amazon.com is a great place to start. You can start from the basic learning programs and move your way up to the more advance levels.

3. Visit computer forums online. There are so many technical information that you can learn from those forums. If you are not sure about something, post your questions and it will be answered.

4. Improve your computer skills by reading technical literature. Rent books from the library or surf the internet. There are a lot of educational information that can be found on the internet.

5. Do you know anyone who have a geeky background? Now is the time to be-friend them. They have a wealth of information to share. I am sure that they would be more than happy to share some of their technical skills with you.

Tags: computer skills, your computer, your computer skills, information that

Identify A Multimedia Audio Controller

Audio is a standard aspect of the computer experience.

There are many audio devices that integrate with computers to provide sound playback and recording. Most computers recognize three types of multimedia audio. Regular audio playback is the most obvious and frequently used feature. However, some audio devices also provide MIDI file playback, which is an alternate form of audio where the sound is generated by the audio card based on MIDI data. Additionally, an audio device may offer a sound-mixer program. It is relatively straightforward to identify what particular model of multimedia audio controller you have and the extent of its features.

Instructions

1. Right-click on the My Computer icon or menu. The My Computer icon often resides on the Windows Desktop. If it is not present there, it is available in the Windows Start menu. In this case, right-click on the menu item. A pop-up menu will appear. Choose the "Properties" command. An additional pop-up window will appear.

2. Select the "Hardware" tab in the "System Properties" window that appears. Press the "Device Manager" button on this tab. Another pop-up window will appear.

3. Scroll down in the list to the "Sound, video, and game controllers" item. Expand the list by clicking the plus sign next to the entry. A list of all the multimedia audio controllers will display, allowing quick and easy identification. For additional information, double-click one of the entries. Another pop-up window will appear.

4. Choose the "Properties" tab in the properties window for the audio device you selected. A list of all the features for the particular audio device is listed for quick identification of its controller types.

Tags: will appear, audio device, pop-up window, pop-up window will, window will, window will appear

Make A Computer Case From A Plastic Container

You can build a small, ultraportable computer with a plastic container.

Most computer cases are made from metal, but this isn't always the most appropriate material. You might want to create a small, quiet computer, such as for a home theater PC. If so, a plastic container might be a more appropriate computer case, particularly when it would fit the aesthetics of your entertainment setup more than a metal one. Because plastic is nonconductive, modifying a plastic container to serve as a computer case is mostly a matter of making sure there's room for all the pieces.

Instructions

1. Check to make sure that the plastic case is large enough by setting the motherboard on the bottom of the plastic case with the IO panel flush against the wall of the container. A microATX motherboard is a 9.6-inch square and an ATX motherboard is a 12-by-9.6-inch rectangle, so a plastic container that is at least 18 inches long and 12 inches wide with around 8 inches of depth will be large enough to fit a motherboard, power supply and other components

2. Measure the locations of the power supply's mounting holes with the ruler. When these measurements are recorded, position the computer power supply flush against the wall of the container in such a way that it does not obscure the mainboard.

3. Mark the positions of all the mounting holes in the motherboard with the fine-tipped permanent marker and trace the outline of the power supply where it rests against the wall of the container. Remove the mainboard and power supply, placing them in a safe location.

4. Refer to the measurements of the power supply's screw mounting holes, and mark the inside of the case appropriately for the power supply to be mounted in the plastic container.

5. Lock the M3 diameter drill into the drill, and carefully drill a hole at each marked point on the plastic container.

6. Screw the 1/4-inch motherboard standoffs into the plastic container --- note that you might not need to use all of them, depending on the size of your mainboard and the number of holes. Do not place standoffs into the holes marked for the power supply.

7. Turn the plastic container over to gain access to the ends of the standoffs. Turn on the hot glue gun and, when it has warmed up, apply a small amount of hot glue to cover the end of each standoff --- this insulates them and helps to keep them in place.

8. Place the mainboard back in the plastic container, setting it carefully atop the standoffs. Place the IO panel shield that was included with the mainboard on the outside of the plastic container and position it so that it exactly matches the location of the IO panel on the inside of the container.

9. Trace the outline of the panel shield with the fine-tipped permanent marker. Set the motherboard and the IO shield aside.

10. Cut along the outline of the IO panel shield with the rotary cutting tool and remove the plastic. If necessary, make any final cuts with the hobby knife.

11. Cut along the outline of the power supply with the rotary cutting tool, making sure to cut around --- rather than through --- the holes drilled into the plastic container. Create an open space for the power cable and the exhaust fan, but leave enough of the container left (including the mounting holes) for the power supply to be screwed into the container.

Tags: plastic container, power supply, mounting holes, against wall, against wall container, panel shield, wall container

Replace The Charging Circuit On A Laptop

Circuity is delicate equipment and is susceptible to damage from static charge.

The laptop charging circuit is located in the main power supply source. It transfers the power from the AC adapter to the laptop battery. The charging circuit provides a constant flow of power to the laptop battery so it stays charged. Laptops require a steady and large amount of power to stay charged and run correctly. Problems with the laptop's power source are usually expensive to repair, but it is possible to replace the laptop's charging circuit on your own.

Instructions

1. Turn the laptop off and unplug the power cord from both the laptop and the electrical outlet. Close the laptop screen and turn the laptop over so the bottom of the machine can be accessed. Place an antistatic strap around your wrist before you begin so no electric currents or shocks damage the inside of the laptop.

2. Press the release lever on the underside of the laptop to reach the battery pack and remove it. Screwdrivers will typically be used in order to take out all of the laptop's internal hardware including the hard drive, memory, CD drive and wireless modem. Disconnect a series of cables and an antenna to remove the wireless modem.

3. Remove the laptop's bottom casing using a screwdriver. The keyboard should also be disconnected and removed using a screwdriver. Unscrew the connectors fastening the display screen to the lower part of the laptop. Remove the display screen in order to gain access to the motherboard.

4. Remove the cooling fan and disconnect all of the cables that are fastened to the charging circuit. Consult documentation provided with your laptop to see exactly where the charging circuit is located. Use a screwdriver in order to remove the charging circuit from the base of the laptop. Insert the new circuit board.

5. Rebuild the laptop in the reverse order in which you took it apart. Make sure that all of the screws get replaced and the internal components are connected solidly to the laptop. Plug the power cord into the laptop and an available electrical outlet. Turn the laptop right-side up and turn the laptop on and make sure that everything is working correctly.

Tags: charging circuit, charging circuit, charging circuit located, circuit located, display screen

Remove A Cmos Battery From A Compaq Evo N800

CMOS battery installed on a motherboard (left side of the image)

The Compaq Evo N800 is a laptop computer that comes equipped with a Pentium 4 processor, 256 MB of DDR SDRAM, 60 GB of hard drive space and a 15-inch XGA display. When your N800 is not in use, certain system settings, such as the date and time, are preserved in memory that is powered by a CMOS battery. If the CMOS battery loses its charge and you wish to install a replacement, you will first need to partially disassemble the computer.

Instructions

Removal

1. Shut down your Evo N800 and disconnect the power cord and any attached peripheral devices. Turn the laptop over and locate the installed battery pack. Slide the battery release latch to the unlocked position and remove the installed battery pack. Examine the opposite side of the laptop and locate the installed MultiBay device. Slide the MultiBay release latch to the unlocked position and remove the installed device.

2. Find the hard drive module, located next to the now-empty battery bay. Locate and remove the screw securing the hard drive module to the laptop's base. Slide the hard drive module out of the laptop and set it aside.

3. Examine the underside of the laptop and locate the two screws near the rear edge that secure the LED cover to the laptop's base; remove the screws and open the laptop. Examine the LED cover, located just above the keyboard, and find the four clips that secure the cover in place. Use your pry tool to disengage the LED cover from the clips. Hold down the "esc" and "F1" keys to reveal a notch in the LED cover; insert your pry tool into the notch and lift the left side of the LED cover. Repeat this process on the right side by holding down the "Pause" and "Del" keys. Remove the LED cover and set it aside.

4. Lift the back edge of the keyboard and slide it free from the palm rest. Flip the keyboard over and find the keyboard shield located underneath. Remove the two screws that secure the keyboard shield in place; remove the keyboard shield and set it aside. Find the ZIF connector located underneath the keyboard shield and disconnect the keyboard cable from the system board. Remove the keyboard and set it aside.

5. Close the display and examine the rear panel of the laptop. Locate and remove the two screws set into the rear panel, beneath the display hinges. Reopen the display, then locate and disconnect the two cables that lead from the display to the system board. Examine the display hinges and remove the screws that secure each hinge to the laptop's base. Lift the display off of the laptop and set it aside.

6. Examine the underside of the laptop's base and remove the eight screws located around the periphery of the base. Remove the single screw located next to the bottom-left corner of memory module compartment. Examine the hard drive bay and remove the screw located above the one set in the middle of the bay. Return the laptop to its upright position and disconnect all the visible cables from the system board.

7. Locate and remove the four screws that secure the top cover to the laptop's base. Examine the rear panel of the laptop and remove the remaining screws. Remove the top cover and locate the CMOS battery underneath. Use your pry tool to remove the CMOS battery from its socket.

Tags: hard drive, laptop base, that secure, keyboard shield, CMOS battery, drive module

Find Out Which Chipset My Dell Laptop Has

Today's motherboard chipsets are as complex as computer processors once were.

In a computer, the "chipset" refers to the set of integrated circuits that control the communication between the different devices inside the machine. For example, the processor and video card. The chipset may also determine certain computer specifications such as the processor and memory types that can be used, or certain expansion cards that can be installed. Identify the chipset of your Dell laptop to learn more about its capabilities and limitations.

Instructions

Finding a Laptop Chipset with the Dell Support Website

1. Browse to the Dell support website using the link in the "Resources" section of this article. Click the "Start Here" button under "Support for Home Users" on the left side of the window.

2. Click the "Drivers and Downloads" link, then click "Select Model" in the window that appears.

3. Click "Laptops," then click the product line that your laptop belongs to (e.g., "XPS") and the model number (e.g., "M1210"). If you do not know the model number of your laptop, look for an emblem near the keyboard or a sticker on the bottom of the unit. Click "Confirm" after selecting the model.

4. Click the "Manuals" link on the left side of the screen, then click the "Get Manual" button.

5. Select your preferred language, then click the link to view or download the user's guide for your computer. Look for a chapter in the manual titled "Specifications" to locate the chipset for your laptop, such as "Mobile Intel 945 GM Express." If you are unable to locate this information in the user's guide for your computer or cannot find the user's guide, continue to Section 2 or 3 to learn find the chipset of your laptop with free utilities.

Finding a Laptop Chipset with PC Wizard

6. Browse to the PC Wizard website using the second link in the "Resources" section of this article and click the "ZIP package" download link.

7. Extract the file to the location of your choice and run it by launching the program "PC Wizard.exe."

8. Examine the results shown in the PC Wizard after the program scans your system. The chipset is displayed under "System Summary" near the top of the window (e.g., "Intel i945PM").

Finding a Laptop Chipset with the Intel Chipset Identification Utility

9. Download the Intel Chipset Identification Utility using the third link in the "Resources" section of this article. Run "ChipUtil.exe" to launch the utility.

10. Click the "Update" button at the bottom of the window if you receive an error stating that the utility is unable to identify all of the components in your computer.

11. Examine the results displayed after the Intel Chipset Identification utility is finished updating. The chipset is displayed at the top of the window (e.g., "Intel 440 chipset family").

Tags: then click, your laptop, Chipset Identification, Chipset with, chipset your

Install A Sata Hard Drive On An Asus M3a79t Deluxe

Connect a SATA drive cable from one of the motherboard's red connectors to the hard drive.

Asus M3A79-T Deluxe motherboards have SATA connectors on the lower right corner colored in red. Your motherboard supports up to three SATA drives. Do not purchase another SATA drive if you have three drives already hooked up to your motherboard. If you really need the space and you already made the investment, invest also in a hard drive enclosure so you can use your new drive as an external hard drive.

Instructions

1. Disconnect your computer's cables and turn it around with the rear facing you.

2. Remove the screws on the right edge holding the right panel to the case.

3. Lift the panel off the case and put it on a static-free surface.

4. Place your new SATA drive in the metal bay in the very front of your computer. The drive should slide right in smoothly. Once the drive sits in your bay, put some screws into the holes that expose themselves through the bay to hold the drive in place.

5. Connect the SATA power cable coming from the large box on the upper rear corner of your computer into the hard drive and connect a SATA drive cable from one of the motherboard's red connectors to the hard drive.

6. Reassemble your panel, reconnect your computer's cables and turn the computer on. You have finished installing the hard drive.

Tags: hard drive, SATA drive, your computer, cable from, cable from motherboard

Install A Realtek 8201cl Fast Ethernet Driver To The Motherboard

Install a Realtek 8201CL Fast Ethernet Driver to the Motherboard

The Realtek company builds the Ethernet ports that are built into certain models of computer motherboards. You can use these ports to connect your computer to a cable modem or router for accessing the Internet, or for sharing files with a different computer. If your Realtek 8201CL Ethernet port has stopped working and you can no longer connect to the Internet, you may need to install a new updated driver. You can use the built-in driver update feature included with your computer's operating system to find and install the latest driver software.

Instructions

1. Open the computer's Start menu by clicking on the Windows logo located at the far bottom left corner of the screen. Click on the "Control Panel" icon in the Start menu to bring up a new list of menu options.

2. Scroll down through the list of menu options in the Control Panel window and locate the icon of a computer next to a tool box labeled as the "Device Manager." Double-click on the icon. Click on the "Continue" button when the computer's operating system opens up a new window asking if you are sure you want to open the Device Manager.

3. Find the entry in the window labeled as "Network Adapters." Click on the plus sign to the left of the entry to expand the menu and bring up a new list of options. Locate the entry for the Realtek 8201CL Ethernet adapter.

4. Right-click on the Realtek entry and then choose the "Properties" option from the pop-up menu. Wait for a new window to appear on the screen and then navigate to the "Driver" tab. Click on the "Update Driver" button at the middle of the window.

5. Click on the link labeled as "Search automatically for updated drivers" to initiate the download for the latest Realtek 8201 CL Ethernet driver. Click on "OK" once the download has finished. Close the Device Manager window and click on the "Start" button. Choose the "Shut Down" option and then click on "Restart." Wait for the computer to finish restarting and then attempt to use the Realtek Ethernet port to make sure the driver was installed properly.

Tags: Device Manager, Realtek 8201CL, 8201CL Ethernet, bring list, computer operating, computer operating system, Control Panel

Install A Dell Bios With A Flash Drive

The acronym BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System. The BIOS is the program that initially starts the computer and loads the operating system. Dell computers utilize a proprietary and original Dell BIOS that is unlike other BIOS programs. Dell provides free downloads of all BIOS versions from the Dell Drivers and Support website. BIOS downloads are provided in an executable (EXE) file and may be run from DOS.

Instructions

1. Open a Web browser and go to the Dell Drivers and Support website. Search for the appropriate BIOS for your system, download the EXE file and save it to the hard drive.

2. Insert the flash drive and allow the computer to recognize the removable drive.

3. Right-click on the Windows "Start" button and select "Explore Files." Go to the BIOS EXE file.

4. Copy the BIOS EXE file to the flash drive by right-clicking on the EXE file and selecting "Copy."

5. Right-click on the flash drive in the left pane of Windows Explorer and click "Paste." The BIOS file is now copied to the flash drive.

6. Power the computer down completely.

7. Boot up the computer and press F8 before the Windows Splash Screen (the screen that says "Starting Windows") to access the Advanced Booting Options menu.

8. Select "Safe Mode with Command Prompt."

9. Type the drive letter and file name for the BIOS EXE file on the flash drive at the command prompt. For example, if the flash drive is drive letter "E:" type "E:/filename.exe" where filename.exe is the name of the BIOS EXE file. The BIOS updater will start. Allow the program to run undisturbed.

10. Press the Enter key to begin the BIOS flash. Press "Y" to confirm. The BIOS updater will flash the BIOS.

11. Press any key to restart the computer. The BIOS is now updated from a flash drive.

Tags: flash drive, BIOS file, BIOS file flash, BIOS updater, BIOS updater will, Dell Drivers

Troubleshoot Sacred Geforce Fx 5200

The Sacred GeForce FX 5200 is a video card produced by the Nvidia Corporation, a leading video card developer. It comes in several models, such as the GeForce FX 5200, GeForce FX 5200 Ultra and the GeForce PCX 5300. The GeForce 5200 models use a PCI Express connection, which allows for maximum video card speed and performance. However, with many video cards, including the GeForce 5200, technical problems may occur. Simple troubleshooting is effective for fixing most video cards, with the exception of cards with physical damage or incompatibilities.

Instructions

1. Turn off your computer and check the physical status of the card. Unscrew the computer case to expose the inner-workings. Locate the GeForce 5200; it connects to a PCI Express slot that protrudes from the motherboard. A simplified way to locate the video card is by tracing the monitor cable to the computer. Where the cable connects is where the video card will be inside. Next, verify with your computer manual that it is in a proper PCI Express slot.

2. Close up the computer case and reconnect the cables. Check that the monitor is on and that there is no damage on the computer monitor cables. Connect the monitor cable to an alternate input on the back of the video card if there is no signal when turning the computer on.

3. Turn the computer on, and allow the operating system to load. Once the operating system loads, you will want to download the latest GeForce FX 5200 video card drivers. Go to the Nvidia website (see resources), and download the latest drivers. Insert the graphics card model, operating system information and language into the download page. Next, click "Search," and then "Download." Once the drivers download, double-click the setup application, and follow the installation steps to completion.

4. Restart your computer, and allow the operating system to load. If the hardware checks out and the drivers are currently up to date, the video GeForce FX 5200 will run correctly. If it is still not working, you may need to replace the actual card.

Tags: GeForce 5200, video card, operating system, your computer, 5200 video, 5200 video card

Fix A Defective Computer Motherboard

The motherboard serves as the heart of a computer.

Building and upgrading a computer is something that many people learn do on their own. Motherboards are one of the most important and complicated parts of the computer. Trying to repair any individual part in a computer, especially within the motherboard itself, is far beyond even the average computer technician. Because of the relatively low cost of motherboards and their complexity, the best method of fixing a bad motherboard is to replace it.

Instructions

1. Open your computer case by unscrewing the access door from the back of the case. Check to make sure all of the cables are tight to be sure the problem is with the motherboard.

2. Disconnect all of the cables that are connected to the motherboard. This will include power cables, drive cables and case cables. The power cables should have a tab that needs to be pushed to release the cables. The other cables should pull straight up.

3. Unscrew any cards that are connected to the motherboard and screwed into the back of the case. Lift the cards out. Remove the RAM by pushing the side tabs down lifting it out. Unscrew the CPU fan and heat sink. Disconnect the power from the CPU fan to the motherboard. The heat sink may have to be pinched or removed with pliers. Lift the CPU socket bar up and remove the CPU.

4. Unscrew the motherboard from the case and lift it out. Put the new motherboard in place matching the holes on the board with the case. Put the CPU back in the CPU socket. Match the CPU and the socket holes and pins. One corner will be missing a pin and pinhole.

5. Put the CPU fan and heat sink back in place. Add the memory sticks back in their sockets until they click in place. Reconnect all of the cables.

Tags: heat sink, back case, cables should, connected motherboard, power cables, that connected, that connected motherboard

Windows Benchmarking Tools

Benchmarking tools for Windows test your computer's performance.

Benchmarking a computer is a method of comparing the performance of one computer system with another. Benchmarking is useful because it allows for easy comparison between various chip sets and system architectures and gauges performance across a variety of applications. Benchmarking software works by running special applications that stress system components through creating workloads similar to real-world applications. You can choose among several benchmarking software options for the Windows operating system to accurately predict a computer system's performance capabilities.

3DMark Vantage

3DMark Vantage tests the graphics capabilities of your computer.

3DMark Vantage (see Resources) tests the performance of your graphics acceleration card utilizing DirectX 10, a programming interface developed by Microsoft. 3DMark Vantage is geared largely toward computer gamers seeking to gauge computer video gaming performance. The program applies a real-time 3-D graphics workload to your graphics acceleration card and CPU to determine the graphics capabilities of your Windows computer. As of August 2010, the basic edition costs $6.95, the advanced edition costs $19.95 and the commercial-use edition costs $995.

WorldBench 6.0

WorldBench 6.0 helps determine computer performance using real-world applications.

WorldBench 6.0 (see Resources) is benchmarking software for Windows that determines the capabilities of your computer by running and using a host of applications such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop and Mozilla Firefox. The results are then compared with a baseline system to determine your systems performance rating. As of August 2010, a single user license costs $249, a business license for up to five computers costs $999 and a corporate license for up to 25 computers costs $2,499.

Windows System Assessment Tool

WinSAT tells you which software is best suited for your computer's capabilities.

The Windows System Assessment Tool (WinSAT) is a Windows 7 and Vista-only benchmarking tool included with the operating system that lets you determine which software applications will run well on your computer. WinSAT also helps you decide the best system settings for your computer when running individual software applications.

PassMark Performance Test

PassMark Performance Test allows you test your computer under different configurations to see which runs best.

PassMark Performance Test stresses your computer's processor, graphics card, RAM and disk drives. It then compares the results with baseline readings from similar machines. The utility also allows you to view performance under different system configurations so you can determine if making changes to your computer will be worthwhile. The program runs on Windows 2000, XP, 2003 Server, Vista, 2008 Server and Windows 7. It is available for both 32-bit and 64-bit platforms. You can try Performance Test for a free 30-day trial (see Resources) or purchase it for $24, as of August 2010.

Tags: your computer, 3DMark Vantage, Performance Test, August 2010, capabilities your, edition costs, PassMark Performance

Find My Cpu Speed

Find My CPU Speed

The speed of your processor, or CPU, is crucial to the overall performance of your computer. You may have a killer graphics card and tons of memory, but if your processor isn't up to snuff, you'll soon begin to notice that your computer is lagging behind. It's easy to find the processor speed of your computer. However, the task varies slightly, depending on whether your computer is a Macintosh or a Microsoft Windows-based PC.

Instructions

Windows PC

1. Click the "Start" button in the lower left corner of your screen.

2. Right click on the "Computer" option. Depending on your version of Windows, this may also be labeled "My Computer."

3. Choose "Properties" from the menu. A pop-up screen will appear, displaying the technical specifications of your computer, including the manufacturer and speed of your CPU.

Macintosh Computer

4. Click on the "Apple" icon located in the top left corner of the menu bar.

5. Choose the "About this Mac" option. A pop-up screen will appear, giving you the basic information on the memory and processor of your computer.

6. Click on the "More Info" button for the specifics of your processor. This will open up the "System Profiler" screen.

7. Click on "Hardware" from the menu. Your "Hardware Overview" will now appear.

8. Find your CPU speed by looking under "Processor Speed." Also, note that the processor name, number of cores and cache size are listed.

Tags: your computer, speed your, will appear, your processor, Find Speed, from menu

Install A Sata Drive

SATA Hard Drive Installation

SATA or Serial ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) hard drives are some of the most widely used hard drives today. They are considerably faster than other forms of ATA hard drives and external USB hard drives. Aside from that, the cables necessary to connect them to the motherboard are cheaper, smaller and easier to connect without damaging them. Installing a SATA drive in your computer can be tricky though, even if you have some knowledge of internal computer parts.

Instructions

1. Open your desktop computer case. open your case will vary based on the make and model of your computer. Most have a side panel that opens by releasing a lever or switch or by removing screws.

2. Locate your hard drive bracket or sleeve. It will usually contain your current hard drive or be an individual sleeve located below, above or next to your current hard drive. If you are replacing a hard drive, disconnect both the power wire harness and the SATA cable or IDE cable.

3. Open or remove your hard drive bracket or empty sleeve. If you are replacing a hard drive, remove the sleeve containing the current hard drive. You may need use your Phillips screwdriver to remove a screw to remove the bracket or sleeve

4. Insert your SATA hard drive into its bracket or sleeve in the same fashion your current one is installed. If you are replacing a hard drive, use your Phillips screwdriver to remove any screws connecting the hard drive to the bracket or sleeve first.

5. Insert no fewer than four hard drive mounting screws through the bracket or sleeve and into the sides of the hard drive in the holes provided.

6. Insert the hard drive bracket or sleeve back into the case in the reverse manner you removed it. Attach the power cables and SATA cable by sliding the wire harness and wire into the appropriate slots on the hard drive.

7. Attach the SATA cable to your motherboard. The location will vary depending on your motherboard, but the connection will only fit the SATA cable.

8. Close your computer case and power it on. If any alarms go off or beeping occurs, power off your computer and contact your local technician as something may be wrong with your computer.

9. Press the "F2" key when your computer's first screen appears to open your computer's BIOS. For a Dell, this would be the Dell screen and not the Windows screen; same for an HP, etc. The specific key to open your computer's BIOS may differ, but your opening screen should state which key it is.

10. Locate the drives section of your BIOS. You may have to browse a bit as this will vary based on the make and model of your computer. As long as you aren't making any changes, you won't create any problems.

11. Check to see that your new SATA hard drive appears in the list of drives in your BIOS. You may need to add it using the BIOS auto discovery or adjust some settings. Follow the onscreen instructions for doing either of these.

Tags: hard drive, your computer, bracket sleeve, hard drive, drive bracket, hard drive bracket, hard drives

Install A Graphics Card In An Hp Pavilion A400n

The HP Pavilion A400N is a desktop computer capable of meeting most student and home user needs right out of the box. However, if you are a gamer suffering from sluggish system performance or a business user looking to increase productivity via the addition of a second monitor, you may find it necessary to install a standalone graphics card. The motherboard on the A400N will support the installation of both PCI and AGP graphics cards. While the notion of working on your computer's motherboard may seem intimidating, the process is actually very straightforward.

Instructions

1. Exit any currently-active applications and shut down your computer. Power down any other connected devices. Remove the power cord from the computer and disconnect the monitor, keyboard, mouse, peripheral devices and any other attached cables. Move the computer to your work area.

2. Look at the back panel of the computer and locate the two thumbscrews near the right edge. Tilt the computer over, such that the side with the thumbscrews is uppermost. Loosen the thumbscrews and remove the side panel.

3. Examine your computer's internal components. If the back panel is facing you, the PCI and AGP slots will be located at the near-right corner of the motherboard. Determine which of the available slots you will use for installation. If your card will not fit into a particular slot, that slot is the wrong type for your card.

4. Locate the expansion slot cover for your chosen slot. Unscrew the screw holding the cover in place. Set the screw and slot cover aside.

5. Align the copper contacts on your card with the appropriate slot and slide it into place. Apply gentle pressure to the card until it is fully seated within the slot. Use the screw from the expansion slot cover to secure your graphics card in place. If your graphics card requires a power source for an attached cooling system, locate the appropriate power cable and plug it into the corresponding connector.

6. Replace the back panel and use the thumbscrews to secure it into place. Restore your computer to an upright position and return it to its previous location. Connect your monitor to the connector on your graphics card. Reconnect the keyboard, mouse, peripheral devices, power cord and any other previously-disconnected cables.

7. Turn on your computer. Install any driver software that may have come with your graphics card. Once this step is complete, your computer is ready for use.

Tags: your computer, graphics card, your graphics, your graphics card, back panel, slot cover

Troubleshoot The Vizio Vo32l Hdtv

Troubleshoot the Vizio VO32L HDTV

Sony's Vizio series is a popular line of HDTVs, offering HD-quality picture and sound, multiple high-def connections for easy integration into your home entertainment system, and user-friendly controls that make troubleshooting simple problems easy and painless. Even the least tech-savvy home users can resolve basic issues they come across using the simplest of troubleshooting procedures.

Instructions

Troubleshoot No Power to the TV

1. Power the TV on using the power button on the Vizio's button panel, located on the right side of the TV. If the TV powers on, you should see the "Vizio" logo on the front of the TV illuminate. Your remote may need new batteries or may need to be replaced altogether if the TV responds to the front panel buttons, but not remote commands.

2. Check the TV's power cable to make sure it has not come loose at all. In addition to the electrical outlet, check the "A/C in" connection on the rear panel of the TV, as the Vizio's power cable can be unplugged from the TV.

3. Plug another electronic device into the outlet into which the Vizio was plugged. This will check for a "dead" outlet. If the outlet does not supply power to any appliances you test, you may need to have an electrician examine it. If the outlet supplies power to appliances other than the Vizio, your Vizio's A/C power cable may need to be replaced.

Troubleshoot No Sound

4. Press the "Mute" or volume up buttons on the Vizio remote to ensure the TV is not muted. The "Mute" button is located near the top of the remote, \between the "HDMI" and "TV" buttons, and the volume up is to the right of the orange Vizio cursor in the center of the remote. If the "Mute" text disappears from the screen, your TV has been unmuted and you can check again for sound.

5. Check the TV's audio settings to make sure Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) is not activated. Press the orange "V" in the center of the remote to bring up the on-screen displays (OSD). Press the channel down key until you see "Audio Settings" and make sure it is not set to SAP. Exit the OSD and again check for sound.

6. Check the audio connection cables of the component you are using with the TV, to see if they have come loose. If you are watching a DVD player connected via RCA cables, for instance, check the red and white audio cables and secure any loose connections.

Troubleshoot No Picture

7. Tune the TV to the correct input for the device you want to watch. If you are using a Blu-ray player connected to the HDMI 1 input, for instance, you will not see a picture until you tune the TV to HDMI 1. To do this, you can press the "input" button on the bottom of the remote, press the key assigned to that particular input (in this case, the "HDMI" button), or press the "input" button on the side panel of the Vizio. Check for picture once the TV has been set to the correct input.

8. Reset the audio/video connection cable that attaches the device you are trying to watch to the TV. Unplug it from the device and the A/V panel on the back of the Vizio, as this will force the Vizio to rescan for signals on all its inputs. Check for a picture again after plugging all connection cables back in.

9. Press a button on your computer's keyboard or move your computer's mouse, if your computer is connected to the Vizio. If the computer is in "sleep" mode and the monitor is blank, the Vizio will also display a blank screen.

Tags: make sure, power cable, your computer, center remote, Check audio, Check picture

Insert Midi Melodies Into A Daw

MIDI controllers assist in the recording of MIDI melodies

Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) is an important aspect of digital music creation. MIDI is a protocol which helps carry data about musical events across platforms and programs. It is possible to compose melodies through MIDI, which can then be inserted into a Digital Audio Workstation, or DAW, program. There are two ways in which this can be accomplished: First, you can import already-created MIDI files into a DAW. Second, you can record MIDI melodies in your DAW live.

Instructions

Importing MIDI melodies from a file

1. Open your DAW software.

2. Create a new MIDI track. Typically, this can be done through the File drop-down menu or by right-clicking on the track view.

3. Import the desired MIDI file into the new MIDI track. Each DAW program has a slightly different process for this function. Many have drop-down menu functions for importing audio clips and other files. Check the File drop-down menu for this function. In most DAW software, you may also use the copy-paste functions. Furthermore, some programs, such as Ableton Live, allow for drag-and-drop insertion.

4. Reconfigure the tempo settings for your project. The MIDI melody you import may have tempo and time signature settings that differ from the default. The DAW software may compensate for this automatically. If it does not, you will need to adjust the project's tempo and time signature settings to match the desired MIDI settings.

Playing MIDI melodies live

5. Connect a MIDI controller to your computer's USB port.

6. Open your DAW software.

7. Create a new MIDI track.

8. Configure the new MIDI track so that it receives input from your MIDI controller.

9. Enable the new track for recording. Usually, there is a button on the track that looks like a record icon, or is labeled with the letter R. This will enable the track for recording.

10. Click the record button on the DAW transport. The transport is the global control for the flow of the project. It is where you find the record, stop, and play buttons, among other things.

11. Play a melody on your MIDI controller.

12. Click the stop button in the transport once you are finished.

Tags: MIDI track, drop-down menu, MIDI controller, your software Create, button transport, Create MIDI, Create MIDI track

Find My Graphics Driver

Dedicated video cards provide better performance than integrated cards.

Video cards are responsible for creating the graphics you see on the computer screen. A top-of-the-line graphics card will have little functionality if the drivers for it are not installed. It helps to know which driver you have before attempting to upgrade. Driver information is found in more than one place and is retrieved without opening the computer case.

Instructions

Device Manager

1. Right-click the desktop and click either "Personalize" or "Properties," depending on the operating system.

2. Click "Advanced," then "Adapter." Alternatively, Vista and Windows 7 users look beneath "See also" and choose "Display."

3. Click "Change Display Settings," then "Advanced Settings," unless you're on the Adapter tab and the graphics card and version is listed. Look beneath "Adapter Type" to see the type of card you have.

4. Click "Properties" and go to the "Driver" tab. The driver date and driver version is shown near the top of the dialog box.

Registry Editor

5. Click "Start" and type "Regedit.exe" to open the registry editor.

6. Click the plus signs to expand "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\hardware\DeviceMap\Video."

7. Double-click "Device\Video0." The value shown is the location in the registry that contains video driver information. For example, if it says "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services", you would look for whatever word comes after "Services." Write down the entire value.

8. Go back to the first registry folder "Computer" and click to expand the folders corresponding with the ones discovered in Step 3.

9. Double-click "InstalledDisplayDrivers" to see the current graphics driver.

Tags: graphics card

Find Out The Date When My Computer Was Manufactured

You might find date of manufacture on the back of the computer.

Computers have many hardware and software components that make up the whole machine, and builders commonly follow a roughly dated sequence when adding various parts. The motherboard or main board is almost always the first component installed when building a PC because it helps other hardware, such as the processor and memory, connect to the operating system. On this motherboard is the basic input/output system chip that performs a precheck of hardware before the OS starts up. If your computer runs Windows, you can use two approaches to access the BIOS information and find the approximate date when your PC was constructed.

Instructions

Command Prompt

1. Click the circular Windows orb logo, also known as the "Start" button, in the bottom-left corner of the desktop. Type "Cmd.exe" in the search box at the bottom of the Start menu. Press "Enter" to open the Command Prompt window.

2. Type the word "debug" where the cursor is blinking in the window. Press "Enter."

3. Press the "Space" bar after the hyphen that automatically appears on the next line. Type the following string of characters, without the quotation marks, after the space: "d FFFF:5 L 8". Press "Enter."

4. Pull the scroll bar to the right, if necessary, to see the date of manufacture stated in the following format: MM/DD/YYYY.

System Information Utility

5. Click the Start button and type "Msinfo32.exe" in the search box at the bottom of the Start menu. Press "Enter" to open the System Information utility.

6. Click "System Summary" in the left pane. Wait for the system details to appear in the center pane.

7. Scroll down to find BIOS Version/Date under the Item column heading. Look across to the Value column to find the manufacture date in the following format: MM/DD/YYYY.

Tags: Press Enter, bottom Start, bottom Start menu, Command Prompt, date manufacture, Enter open, following format

Replace The Motherboard On A Dell 9300

Learn to replace your Dell Inspiron 9300 laptop's motherboard.

Your laptop's motherboard is the main circuit board where all your hardware connects with the computer. Motherboard replacement is a task reserved for certified laptop technicians. However, if you feel you must replace your Dell Inspiron's motherboard, you should understand the risks involved. Removing your old motherboard requires that you disassemble the outer casing and remove all hardware. Dell's warranty agreement will not cover any damage caused to your computer in the disassembly procedure.

Instructions

1. Use your laptop's current operating system to shut down the computer. Close the LCD screen and disconnect all power cables and devices from the laptop. Flip the laptop over so it is facing downward over a flat surface.

2. Orient the computer so the front edge is facing you. Locate the battery compartment in the laptop's upper right corner. Press down on the battery release button and slide it to the left. Lift the battery pack out of its compartment.

3. Locate the hard drive situated beneath the empty battery compartment. Remove the two retaining Phillips-head screws from the drive. Grasp the face of the hard drive and pull it out of its compartment.

4. Remove the Phillips-head screw securing the CD/DVD drive to the laptop's bottom right corner. Insert a small, flat-head screwdriver into the screw hole. Use the screwdriver to disengage the metal indentation securing the drive in place. Grasp the drive's face plate and pull it out of the drive compartment.

5. Locate and remove the two Phillips-head screws securing the memory cover to the center of the laptop's bottom casing. Remove the cover from the laptop. There are two memory modules that sit side-by-side. Remove both modules by spreading the retaining latches on each side of the modules. Tilt each module at an angle, and then pull each module off their memory slots.

6. Locate the modem module cover in the upper left corner of the laptop. Remove the Phillips-head screws that are securing the cover in place. Remove the cover. Disconnect the modem cable from the left side of the modem. Then remove the two Phillips-head screws securing the modem module to the motherboard. Lift the modem out of its compartment. Disconnect the modem cable from the motherboard and remove it.

7. Locate the wireless card inside the modem compartment. Disconnect the two antenna cables from the card. Then spread the retaining latches on each side of the card. Tilt the card at an angle, and then pull it out of its compartment.

8. Place the laptop face up and open the LCD screen as far as it will go. Insert a small flat-head screwdriver into the right side of the keyboard bezel. The bezel is a small plastic strip situated above the keyboard assembly. Gently pry the bezel from the computer with the screwdriver.

9. Remove the two Phillips-head screws from the keyboard, and then place the keyboard face down over the laptop's surface. Disconnect the keyboard's ribbon cable from its connection on the motherboard. Remove the keyboard from the laptop completely.

10. Locate the LCD ribbon cable extending from the screen's left side. Disconnect the cable from the motherboard by pulling straight up on the black pull-tab. Remove the two Phillips-head screws from each LCD hinge screw. Carefully remove the screen from the laptop's base.

11. Flip the laptop's base over so it is facing downward. Remove the remaining Phillips-head screws from the bottom casing. Place the laptop's base face up again. Remove the remaining Phillips-head screws from the top casing. Disconnect the two visible cables from their motherboard connectors. Note where and how they are connected for when you reassemble the laptop. Remove the top casing from the laptop and set it aside.

12. Locate the heat sink assembly in the upper left corner of the motherboard. Remove its four retaining Phillips-head screws. Remove the heat sink from the motherboard. This reveals the processor. Turn the processors flat-head locking screw in the counter clockwise direction until it disengages from its socket. Remove the processor from its socket and set it aside.

13. Disconnect all visible cables from the motherboard and remove the remaining Phillips-head screws securing the motherboard to the bottom casing. Grasp the bottom edge of the motherboard and gently pull it forward to disengage the power and data ports from the access holes. Lift the old motherboard out of the bottom casing and set it aside.

14. Reverse this procedure to install the new motherboard.

Tags: Phillips-head screws, from laptop, Phillips-head screws from, screws from, bottom casing, cable from, from motherboard

Select A Video Card For Digital Photo Editing

Select a Video Card for Digital Photo Editing

Digital photo editing requires a reasonably powerful computer to efficiently handle your digital images. The speed and capability of the processor helps to keep your editing smooth, while large amounts of RAM allow you to work with large image files. The most important hardware for processing digital images, however, is your video card. The video card has dedicated memory specifically for images, which leaves the rest of your RAM available for editing and processing.

Instructions

1. Determine the amount of digital photo editing you will be doing. Professional photo editors will need a more powerful graphics card than a hobbyist working with home photography. If you will be doing a lot of editing, choose a video card with a high speed and a large amount of dedicated graphics memory. Look at the programs that you use on a daily basis and review their technical specifications to determine the smallest possible card for your needs.

2. Check your computer's specification to see what type of card it may already have. Your computer will need an empty hardware expansion slot, and the motherboard will determine what type of video cards are compatible. The motherboard's specifications are outlined by the manufacturer and may limit your choice of video card.

3. Determine what type of video output you will need. Your monitor may have an S-VGA, DVI or VGA input. The specification of your monitor should match the output the video card provides.

4. Set a price range. Video cards can range from under $50 to $500 or more. Setting a price range may limit the number of cards available to you. Choose a card from a reputable manufacturer, referencing consumer reviews if possible, and select the one that best meets your needs for your budget.

Tags: what type, will need, Card Digital, Card Digital Photo, digital images

Replace Your Pc'S Battery

All Windows PCs contain a small battery that powers a chip, which in turn stores important system data called the CMOS settings. If that battery runs down, when you attempt to start up the computer you'll get errors such as "Invalid system settings--Run Setup" or "CMOS checksum error." If you aren't ready to buy a new PC, it's time to put in a new battery.

Instructions

Restore the CMOS settings

1. If you've never made a backup copy of your CMOS settings (by using a backup utility program such as Norton Utilities or by printing a hardcopy out on paper), look them up in the printed documentation for your system or call the vendor of your PC. Restoring your CMOS settings from a backup will help determine whether the battery is the problem.

2. If you're using a backup utility to restore the CMOS settings, insert the emergency startup disk and follow the prompts.

3. Use the Setup utility that's built into your PC's BIOS to re-enter your CMOS settings manually. Restart your computer and wait for a screen that tells you what key or key combination to press for Setup.

4. If re-entering or restoring your CMOS settings solves your problem, then it's possible your battery is fine and the settings were corrupted by a virus or some other anomaly. If, however, your PC "forgets" the CMOS settings you just re-entered or restored after you turn the machine off (and then back on), you probably have a bad battery.

Locate the dead battery

5. Turn off your PC.

6. Before opening your PC case, put on a grounding wrist strap to prevent discharging static electricity onto any sensitive components. In fact, throughout this procedure it's a good idea to frequently touch something metal (other than your PC) that's resting on the ground, to make sure you discharge any static electricity.

7. Open the PC. For most PCs, this entails removing a few screws with a Phillips screwdriver and sliding the case off.

8. Locate the battery on your PC's motherboard. This is trickier than it sounds because PC manufacturers have used many different types of batteries for CMOS settings. The most common are lithium, like the kind in watches, but they could also be a pair of AA batteries. Or they could look like two cylinders encased in red plastic: a silver box or a red and black box.

9. Draw a picture of the battery, showing its exact position on the motherboard.

Remove and replace the battery

10. Examine the battery carefully to see how it's attached to the motherboard. Most likely, the battery is attached by a clip or with Velcro. Some older PCs might have the battery soldered to the motherboard. Unless you're confident with a soldering iron, don't attempt to replace one of these.

11. After you've removed the battery, take it to an electronics store to match it with a replacement.

12. Replace the new battery in exactly the same position as the old one, referring to your drawing (see Warning).

13. Restart your PC and re-enter or restore the CMOS settings.

Tags: CMOS settings, your CMOS, your CMOS settings, backup utility, have battery, Restart your, restore CMOS

Identify A Motherboard Through Computer Software

An unfortunate fact of dealing with computers involves needing information regarding the "interior" of the computer, such as the model numbers for the various internal components, as well as the quantity and types of interface slots. We often need to identify the motherboard for various reasons. Some of those reasons include determining the particular processor (CPU) chipset drivers, graphics drivers and sound card drivers.

Instructions

1. Click "Start," (on XP, also click "Run") then type "cmd" and then press Enter. On Windows XP or Vista, this will take you to the "command prompt."

2. Type "winmsd" and then press Enter from the command prompt on Windows XP. This will invoke the winmsd system utility to display all the available hardware and software information regarding the system. This includes system manufacturer, full system model, system type, processor information, BIOS version & date, SMBIOS version, memory information and other related hardware and software information.

3. Type "msinfo32" and press Enter from the command prompt on Windows Vista. This will invoke the msinfo32 system utility to display all the available hardware and software information regarding the system. This is effectively Vista's replacement for $XP's "winmsd" utility; it gives basically the same information as the "winmsd" utility.

4. Type "sysdm.cpl" and press "Enter" from the command prompt on either Vista or XP. Click the "Hardware" tab. Click the "Device Manager" button. Expand the "System Devices" item. Here you will find the same (and more detailed) information as that derived from "winmsd" and "msinfo32 (within the sub-areas of "Device Manager" and within the "System Devices" expanded information).

Tags: command prompt, press Enter, Enter from, Enter from command, from command, from command prompt, hardware software

Install A Driver For Multimedia Audio Controller

Drivers are software programs that are installed on your computer to allow your operating system to talk to hardware devices like speakers, for example. Without a driver of some type, computer hardware could not work. In fact, if you add hardware to your computer and it does not work, the most common problem is that the correct driver is not installed. A multimedia audio controller driver allows the operating system to talk to speakers, microphones, line-in/out, and other related devices.

Instructions

1. Determine the manufacturer of your multimedia audio controller. If you have just purchased the audio device, just check the box. If you are trying to install drivers on a computer where the device is already installed, you may have to open your computer and look at the card to determine the manufacturer. If your audio plugs are attached directly to your motherboard (open up the computer and look inside if you're not sure), you will use the manufacturer of the motherboard.

If you do not have the installation disc, locate the website of the manufacturer of the device driver and download the driver for your operating system.

2. Double-click on the file that was downloaded or located on the installation disc. This will start the installation process for the multimedia audio controller.

3. Click on the "Install" button. With most device drivers, a window will appear while the program examines your system, and then a window will show up that will inform you that you are about to install the driver. There will be a "Start" or "Install" button on that screen. The screen will also tell you the name of the multimedia audio driver that you are installing.

4. Observe the window for errors. As the installation process continues, the window will update with information, check marks, or a progress bar indicating the progress of the installation. If there are errors during the install process, they will appear on this screen. If the software fails to find the multimedia audio device installed, it may indicate an error. If the audio device isn't physically installed correctly, that would also produce an error in this step.

5. Click the "Finish" button. In most cases, when the driver installation is complete, the computer will need to be restarted. The screen with the "Finish" button will indicate if a re-start of your computer is needed.

6. Check that your driver has installed. After the re-start, or after the installation finishes, go to the Control Panel and check "Audio Devices." Your newly installed multimedia audio controller should appear in that section. You can click on your audio device and change the various settings for volume levels, recording levels, and other information regarding your device here.

Tags: multimedia audio, audio controller, audio device, your computer, operating system

Mount Two Atx Motherboards In One Case

Two small motherboards can be fit into a full-size server case.

When running web servers, physical space can be limited. Servers are often crammed into a room of their own to increase profit and cut down on the space needed to rent. Multiple motherboards can be mounted inside a single full-size server case and run by a single high-wattage ATX power supply. Micro-ATX motherboards can be mounted one above the other if the ATX 24-pin power cable is split and holes are drilled for the motherboard mounting screws. A Dremel tool is necessary for cutting out port holes in the back of the case for the motherboard's connections. Mounting two motherboards in one case can be quite an ordeal, but if you're a computer enthusiast familiar with modding, it can also be a fun, rewarding project.

Instructions

1. Measure the motherboards, then open the computer chassis and mark out the spots to be drilled on the back mounting plate.

2. Take out the hard drive bay at the bottom so that both boards can fit with the power supply. A 3.5-inch to 5.25-inch adapter can be purchased to mount the hard drives in the 5.25-inch slots normally used for breakout boxes and DVD-ROMs.

3. Mark the holes and slots for the motherboard's PCI-Express and connections panel. It helps to mark both sides of the panel to make sure the holes correspond to the motherboard's connections.

4. Drill the holes into the back panel, then use the Dremel tool to carefully cut the holes for the motherboard's outputs and PCI-Express. Mount the motherboards to the back panel using the supplied screws.

5. Place the power supply into the bottom-right corner of the case where the hard drive bay was. Make sure the back of the power supply is facing the front of the case. The computer will plug into the wall outlet through the front of the case.

6. Connect one end of the Y-split, 24-pin ATX power cable to the power supply's ATX cable, then connect the heads to the two motherboards. Build the rest of the computer, connect two monitors and two keyboards and mice and turn it on. You should now see two separate boot screens.

Tags: power supply, 24-pin power, 24-pin power cable, back panel, Dremel tool

Identify Ram Chips

Empty RAM slots on a motherboard

Random access memory (RAM) chips, or RAM modules, are units of physical memory that plug into a computer's motherboard and send data to the CPU, to allow a computer to run. The amount of RAM you have installed on your system can affect your ability to run programs; in general, the more RAM you have, the more you will be able to multitask without experiencing lag. If you plan to upgrade your RAM, or simply wish to know what type of RAM your computer is using, there are several ways to identify RAM.

Instructions

Opening the Case

1. Turn off your PC and unplug all the cables.

2. Open the computer's case with a screwdriver. Standard cases have several screws along the right side of the back of the case; removing these screws will allow the side panel to slide off, revealing the motherboard.

3. Uninstall a RAM chip, and read the label on the chip for relevant identifying information. The RAM chips are usually next to a conspicuous CPU fan and heat sink on the motherboard. Press down firmly on the plastic locking clamps on either side of the chip to uninstall it.

4. Reinstall the RAM chip, close your case and plug the cables back in. Align the RAM chip in the slot you removed it from in the same orientation, and then firmly press it down into the slot until the locking claps secure it in place.

Using Crucial Memory Scanner

5. Go to Crucial's Memory Scanner page (see Resources for link).

6. Check the check box under "Crucial System Scanner tool," then click "Download the Scanner," and save the file to your hard drive.

7. Run CrucialScan.exe after the download is complete. Running the downloaded file will open a new tab on your browser with information about your installed RAM chips.

Use CPU-Z

8. Go to the CPU-Z download page (see Resources for link).

9. Click one of the download links for CPU-Z listed as "No Install," and then save the program to your hard drive.

10. Run Cpuz.exe after the download is complete, by simply following the online prompts. A diagnostic window will appear.

11. Click on the "SPD" tab. Detailed information about the RAM chip in the first RAM slot will be displayed. Change the value in drop-down list under "Memory Slot Selection" to slot 2, 3 or 4, to view information about your other RAM chips.

Tags: information about, about your, after download, after download complete, Crucial Memory, Crucial Memory Scanner, download complete

Remove A Wire From A Connector

Cutting the wire is the easiest way to remove a connector.

An electrical connector is a device that fastens onto a wire and acts as a physical interface that will allow the wire to connect to a device or another wire. There are many different types of wire connectors, but most connectors attach to a wire by means of a terminal screw or by crimping onto the wire. There are times when a connector needs to be replaced due to damage, or because the wire will be connected to another type of connector. Removing a wire from a connector is a very easy task. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Look closely and observe the connector and the wire. Observe how the connector is attached to the wire, and determine the type of connection applied. A crimped connection has the metal sheet of the connector folded onto the wire to make a lock seam. A terminal screw connection is accomplished by wrapping the wire around a screw and washer, and tightening the screw to secure the connection.

2. Pry open the conductor crimp, or folded metal sheet of the connector to free the wire underneath. Place the connector on a flat surface, and hold it in place, using regular pliers. Insert the thin edge of a utility knife between the folded metal sheets and pry up the sheet to loosen its grip on the wire. Firmly grip the connector with a pair of regular pliers, and pull the wire to release it from the connector.

3. Find the terminal screw that attaches the wire to the connector. Loosen the terminal screw by turning each screw counterclockwise, using a screwdriver. Carefully pull the wire to remove it from the connector.

4. Cut the wire just below the neck of the connector to remove the connector from the wire, using diagonal pliers. A connector can become corroded, and can be very difficult to remove which is why cutting the wire may be the only option that you have. Some connectors can not be removed without cutting the wires, such as telephone plugs, simply because they are designed to permanently crimp onto wires.

5. Place the connector between the jaws of a small vise, and tighten the vise just enough to allow it to grip the connector firmly without deforming it. Pull the wire lightly, and use a soldering gun or iron to melt the solder that holds the wire to the connector. You should be able to pull the wire free from the connector as soon as the solder melts.

Tags: terminal screw, from connector, onto wire, connector wire, folded metal

Identify An Asus G1 Motherboard

Identifying your motherboard is not difficult.

The Asus G1 laptop is designed for hardcore gamers on the go. Many of the internal components are the same in every G1, like the video card and the dual-core processor. There are several different motherboards that are used to connect the components though. If you want to update your BIOS (Basic Input Output System), or install operating-system-specific drivers, you need to know which motherboard is in the computer. Figuring it out is simple.

Instructions

1. Power on your ASUS G1 gaming laptop with the power button in the upper-right-hand corner of the keyboard.

2. Look at the bottom of the post screen (splash screen) and record the string of numbers and letters listed there. It starts with a date (if you press the "Pause" button on the upper-right-hand corner of the keyboard while the post screen is on the monitor, you will have time to review it). Sometimes the motherboard part number is listed on the post screen as well.

3. Enter the BIOS string ID you recorded from the post screen into the lookup tool on Motherboards.org. This will return the manufacturer and model for the motherboard. You can also do an Internet search for the motherboard part number, if it was on the post screen.

Tags: post screen, button upper-right-hand, button upper-right-hand corner, corner keyboard, motherboard part, motherboard part number, part number

Install Sli Video Cards

Combine multiple video cards with SLI.

SLI is a technology developed by NVIDIA to allow multiple graphics cards to be linked together. SLI combines the graphics processors on the cards to work together as one unit. This allows for faster and smoother video performance, which is useful in graphics intensive games. In order for SLI to work, the PC's motherboard and video cards must be SLI certified.

Instructions

1. Unplug the computer to reduce the risk of electric shock, then remove the side panel to access the inside of the computer.

2. Remove the metal fillers for the PCI Express slots on the motherboard. These are located towards the bottom half of the motherboard and are aligned horizontally.

3. Insert the video cards into the PCI Express slots. The video cards can only be inserted one way. Make sure the video connectors are pointing to the back of the case. If the video card is especially thick from an extra fan, skip a slot, then install the other video card.

4. Connect the PCI Express power cables from the power supply unit of the computer to the back of the video cards. This is a six-pin connector.

5. Connect the SLI bridge between the cards. About an inch from the end of the card with the video connectors, there is a separated piece of computer board just before the fan. This is where the SLI bridge should be connected on each card.

6. Close the case and plug it in. Start up the computer.

7. Install the drivers for the video cards and motherboard from the included CDs. Restart the computer and the SLI cards should be working.

Tags: video cards, Express slots, video card, video cards, video connectors

Repair A Flat Ribbon Cable

Typical flat ribbon cable with crimped connector

Solve connection errors on hard drives, optical drives and other devices that use flat ribbon cables to communicate. Repair a flat ribbon cable and improve performance by eliminating the number of retries that the system performs every time a data error occurs. Create a custom ribbon cable for immediate use with a few simple tools and inexpensive parts that can be kept on hand for use at times when buying a ribbon cable is inconvenient or the particular cable is no longer available.

Instructions

1. Cut the ribbon cable about 1/2-inch from the end that needs repair, making sure that the cut is clean and perpendicular to the cable.

2. Align the connector with the cable so that the conductor marked with a colored strip on the ribbon cable is attached to pin 1 on the connector.

3. Crimp the connector onto the cable firmly and with even pressure. Inspect the connection for proper alignment and seating.

4. Replace badly twisted or worn ribbon cable with new cable and crimp new ends where needed.

Tags: ribbon cable, cable with, flat ribbon, flat ribbon cable, ribbon cable

Fix A Sansui Rz5200av Stereo Receiver

Fixing a Sansui RZ-5200AV receiver involves running through a troubleshooting checklist.

The RZ-5200AV is a consumer-level home audio receiver made by Sansui Electric Co., Ltd, a Japanese manufacturer of audio and video equipment, beginning in 1997. Capable of outputting 50 watts of power to attached front and center speakers and 15 watts to each rear speaker, the RZ-5200AV can fill a room with sound at the touch of a button. With a long history in the development of audio/video products, Sansui equipment can be worthwhile and reliable, but, as with all electronic devices, some problems may occur. With the RZ-5200AV receiver, many of these problems can be resolved by following a simple checklist.

Instructions

1. Check to ensure the receiver's power cord is plugged in to the rear panel of the receiver and an electrical outlet.

2. Ensure that "STANDBY/ON" button, located on the left side of the receiver's front panel, is pressed in and the power light below it is on.

3. Locate the speakers buttons, labeled "SPEAKERS A" and "SPEAKERS B", which can be found on the left half of the receiver's front panel underneath the "PHONO" button. Ensure that these are in the "ON" position to output sound to the speakers.

4. Ensure the wiring connecting your speakers to the receiver are connected to both the rear of the receiver and the speakers. Pull the speaker cables out of both the receiver and the speakers, twist the copper core in to a point, and reinsert them in the appropriate location. Ensure that the positive wire is connected to the positive port and the negative speaker is connected to the negative port on both the receiver and the speakers.

5. Turn the "MASTER VOLUME" control knob one-quarter up, to "20," to control sound output volume.

6. Check that your source is properly plugged in to the inputs on the RZ-5200AV receiver, either through the rear ports or the "AV 2" ports on the receiver's front panel. The ports correspond to source function buttons on the receiver's front panel.

7. Ensure the source you are trying to play is selected on the receiver. If you are trying to play FM Radio, press the "FM MODE" button, located on the right side of the receiver's front panel, and adjust the "TUNING" buttons until you find a stable signal. If you have a CD player plugged in to the CD player ports on the back of the receiver press the button marked "CD." Likewise for any auxiliary inputs such as DVD players, tape decks, or video game consoles.

Tags: front panel, receiver front, receiver front panel, Ensure that, receiver speakers