Install A Radio In A 2001 Saturn Sl

As General Motors attempted to fend off the invasion of foreign-built vehicles, it came up with the concept of the Saturn lineup of vehicles. In 1991, the concept became a reality with the release of the Saturn SC and SL models. Saturn based the two vehicles on the same platform; the only difference between the two was that the SC was a two-door coupe and the SL was a four-door sedan. 1996 marked the first and only redesign for the SL line of vehicles, as Saturn gave it a rounder shape. The 2001 SL came standard with an AM-FM, two-speaker stereo system, and replacing this stereo requires removing four trim panels.

Instructions

1. Adjust the driver's seat as far back as it will go, and find the four screws securing the lower dashboard panel -- the one nearest your knees. Remove these four screws with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the panel downward to disengage its retaining clips, and set the panel in a secure area to prevent breakage.

2. Find the four screws holding the two halves of the steering column trim together. Remove these four screws with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the top and bottom halves of the steering column trim apart, and set them in a secure location.

3. Look on the far left end of the dashboard -- the section facing the driver's door -- and find the two circular screw covers. Pry these screw covers off the dashboard, using a flat-head screwdriver, exposing the screws behind them. Remove the screws with a Phillips screwdriver and pull the end panel off the dash to disengage its retaining clips. Set the end panel in a secure location.

4. Pull around the entire perimeter of the dash panel -- the trim surrounding the gauges, radio and HVAC controls -- to disengage the panels retaining clips. Once you disengage all of the clips, pull the panel out of the Saturn and set it in a secure location.

5. Remove the two radio-retaining screws, using a ratchet and a 9/32-inch socket. Slide the radio from its chassis in the dash until you can access the wiring on the rear of the radio. Press and hold the locking button on the wiring harness on the rear of the radio, and pull the wiring harness loose. Pull the antenna wire -- the thick, black cable -- from the radio, using a slight twisting motion.

6. Pull the radio from the Saturn's dash.

7. Plug the wiring harness into the rear of the new radio. Press the antenna wire into the antenna input on the rear of the radio. Slide the radio into its chassis in the dashboard, and guide the locating pins on the dashboard up with the locating holes on the radio's brackets. Tighten the radio-retaining screws with a ratchet and 9/32-inch socket.

8. Set the dash panel back in place over the radio, HVAC controls and gauges, then lightly tap around the perimeter of the panel with the palm of your hand to engage the retaining clips.

9. Place the end panel back onto the far-left of the dashboard, lining up the clips on the rear of the panel with the slots in the dashboard, and press it toward the dashboard to engage its retaining clips. Tighten the two end-panel retaining screws with a Phillips screwdriver, and press the screw covers back into place over the screws.

10. Set the top steering column panel on the steering column, then set the lower steering column panel on the underside of the steering column. Press the two halves of the steering column cover toward each other until the snap together. Tighten the four screws on the lower steering column, using a Phillips screwdriver.

11. Install the lower dashboard panel back in place under the driver's side of the dashboard, lining up the metal retaining clips on the panel with the slots in the dashboard. Press the lower dashboard panel onto the dashboard until the metal clips snap into place. Tighten the four lower dashboard panel-retaining screws with a Phillips screwdriver.

Tags: steering column, Phillips screwdriver, retaining clips, screws with, four screws, screws with Phillips

Take A Motherboard Out Of A Dell Optiplex Gx115

Dell's Optiplex GX115 is a mid-size, tower-based computer with a few manufacturing features that makes removing its motherboard slightly different from doing so in more standard PC designs. These features include a case which uses a pivot that allows for tool-free removal, and a removable PC card expansion cage that lets you separate installed expansion cards from the motherboard, without removing the cards individually. Combined, these features speed up the removal process, allowing you quick access to the motherboard for speedy removal and replacements.

Instructions

1. Unplug the power cord from the rear of the computer case. Unplug any peripheral cables, including speakers, keyboard and mouse cables, and the video card cable.

2. Press the small, case cover release button located on the front of the case at the bottom-left corner. Lift the bottom of the left case cover upward, pivoting it at the top-center of the case to open the case. Pull the top of the case cover at the pivot point away from the case body to remove the case cover entirely.

3. Locate the power supply at the top rear of the case. Press the "Release" tab on the power supply, then rotate the power supply upward until it makes a soft clicking sound, indicating that it's locked into place. Unplug all of the power leads running from the power supply to the motherboard from the motherboard. Remove the power leads from any expansion cards as well.

4. Locate the expansion cage at the bottom of the computer containing all of the PC expansion cards. Pull the expansion cage securing level at the base of the cage toward the case opening, until it sticks out from the cage at a 90-degree angle. Slide the entire expansion cage with the cards still installed from the case.

5. Remove the Phillips-head screw holding the motherboard in place against the side of the case. Slide the board toward the front of the case, until it no longer moves in that direction. Pull the board carefully from the case.

Tags: case cover, expansion cage, power supply, expansion cards, from case, Dell Optiplex

Replace A 2800 64 Amd Athlon Bit In Pin Processor

Replacing the processor will increase your comptuer's speed.

Replacing a processor is an inexpensive method of quickly improving your computer's performance without resorting to replacing the entire computer system. An outdated processor will result in slow speeds if you are using cutting edge software. If your computer currently has an AMD Athlon 2800 64-bit processor, you can remove the unit and replace it with a faster model. The processor is connected to a socket on the computer's motherboard that can be reached by removing the computer's side panel.

Instructions

1. Shut down your computer and disconnect its power cable. Unplug any other cables connected to the ports on the front and back of the computer's case. Position the computer case on a flat work surface with the left side facing up.

2. Unlock the side panel from the case. The method for unlocking the panel will vary between computer models. You will need to push in a release button, pull up a plastic latch or remove case screws with your fingers or a Phillips screwdriver.

3. Slide the side panel off your computer's case. Locate the fan and heat sink assembly positioned over the Athlon 2800 processor.

4. Unplug the cable that runs from the processor fan to the small port on the motherboard. Pull back the clips holding the fan in place.

5. Pull the fan and heat sink assembly upward and set it outside of the computer case. Do not directly touch the bottom end of the heat sink to avoid contaminating it with oils from your fingers.

6. Lift up the retention arm on the top end of the processor's socket to unlock the Athlon processor. Grip two edges of the processor and lift it upward off the motherboard socket.

7. Check the location of the pins on the bottom side of the replacement processor. Line up the pins with the holes on the motherboard's socket. Push the new processor down into place on the socket.

8. Position the heat sink and fan assembly over the new processor. Snap the retention clips into place and connect the fan's motherboard cable.

9. Reassemble the side panel and plug in the computer's cables. Turn on the computer.

Tags: computer case, heat sink, side panel, your computer, heat sink assembly, sink assembly, Athlon 2800

Specs For A Gigabyte Motherboard

Motherboards come with many specifications.

Gigabyte motherboards come in a variety of formats and specifications for processor socket types, north bridge models, memory slots and the number of expansion slots available.

Socket Specifications

Gigabyte motherboards support AMD sockets, including AM2+ and AM3, along with Intel sockets LGA 775, 1156 and 1366. This allows for a wide variety of processor series to be supported, including the Intel Core 2 and Core i7 series and the Phenom, Athlon and Sempron series from AMD.

Memory

Motherboards can have either two or four memory slots on AMD models and six with Intel. DDR2 and DDR3 speeds are both supported, depending on the price of the model and where the desire for performance lies. The maximum memory allowed ranges from 4GB at the lower end of the price spectrum and 24GB at the higher.

Expansion Ports

PCI and PCI-E slots provided on the motherboard allow for additional features to be added, such as external video cards, sound cards and TV tuners. The number of SATA ports to add hard drives and optical drives varies from four to eight for optimal expansion capabilities.

Tags: Gigabyte motherboards, memory slots, with Intel

Install 2 Pci Videos

Installing two PCI video cards can bring your video performance to a higher level. Two video cards increase the overall video RAM and processing speed significantly. They also allow you to integrate the running of two monitors from one computer. When installing the cards, you must cross-check compatibility. One simple way of preventing compatibility issues is by purchasing video card packages, which contain two of the same brand card that run in harmony.

Instructions

1. Turn off your computer completely. Remove the power plug. Unplug USB devices, keyboard, mouse, monitor or printers. Put the computer case on a table or somewhere comfortable to access. Keep the room well lit or use a flashlight to help see inside the case. Remove the computer casing by unscrewing and sliding the side panel off. Remove any static electricity by touching a metal surface or object before touching internal parts.

2. Move the internal cables aside so you can freely access your computers PCI slots. If you have a previous video card to remove, unscrew the mounting brackets and monitor cable. Slide out the video card and place it aside. Insert the first video card into a PCI slot and screw in the mounting brackets. Make sure there is enough room between the two PCI cards so that they both fit inside the computer. Insert the second PCI card and screw the mounting brackets into place.

3. Put the side panel back onto the computer and screw it into place. Reconnect all peripheral cables and power cable. Connect the monitor cable into the back of the new PCI video card. If you are running dual monitors, plug one monitor cable into each video card. Turn the computer on and allow the operating system to completely load.

4. Insert the drivers CD that came with your video cards. Allow the installation setup to automatically load. Follow the steps to complete the installation. Restart your computer and allow your operating system to load.

5. Click "Start," "Control Panel," "Appearance and Personalization," "Display." Select the first monitor box and pick one of the PCI cards as the default card from the drop-down menu. Select the second monitor box and assign it to the other PCI card. If you are not running dual monitors, you will not need to do this step.

Tags: video card, monitor cable, mounting brackets, video cards, cable into

Install Two Different Video Cards

Install two video cards on your computer.

Video cards allow you to play video games, watch movies and connect monitors to your computer. Although most computers use one video card, you may find two different cards that excel in different aspects of the computing world. One, for example, might be better for playing video games, while another card has multiple monitor connections. For this reason, you may want to install two different video cards on your computer.

Instructions

1. Power down the computer. Disconnect all of the cables and remove the Phillips screws on the back of your computer with a Phillips screwdriver. Slide open the case to expose the interior of the computer.

2. Locate the PCI card slots on the back side of the motherboard (the large computer board in the middle of the computer). The PCI slots are typically horizontal yellow strips that hardware cards connect to.

3. Slide the first video card into one of the available PCI card slots. Once it is in place, push down on the small locking levers found to the side of the PCI slot. These lock the card into place so it does not fall out.

4. Repeat the process with the second video card. Close up the computer case, reattach the cables and tighten up the screws.

5. Power on the computer and insert the first video card's installation CD. Once the driver installation wizard loads, follow the short prompts to install the drivers. Eject the first CD. Insert the second CD for the second video card. Follow the same prompts to install the drivers and complete the installation.

Tags: video card, your computer, card into, card slots, cards your

Motherboard Testing Software

The performance of your computer can be determined by the condition of the motherboard. The motherboard is essentially the spine of the computer as video and sound cards, the central processing unit (CPU) and memory are connected via cables. Testing software can be used to test various aspects of the motherboard.

Function

Motherboard testing software offers valuable tools to test various aspects of the motherboard for bugs/errors, burned out chips, unnecessarily high temperatures and overall functionality. By identifying the problem, you can quickly fix any issues that may arise.

Stress Testing

Motherboard stress testing is a battery of tests that load (or overload) the motherboard components with a high workload to determine any weak areas. This is beneficial as components commonly fail due to high load demands.

Benefits

Monitoring your motherboard can be a valuable asset, because the motherboard controls the computer's operation. Testing the motherboard periodically can prevent components, or the whole motherboard, failing.

Tags: aspects motherboard, test various, test various aspects, various aspects, various aspects motherboard

Install An Ati Radeon 9200 Agp Video Card

Install an ATI Radeon 9200 AGP Video Card

Installing an ATI Radeon 9200 AGP video card is easy to do, even if you're not a tech whiz. All you'll need is a clean workspace and a screwdriver. Video cards, also referred to as graphics cards, are computer hardware components responsible for rendering graphical images such as movies and video games.

Instructions

1. Unplug your computer from its power source by removing the cord that leads to the power supply. Remove any other cords attached to the computer case's rear panel including the monitor, mouse and keyboard. Place the computer on its side on a clean, flat surface in a well-lit area. Avoid static by only opening computer cases in wood or concrete-floored rooms, and on surfaces not covered with fabrics.

2. Strap on an anti-static wristlet to avoid "frying" the computer's components. Locate the case screws holding the side panel of the computer case on, typically located on the rear panel. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the side panel case screws, and put them safely aside. Remove side panel from computer case and set aside.

3. Look inside the computer case. Your motherboard should be visible parallel with the other side panel, facing upward toward you. Locate the AGP slot on your motherboard, which will be parallel with a slot opening on the rear panel of your computer case. Recognize the difference between AGP and PCI or PCI-Express graphics card slots easily by noting that AGP slots are typically brown, while other graphics card slots are white.

4. Remove any existing video card from AGP slot, if present. Hold the card with one hand and depress the button or lever holding the card "locked" in, if your motherboard has one.

5. Line up ATI Radeon 9200 AGP video card with the AGP slot on your motherboard. Hold the card in one hand and use the other to hold the lever or button down, if present, using the same procedure as removing a pre-existing graphics card. Press gently but firmly into position; some motherboards may "click" to let you know the card is completely inserted. Attempt to jiggle the video card in its slot; if properly seated it should appear "straight" in the slot and move very little.

6. Close the computer case by reassembling the side panel and screwing it into place. Return the computer to its regular location and reconnect to the power source. Plug your monitor into the corresponding slot on the video card as it appears through the exposed rear panel of the computer case.

7. Power your computer on and insert the disk that came included with your ATI Radeon 9200 AGP video card. Download drivers as specified. Download of drivers is also possible at ATI's website (see link below under Resources) if no disk was included or disk is not working properly.

Tags: computer case, Radeon 9200, side panel, rear panel, 9200 video, graphics card, your computer

Replace A Dell Latitude C640 Bios Battery

Keep your laptop accurate with a new battery.

All laptops, including the Dell Latitude C640, have several different power sources. The BIOS battery is a small, internal battery that powers the configuration memory (CMOS) and keeps the laptop's date and time accurate. If you notice that your Dell laptop no longer keeps accurate time, you may have to replace the Dell Latitude C640 BIOS battery. The battery is located underneath the keyboard of your laptop, so you will have to disassemble your notebook.

Instructions

1. Turn off your Dell C640 laptop and unplug any peripheral devices. Flip it on its cover.

2. Remove the screw located on the right side edge of the laptop. Slide the hard drive out and set it aside.

3. Remove all screws with a letter "K" from the back of the computer.

4. Flip the laptop over so that it is right-side up. Open the cover and push it all the way back so it lays flat.

5. Use a flat, thin screwdriver to pry off the panel above the keyboard. Set this piece aside.

6. Use the screwdriver to lift up the keyboard. Pull the keyboard up slightly to look for the single cable that connects it to the motherboard.

7. Unclip the cable holding the keyboard down and set the keyboard aside.

8. Look for the 6-cell BIOS battery, which is found just above the touchpad.

9. Remove the battery cable from the system board and pull out the battery from its "EMI shield."

10. Pull off any tape from the EMI shield to clean it off.

11. Thread the battery cable through the EMI shield and clip a new BIOS battery into it.

12. Reassemble the laptop by following these instructions in reverse.

Tags: Dell Latitude, Dell Latitude C640, Latitude C640, battery cable, BIOS battery, BIOS battery, from shield

Ibm Laptop T61 Specifications

The ThinkPad line of laptops, originally owned by IBM and later sold to Lenovo, are business-class laptops designed to be portable without sacrificing performance. The ThinkPad T61 model, brought to market in 2007, is no exception. Though at 5 pounds and up, it is not the lightest ThinkPad, the T61 is thin and powerful, with dual-core processors and up to 4 gigabytes of memory.

Processor

Four processors were available as options for the T61: a Core Duo T7100 at 1.8 gigahertz (GHz), T7300 at 2 GHz, T7500 at 2.2 GHz and T7700 at 2.4 GHz. The first two processors, T7100 and T7300, have a 667-MHz front-side bus speed. The T7500 and T7700 both run at an FSB of 800 MHz. All four come with 4 MB of Level 2 (L2) cache. These are dual-core processors that pre-date both the Core 2 Duo and Core i3/i5/i7 Intel processor lines.

Memory

The T61 came with PC2-5300 DDR2 RAM running at 667 MHz. However, for a T61 built with a processor running at 800 MHz, the maximum RAM speed is up to 800 MHz. Standard RAM capacity choices for this model included 256 MB to 2 GB of RAM, but the T61 is upgradeable to as much as 4 GB of RAM. Because both RAM sticks are accessible through a panel on the laptop's back, upgrading is not difficult.

Screen and Graphics

Options for screen size included a regular 14.1-inch screen, a 14.1-inch widescreen and a 15.4-inch widescreen. The highest resolution, of 1920 by 1200 pixels, was available with a Wide Ultra eXtended Graphics Array (WUXGA) screen option, but the more mainstream resolution on a T61 is 1280 by 800 pixels. There were also three options for on-board graphics chipsets. The Intel options included PM965 or GM965 chipsets, or you could build the T61 with an nVidia Quadro with up to 256 MB of graphics memory. The Quadro models were NVS 140M and Quadro FX 570M.

Drives

The T61 uses a single hard drive of 60 to 160 gigabytes in capacity. These drives come in either 5400 or 7200 rpm speeds. The hard drive is easily upgradeable, although Lenovo recommends using the UltraBay slim drive adapter to add a second hard drive instead. The UltraBay slim bay on the T61 takes an optical drive, hard drive or battery. Available optical drives include CD-ROM, combo CD rewritable and DVD readers (CD-RW/DVD), DVD-ROM and combo CD rewritable and DVD writable (CD-RW/DVD-R) drives.

Size and Weight

The 14.1-inch T61 laptops start at 5 pounds and go up to 1.3 inches thick. For a 15.4-inch T61, weight starts at 5.9 pounds with a thickness of up to 1.37 inches. The 1.08-pound, 9-cell battery adds about a quarter of a pound to the total weight of either laptop.

Tags: hard drive, combo rewritable, dual-core processors, T7500 T7700, UltraBay slim

Set Up A Computer For Gaming

Setting Up a Lightning Fast Gaming PC.

Computer games are advancing at a rapid rate requiring more and more computer hardware resources. To keep up with these demands, building a computer with high-end hardware will ensure its longevity in the gaming world. Almost all components of the computer are important to gaming, including, memory, video card, hard drive, motherboard and CPU as well as Internet connection and other basic accessories. Although building and setting up a gaming computer may be complicated, knowing what parts you need will hasten the process.

Instructions

1. Purchase a fast processor. Processors can greatly impact the quality of your gaming experience, so choosing a fast processor is highly beneficial. Intel and AMD both offer high-speed gaming processors such as the Intel Core i7 or AMD Phenom II. Make sure you purchase a compatible motherboard for these processors if you do not already have one.

2. Purchase extra memory. Memory is another large component of your computers gaming capability. RAM comes in different speeds and sizes. The highest quality RAM currently available is Double Data Rate (DDR) RAM. It is twice as fast as its predecessor Single Data (SD) RAM. Purchasing enough RAM is also important; many games today have minimum requirements ranging from 1 to 2 gigabytes.

3. Purchase a high-quality video card. If you want to play graphic intensive games, you are going to need a top of the line video card. Some of the leading brands include nViidia Geforce and Radeon. When choosing a video card, make sure that you choose one with adequate amounts of video memory and one that supports pixel shading and directX.

4. Purchase a large hard drive. Games today are larger than ever do to cinematic clips, audio files and intensive graphics. The good news is that hard drives are also becoming larger and larger. Some hard drives currently available can reach up to 2 terabytes per drive.

5. Purchase a large monitor. Bigger monitors can give you an advantage in gaming. Using a larger aspect ratio can allow you to see more per frame, such as oncoming enemies. Depending on your video card, some gamers use flat screen TV's as monitors to get an even larger aspect ratio.

6. Get a fast Internet connection. If you are planning to play games online, a fast Internet connection is paramount. A dial-up modem can significantly hinder your ability to compete with those who have cable and DSL connections.

Tags: video card, Internet connection, aspect ratio, currently available, fast Internet, fast Internet connection

Fix Microsoft Windows Error 1607

There are various ways to fix a Microsoft Windows Error 1607.

Microsoft Windows Error 1607 is an error that occurs when you are attempting to install Microsoft Flight Simulator, Age of Empires, Dungeon Siege, Fable: The Lost Chapters PC, Microsoft Gears of War (PC), Halo 2 for Windows Vista, Shadowrun (PC), Viva Pinata (PC) or Zoo Tycoon 2. Error 1607 presents itself during the "InstallShield" process which physically places the game on your Windows-based system. This error is repairable so you can complete the installation process without having to contact Microsoft's Technical Support department.

Instructions

InstallShield -- Renaming Remedy

1. Close any open error dialog boxes related to the game you are trying to install. Remove the game's CD from your computer's CD/DVD-ROM drive, if you are installing the game from a disc.

2. Click "Start," "My Computer." Click on the "C:\" drive icon.

3. Click on the "Program Files" folder. Click on the "Common Files" folder.

4. Right click on the "InstallShield" folder. Select "Rename."

5. Type "InstallShield1" in the highlighted file name box. Press the "Return" or "Enter" key on your computer's keyboard.

6. Place the game's CD in your CD-DVD-ROM drive or click on the game's setup file name, if installing a downloaded game, to run the game's installation process again. If the Error 1607 appears, proceed to the "Downloading Windows Installer Package" section.

Downloading Windows Installer Package

7. Close any open error dialog boxes related to the game you are trying to install. Remove the game's CD from your computer's CD/DVD-ROM drive, if applicable. Open your Internet browser.

8. Click on the "Windows Installer" linkto access the Microsoft Windows Installer download page. Scroll to the bottom of the website.

9. Click "Download" next to your computer's operating system. Click "Run" when prompted or "Save As," "Save All" or "Save. If saving the file to your computer, navigate to the directory containing the downloaded file and click on the file's name to run the setup program.

10. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the Windows Installer Package.

11. Place the game's CD in your CD-DVD-ROM drive or click on the game's setup file name, if installing a downloaded game, to run the game's installation process again. If the Error 1607 appears, proceed to the " Task Manager Remedy" section.

Task Manager Remedy

12. Close any open error dialog boxes related to the game you are trying to install. Remove the game's CD from your computer's CD/DVD-ROM drive, if applicable.

13. Press the "CTRL," "ALT" and "DEL" keys together on your computer's keyboard to launch the Task Manager.

14. Click on the "Processes" tab. Locate and click on "idriver.exe" under the heading "Image Name." Click the "End Process" button. Click "Yes" when the Task Manager Warning box appears.

15. Locate and click on "msiexec.exe." Click the "End Process" button. Click "Yes" on the warning box.

16. Click "File," "Exit Task Manager." Place the game's CD in your CD-DVD-ROM drive or click on the game's setup file name, if installing a downloaded game, to run the game's installation process again.

Tags: your computer, Error 1607, file name, Task Manager, Windows Installer

Fix Overheating On An Inspiron 1150 Laptop

Learn to fix overheating issues on a Dell Inspiron 1150 laptop.

The Dell Inspiron 1150 was released in early 2004 as a general-use laptop. It comes installed with a 2.6-GHz processor. It may not be the fastest laptop around, but the processor uses enough power to have overheating issues from time to time. The most common reason for laptop overheating issues is when the cooling fan breaks or burns out. Just like any type of cooling fan, the Inspiron 1150 cooling fan runs on an engine that can go bad after long periods of repetitive use. Replacing the cooling fan assembly is one of the best ways to fix laptop overheating issues.

Instructions

1. Power down your laptop, and then disconnect the power cable. Disconnect any other cables or peripheral devices from the data ports on your laptop. Close the LCD panel until it latches closed, and then place the laptop facedown. Remove the battery pack from its compartment and set it aside.

2. Place the laptop faceup and open the LCD screen. Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry up the notched edge located on the right side of the LCD hinge cover. The hinge cover is a thin strip of plastic between the LCD screen and keyboard. Remove the cover and set it aside.

3. Remove the four Phillips-head screws securing the keyboard to the laptop base. Lift the keyboard out of the laptop and place it facedown over the palm rest. Use a flat-head screwdriver to disengage the black notches located on either side of the keyboard ribbon cable where it connects to the motherboard. Disconnect the ribbon cable from the motherboard. Remove the keyboard and set it aside.

4. Remove the single retaining Phillips-head screw securing the EMI shield to the laptop base. The EMI shield is a metal plate covering that covers and gives added protection to the motherboard and CPU. Remove the EMI shield from the laptop base and set it aside.

5. Disconnect the cooling fan connector from the motherboard. Loosen the screws labeled one through four in consecutive order. Lift the cooling fan assembly out of the motherboard by grasping the plastic pull-tab between your two fingers. Remove the fan assembly and set it aside.

6. Install the new cooling fan assembly and reassemble the laptop by repeating this procedure in reverse.

Tags: Inspiron 1150, overheating issues, cooling assembly, laptop base, aside Remove, Dell Inspiron, Dell Inspiron 1150

Install An Activcard Usb Reader V2 0

Install an ActivCard USB Reader v2.0

An ActivCard reader is a device that connects to your computer and scans the contents of a personal card, such as a shoppers card or a drivers license. This is helpful if you need to make a copy of your license for personal records or work in a business that requires an ID scan. The ActivCard USB Reader 2.0 is compatible with computers that have USB 2.0 ports installed.

Instructions

1. Connect the cable running from the back side of the ActivCard USB Reader 2.0 to an available USB port on the computer. Although the device is made to work with USB 2.0 ports it can connect to USB 1.0 ports; the data speed, however, is lower on 1.0.

2. Insert the driver installation disk into the computer. Wait for the driver installation wizard to launch. Follow the prompts that consist of installation location and file size; finish the installation. Leave all the prompts as the default settings. If you change these settings the computer may have trouble finding the driver later.

3. Remove the driver installation disk and insert the software installation disk (if provided).

4. Read through and accept the license agreement by checking the box next to "Accept." Like the driver installation disk, follow the prompts but leave them as the default settings. Click "Install" and the software will be installed. Once complete, you can begin using the ActivCard USB Reader 2.0

Tags: driver installation, installation disk, driver installation disk, ActivCard Reader, default settings

Replace The Cmos Battery On A Gateway M675

Learn to replace the CMOS battery in your Gateway M675 laptop.

Your computer's CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) is a small, battery-powered chip built into your motherboard. The CMOS chip mainly stores your laptop's date and time settings. If the battery on your computer's CMOS dies, your time and date settings will reset to your motherboard's default settings each time you power down your computer. Replacing the CMOS battery in your Gateway M675 laptop means that you have to strip down your laptop to the motherboard. While this is not difficult, it is time-consuming and can be potentially hazardous.

Instructions

1. Turn off your laptop, disconnect the power cable, and close the LCD screen until it is securely shut. Flip the laptop over, rotate the laptop so the front is facing forward, and then remove the battery pack from the bottom casing of the laptop.

2. Flip the laptop over, open the LCD screen, and then insert a small, flat-head screwdriver into the right side of the keyboard bezel. The keyboard bezel is the thin plastic strip located between the LCD screen and the keyboard that spans the width of the laptop. Work your way to the left side of the laptop, or until the bezel is completely removed from the laptop. Set it aside.

3. Remove the five Phillips-head screws from behind the top row of keys on the laptop's keyboard. Grasp the top edge of the keyboard, and then place it face down over the laptop's palm rest. Disconnect the keyboard's ribbon cable from the motherboard. Lift the keyboard off of the laptop and set it aside.

4. Locate the LCD video cable extending from the LCD panel. Follow the cable to its connector on the motherboard. Disconnect the cable from the motherboard. Grasp the LCD panel with one hand, and then with the other hand remove the two Phillips-head screws from each LCD hinge. Lift the panel off of the laptop's base and set it aside.

5. Remove the Phillips-head screws from the top casing of the laptop. Insert a guitar pick into the crease separating the top casing from the bottom casing. Begin to pry up the top casing. Work your way around the entire perimeter of the laptop until the upper casing is detached, but don't remove it completely.

6. Lift up on the upper casing until the motherboard is visible. Locate the CMOS battery on the motherboard. It resembles a large watch battery, and is located near the CPU in the upper-left corner of the motherboard. Remove the CMOS battery from its compartment and place the new CMOS battery in its place. Make sure the battery is fully seated inside the battery compartment, or the CMOS will not work.

7. Follow Steps 1 through 5 in reverse to reassemble the laptop.

Tags: CMOS battery, battery your, Gateway M675, Phillips-head screws, Phillips-head screws from, screws from

Sell Circuit Boards For Scrap

Sell Circuit Boards for Scrap

You can sell the circuit boards in your computer and other electronic equipment to electronic recyclers or metal refineries. Printed circuit boards contain gold and copper. Recyclers can reuse some elements of the circuit board directly or melt down the entire board to harvest precious metals. Find recyclers through local government offices or Internet searches and then learn their requirements for accepting recycled boards and the prices they will pay, which vary greatly.

Instructions

1. Call your local department of public works, sanitation or energy to see if they can recommend a circuit board buyer in your area. If your town recommends a company, there's a high chance that it's a reputable company that pays a fair market price. Call any recommended buyers to determine what price they are paying for circuit boards.

2. Use the Internet to locate metal refineries and electronics recyclers near you. Create a list that includes the name, address and preferred contact method (phone, e-mail or personal visit) for each potential buyer.

3. Call the electronics recyclers. Ask what parts they take and how much they pay for circuit boards. Ask whether they buy used computers that are still assembled or whether you first need to remove the circuit boards. You may be able to sell other computer parts too, including older ones.

4. Call the metal refineries on your list to determine if they are buying circuit boards and at what price. Not all metal refineries take circuit boards.

5. Check the daily metal prices at the Precious Metals Refined website using their "Markets at a Glance" tab, which shows day-to-day changes in metal prices for the current month. Research past metal pricing to find out whether now is a good time to sell to a metal refinery. Consider monitoring metal prices for one month before selling your circuit boards.

6. Search outside your community if you can't find a buyer nearby. Discuss the shipping policy for buyers not in your area. Who pays for shipping? When do you receive payment? Will it be a check, a deposit to a Web-based service or some other type of exchange?

7. Choose a buyer based on the range of prices you've discovered and the ease of concluding the sale. You may prefer to accept a slightly lower rate for your circuit boards than waiting for a higher payment to be mailed to you.

Tags: circuit boards, metal refineries, metal prices, Boards Scrap, circuit board

Laptop Overclocking Software

Laptop Overclocking Software

A plethora of laptop overclocking software is available to download for free or purchase. Overclocking software is specifically designed to accelerate the speed of multiple computer components, including random access memory (RAM) and central processing units (CPU).

Software

Free laptop overclocking software includes OcBible, EasyTune and ClockGen, available for free as of October, 2010.

Key Features

ClockGen has the ability to overclock a wide variety of things, including the CPU, RAM, accelerated graphics ports (AGP) and peripheral components interface (PCI) slots. EasyTune runs in two different modes, advanced mode, also known as power-users and easy mode for beginners. OcBible maintains an easy-to-use interface, as well as the ability to use multi-threading technology.

Download Details

ClockGen comes ready for all Windows operating systems, while OcBible and EasyTune are only available for Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Vista. ClockGen requires 322 kilobytes, EasyTune requires 21.9 megabytes (MB) and OcBible requires 1.3 MB of free disk space for installation purposes.

Tags: laptop overclocking software, Laptop Overclocking Software, OcBible EasyTune, Overclocking Software, overclocking software

Know If A Graphics Card Is Compatible

Know If a Graphics Card Is Compatible

Installing a new graphics card can improve the performance of your computer significantly. It also can allow you to use new and advanced software. However, your computer must meet certain system requirements to accept a new graphics card. In many cases, a card may fit perfectly into an expansion slot, yet fail to function due to system conflicts. In other cases, you may get the card home only to discover that your computer doesn't have the right slots and operating system. Research and planning can help you know if your new graphics card is compatible with your system and ensure a fast, smooth graphics card installation.

Instructions

1. Consult your computer's user manual to view its specifications. If you can't find the manual, find your model number and go to the manufacturer's website to download a copy. Check the specs to see what expansion slots you have. The types of expansions slots for graphics cards include Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), PCI-Express and Advanced Graphics Port (AGP). Ensure that you have at least one slot open.

2. Write down your computer's overall specs. For example, note your CPU speed, installed RAM, total hard drive capacity, CD or DVD drive, current free space on the hard drive, types of expansion slots, type of power supply and operating system. Make sure that you include all upgrades that you have installed since you purchased your computer.

3. Browse your local computer or electronics store for graphics cards. Read the card's specifications and system requirements on the box. Compare your computer's configuration to the minimum system requirements of the graphics card. Also make sure it meets the recommended system requirements, if possible, as this can affect the performance of the card greatly.

4. Check the graphics requirements of the software you usually run. See if the software manufacturer supports or recommends the graphics card. Also, see if the software has minimum graphics requirements. Make a point to check the graphics requirements of any games and 3D design software you would like to use, as they are usually very intensive.

5. Ensure that the graphics card has the same interface as the expansion slots on your motherboard. For example, if your motherboard has both PCI and AGP slots, you must purchase a card in one of these two interface types. However, AGP is preferable in this case as it will allow the graphics card to operate at faster speeds. You cannot install a PCI-Express card in a PCI slot. Also, for older computers, ensure that the motherboard has PCI 2.0 expansion slots. If you attempt to install a PCI 2.0 card in a PCI 1.0 slot, it will fail.

Tags: graphics card, your computer, expansion slots, system requirements, graphics requirements, card Also, Card Compatible

Replace The Northbridge Chipset Fan On An Msi Ms7135 Motherboard

The chipsets on the MSI MS-7135 direct communication between the components inside of the computer. The northbridge chipset works with the processor, RAM and graphics card. Since the northbridge consumes a lot of power, it can generate a lot of heat. A fan helps to keep the component cool and prevent it from overheating. If the northbridge fan on the MSI MS-7135 is defective or is not dissipating heat well enough, you can install a new fan in its place.

Instructions

1. Shut down the computer, disconnect the power cable and remove all components connected to the back of the case.

2. Put on an antistatic wrist strap to protect the motherboard and northbridge from electrostatic discharge. Open the computer and unplug all cables connected to the MSI MS-7135 motherboard.

3. Uninstall all expansion cards and memory modules. Loosen and remove the screws securing the motherboard to the case.

4. Remove the MSI MS-7135 from the case. Locate the northbridge chipset fan, located next to the processor.

5. Turn the board around to find the bottoms of the pushpins securing the northbridge fan. Grasp the bottom of the pushpins with needle-nose pliers and slip them out of their holes.

6. Twist the fan back and forth to loosen the thermal paste adhering the fan to the chipset. Lift up and remove the fan.

7. Swab the top of the northbridge with rubbing alcohol to clean off the thermal paste. Wipe off the residue with a dry antistatic cloth.

8. Reapply fresh thermal paste to the top of the northbridge. Insert the pushpins into the holes on the new northbridge fan.

9. Place the fan on top of the northbridge. Push down each pin into the hole to secure the fan to the motherboard. Plug the fan into NBFAN1, found next to the PCI Express slots. Reassemble the computer following replacement.

Tags: thermal paste, northbridge chipset

Take Apart A Toshiba U405

Laptop repairs are seldom cheap. In fact, most computer repair shops charge about twice as much to work on laptops as they do when repairing desktop computers. Even minor laptop repairs can run as much as $100 to $200. If you have a Toshiba U405 computer that is having problems, you can save a considerable amount of money by performing repairs yourself. In most cases, repairing a laptop simply involves replacing a defective component. Therefore, knowing disassemble your U405 laptop is the biggest part of the task.

Instructions

1. Shut down the Toshiba U405 laptop. Disconnect the AC power adapter if connected. Unplug Remove all other peripherals from the laptop. Close the LCD display screen.

2. Flip the U405 over so that laptop is facing bottom side up. Unlock the battery latch by sliding it to left into the "unlocked" position. Hold the latch open as you slide the battery out of the slot on the bottom of the laptop.

3. Locate the slot cover with a small picture of a memory module on it. This is the memory/modem/Wi-Fi card slot cover. Use the Phillips screwdriver to remove the three retaining screws that secure the slot cover. Remove the slot cover and set it aside.

4. Use your fingers to push outward on the retaining clips that secure the memory module inside the slot. Press on the clips until the memory module pops up slightly. Avoid touching the metal contact edge of the memory module as you remove it from the laptop. Remove the second memory module in the same manner.

5. Disconnect the two antenna leads that connect the wireless mini-PCI card to the motherboard. Loosen and remove the two screws that secure the mini-PCI wireless card inside the slot. Remove the card from the laptop.

6. Use the screwdriver to remove the screw that secures the internal modem. Lift up on the modem and disconnect the cable. Remove the modem and set it aside.

7. Locate and remove the two retaining screws for the hard drive cover. The retaining screws for the hard drive cover have a picture of a small disk drive next to them. Remove the cover. Lift up on the hard drive and remove the ribbon cable. Remove the hard drive and set it aside.

8. Loosen and remove the retaining screw for the CD/DVD drive. Use a flathead screwdriver or awl to push the drive out of its slot. Remove the optical drive from the laptop.

9. Remove all remaining screws from the bottom of the U405 laptop. Set the screws aside in a separate container so they are not lost or mixed with screws removed from the slots or devices. Turn the laptop back over and open the display screen.

10. Use an awl or flathead screwdriver to pry up the keyboard edge cover above the top row of keys. Start at the right side of the keyboard bezel and work your way to the left with the awl or screwdriver. Remove the keyboard bezel from the laptop.

11. Loosen and remove the two retaining screws above the top row of keys. Raise the top edge of the keyboard until you can access the ribbon cable that connects the keyboard to the laptop motherboard. Disconnect the keyboard cable from the motherboard. Remove the keyboard from the Toshiba U405 and set it aside.

12. Loosen and remove the four screws that secure the metal cover on top of the laptop motherboard. Disconnect the three cable connectors visible through the metal cover.

13. Insert a thin awl or flathead screwdriver between the upper and lower pieces of the base assembly. Slowly move the awl or screwdriver along the crevice between the upper and lower base assembly pieces to disengage the plastic tab locks that hold them together. Work slowly to avoid breaking the plastic tabs.

14. Lift up on the upper half of the base assembly. Slide metal cover out from between the upper and lower halves of the base assembly.

15. Remove the two remaining screws that secure the motherboard inside the shell. Disconnect the video and network adapter cable. Unplug the cable from the power connector. Remove the motherboard from the laptop.

16. Replace the motherboard or other components in the U405 laptop as needed. Reassemble the unit by reversing the steps used to take it apart.

Tags: from laptop, memory module, that secure, base assembly, hard drive, Loosen remove, retaining screws

What Is 2 4 Gigahertz Intel Pentium Iv

The Intel Pentium 4 2.4 gigahertz is a class of entries into the Intel Pentium 4 brand of processors from semiconductor company Intel Corp. The Pentium 4 made its debut on November 20, 2000, and the 2.4-GHz chips were some of the first computer chips released under the brand. The 2.4 GHz number stands for the chips' processing speed.

Designation and Release Dates

Three Intel Pentium 4 CPUs have 2.4-GHz processing speed. Two of them are desktop PC processors, while the third is a laptop PC processor. The latter in particular falls under the manufacturer's Mobile Intel Pentium 4, or Intel Pentium 4-M, division, a collection of chips specifically made for mobile computers. Intel released the two desktop CPUs on April 2 and May 6, 2002. The Mobile 2.4 GHz was released a year later, on January 14, 2003.

Manufacture

The Intel Pentium 4 2.4-GHz chips were released under the code name Northwood to denote Pentium 4 CPUs that adhered to the 130-nanometer semiconductor fabrication process. The Pentium 4 2.4-GHz chips are single-core processors, which means that they have a single processing unit. The lone core was placed on a die -- a piece of semiconductor material -- that measured 131 square mm and contains 55 million processing transistors.

Front-Side Bus Speed

Apart from their applications as desktop and laptop PCs, the Intel Pentium 4 2.4-GHz chips stand apart in their front-side bus speed. This is the rate at which the CPU connects to the computer's motherboard for data transfer using the front-side bus interface. The desktop versions Intel released on April and May 2002 are referred to as the 2.4 GHz and the 2.4 GHz-B, respectively, not only because of their differing release dates but their differing FSB speeds as well. The 2.4-GHz desktop PC and Mobile Pentium 4 chips have an FSB rate of 400 MHz, while that of the 2.4-GHz-B desktop CPU is higher at 533 MHz.

Other Features

Each 2.4-GHz Intel Pentium 4 processor has a 512KB Level 2 cache, which is a secondary memory bank that it uses for high-speed access to computer data. They also have 32-bit instruction sets, which means that 32 bits is the maximum data size they accommodate. While the desktop versions have a maximum power consumption of 59.8 watts, the 4-M version is more energy efficient at 35 watts.

Tags: Intel Pentium, 4-GHz chips, Pentium 4-GHz, Pentium 4-GHz chips, 4-GHz chips were, April 2002, chips were

Replace A Cooling Fan On A Sony Vaio Laptop

As the size of laptops shrink while their internal technology grows more powerful, cooling the delicate computing systems has become more difficult. While the causes of Sony Vaio laptops overheating vary, design problems may lead cooling fans to clog and jam from excessive dust and debris build-up. To prevent this, clean and test your fan before moving forward with more extensive repairs. If the problem persists, the fan is likely faulty, so replacement of the unit must be done to ensure proper functioning.

Instructions

1. Shut down your Vaio, then unplug the AC adapter and remove the battery.

2. Remove the panel screws on the sides and top of the computer.

3. Slide the top panel (above the keyboard and below the screen) to the left and gently lift it.

4. Release the keyboard by removing the screw in the middle of the area, which is visible after taking the top panel off.

5. Lift the keyboard up and set it to the side.

6. Remove all visible screws on the plate beneath the keyboard.

7. Lift the plating off and set it aside.

8. Remove the screws holding the cooling fan in place. The number of screws may vary, but expect to remove at least two.

9. Push up the two connectors holding the cooling fan in place and set the fan to the side.

10. Connect the two connectors to the cooling fan and slide it into place. Reverse the previous steps to reconstruct the computer and finish the installation of the new fan into your Sony Vaio.

Tags: Sony Vaio, cooling place, holding cooling, holding cooling place

Improve Math Csap Scores

The state of Colorado developed the Colorado Student Assessment Program to monitor student development and academic progress each year. Students in third through tenth grade are required to complete the CSAP test each year. The test includes materials on math, reading, writing and science. It is the responsibility of the teacher as well as the parents to monitor a child's educational progress after the test is completed and throughout the school year.

Instructions

1. Schedule to meet with the child's teacher in order to review the CSAP test scores. According to education.com, it is important for the teacher and the parents to devise a plan to work on improving the student's math skills. The teacher can obtain copies of the current as well as past CSAP scores in order to determine where specific weaknesses exist.

2. Purchase a selection of math workbooks that can be used at home for the child to receive extra practice for math problems that have proven to be difficult. According to the Colorado Department of Education, CSAP preparation must be done throughout the school year in class and at home.

3. Confirm that the math curriculum being used in the school is meeting the state's education standards. According to the Colorado Department of Education, if the teacher follows the education standards for the particular grade level, the students will be better prepared to take the CSAP exam. Teachers should inform students and parents about CSAP practice sessions that will be held at the school or another location before the actual test date.

4. Locate websites that allow children to practice CSAP math questions online. The Study Island is an example of a structured environment where children can practice CSAP questions.

5. Get plenty of rest in the final few days leading up to the test. Your physical regimen, including diet and sleeping habits, will affect your mental acuity. Sleep regularly and spend an hour each day reviewing test material.

Tags: According Colorado, According Colorado Department, children practice, children practice CSAP, Colorado Department, Colorado Department Education, CSAP test

Increase Pc Performance

Don't let your PC's performance deteriorate. Clean it up.

When you have been using your computer for a while, you may start to notice a decrease in the PC's performance. It may be a little slower to start up or sluggish when opening programs; applications may freeze during use or shut down for no reason. You do not have to deal with the frustration of a poorly performing PC. You can increase the PC's performance by eliminating the programs and files that are cluttering the hard drive and causing the issues.

Instructions

1. Uninstall programs that you do not use from the computer. These may include the programs that came preinstalled on the system by the manufacturer or programs that you have downloaded and only used temporarily. Use the built-in "Uninstall" feature to remove programs. The "Uninstall" feature is found by selecting the "Start" menu, then "Control Panel," then "Uninstall a program" or "Add/Remove Programs." Right-click any program name in the list that comes up and choose "Uninstall" from the menu.

2. Delete any files that are stored on the hard drive of the computer that you do not use regularly, including files that you want to keep. To clear up space on the hard drive, it is worthwhile to transfer files, especially large files like videos and photos, onto an external storage device, such as an external hard drive or a flash drive. To transfer the files, plug the external device into the USB drive of the computer, open the folder from the "AutoPlay" box that automatically pops up and drag any file that you do not use on a regular basis from the folder on the hard drive to the external storage device window. Once the file appears on the external storage device, you can delete it from the hard drive.

3. Eliminate programs that open during the startup process if the computer is slow to boot up. Go to the "Start" menu, then the "Accessories" folder and select "Run." Enter "msconfig" in the "Run" box and hit "Enter." Go to the "Startup" tab to see a list of programs that start up automatically during the booting process. If you do not use a program every time you use the computer, uncheck the program name to stop it from automatically starting and click "OK."

4. Clear your desktop shortcuts. Like startup programs, the computer must load all of the shortcuts on your desktop every time it boots up. The more shortcuts, the more time it takes your computer to load.

5. Run the scan feature of your antivirus software regularly to eliminate files in your computer's registry. Each time you download a file or install a program, files are saved into the computer's registry. When the file or program is removed from the system, the registry files are often left behind. A virus scan finds and deletes these files.

Tags: hard drive, programs that, external storage, external storage device, files that

Improve Quad Core Performance

Improve Quad Core Performance

Quad core processors are the fastest processors on the market today. They easily outperform the dual-core processors and single-core processors. They are powerful to run any programs available on the market. However, if you still want to boost the performance of your quad core processor, there are ways many to do it. The most popular and effective way of boosting quad core performance is by overclocking.

Instructions

1. Power up your computer. Wait a few seconds for the start up screen to show up. It is a screen that shows all the components that are connected to your motherboard in a list and in black and white. Press either the F1 key or the Delete key (depends on the manufacturer of the motherboard) to access the BIOS. In some computers the start up screen is not shown. If this is the case, press the Delete or F1 keys every second after you hit the power button.

2. Find the "Advanced Chipset Features" tab on the BIOS menu. Go to the "CPU Multiplier" feature and access it.

3. Look on the left side of the screen after you access the CPU multiplier; you will see the current multipliers that your quad core processor is operating at. Hit enter and a window will appear prompting you to type in a number. Type in a number that is one level higher than the current CPU multiplier; if the CPU multiplier is set to 8x, type in 9. Click F10 to apply the changes you made and press the reset button.

4. Download and install Prime 95 (See Resources). This program is made specifically to test your CPU by forcing it to operate at full capacity; that is its only purpose. Open Prime 95 and turn on "Torture Test." If your computer does not crash during this test, you can repeat this process again and again until it turns off. When your computer does shut down, go back to the CPU multiplier in the BIOS and change it back to the last stable multiplier. Click "F10" and restart your computer.

Tags: your computer, your quad core, computer does, Core Performance, core processor

Jump Start Instructions

Jumper cables connect your battery to another charged one.

Electric starters provide the initial spark that ignites gasoline inside an internal-combustion engine. To do this, they need power, which come from the car's battery. This battery, charged by the engine through the alternator, also powers all the car's electrical systems. When some of those systems---usually the headlights---are left on without the engine running, the result is a car with no power for the starter. A jump start uses electrical cables to link a charged battery from another car or a battery pack into the system to start the dead car. Setting one up is easy.

Instructions

Jump Starts With a Second Automobile

1. Find a working car to give you a boost. They will need to have a battery of the same voltage as yours; almost all cars have 12 volt batteries, but diesels and trucks sometimes use 24 volt systems. If you are in an isolated spot, call either a tow truck company or a taxi company; both will often be able to send someone out to give you a boost.

2. Move the working car so its engine is as close as possible to the engine of the dead car.

3. Shut off both cars and pop their hoods, use the hood prop rod to hold up the hood. Locate the batteries; they are large plastic boxes with metal knobs marked "positive" and "negative." If you are unsure as to the location of your battery, just check your vehicle's manual.

4. Clip one end of the positive jumper cable (which is usually red) to the positive terminal on the working car's battery, and the other end onto the positive terminal of the dead car's battery.

5. Clip the black (negative) jumper cable onto the negative terminal of the good car's battery, but don't connect the other end to the other battery. This risks causing an explosion from the spark that will fly when you make the connection. Instead, clip the other end of the black cable to any piece of exposed, unpainted metal in the engine compartment. Bolts work well. Since the existing battery is connected to the car's frame for grounding, this completes the circuit in the same way that clipping to the battery would, but doesn't risk sparks on the battery itself.

6. Start the engine of the car with the good battery and rev it up while in neutral gear. This will ensure that the battery is fully charged.

7. Shut off the good car, and try to start the car with the dead battery. This is somewhat safer for the electrical system of the good car, which may receive a surge from the other car starting. Ensure that all the electrical systems such as heat and lights are off, as they will divert power from the starter. If it doesn't work, start the engine on the good car and try again while one driver revs the good car up in neutral.

8. Check for any bad connections on the terminals if the car still doesn't start. Dirty terminals can interfere with the boost, so you may need to disconnect the jumper cables and wipe them with a cloth. If the car still doesn't start, there may be a problem with the starter, and a tow truck will probably be necessary.

Jump Start With a Battery Pack

9. Buy an emergency battery pack from any auto supply store. These packs contain a 12 or 24 volt battery, cables to connect the battery to the car's battery, and a plug to charge from a wall outlet. Before buying, check to determine whether your car uses a 12-volt or 24-volt system; 24-volt batteries are only common in larger trucks, buses, and diesel engines.

10. Bring the battery pack home and plug it into a wall outlet overnight. This will allow it to charge its battery. You can then store it in the trunk of the car for use in an emergency.

11. Clip the red (positive) cable and black (negative) cable from the battery pack to the dead car. As with a jump start from another car, the red cable goes directly onto the battery terminal while the black one connects to a point on the frame inside the engine compartment.

12. Turn on the battery pack and try to start the car. Check that connections are clean and electrical systems off; if it still doesn't work, call for a tow.

Tags: battery pack, battery This, electrical systems, still doesn, black negative, cables connect, Clip positive

Setup Dual Video Cards In Linux

Dual video cards will allow your computer to split the work in displaying graphical images between the two CPUs embedded in the cards, improving framerate and image quality. Setting up dual video cards on your Linux machine necessitates only that you have the appropriate drivers installed. These are readily available from the manufacturer company for your graphics cards, either ATI or Nvidia.

Instructions

1. Navigate to the website of your video card manufacturer.

2. Click on the "Support" page and click on the option for "Drivers."

3. Select your model of video card from the drop down list and select "Linux" as your operating system.

4. Download the latest driver for your card (the file with the highest version number).

5. Double-click on the downloaded driver to begin the install process.

6. Select the "Install" button and select the option to enable "SLI" (for Nvidia cards) or "Crossfire" (for ATI cards). This will enable your dual video cards to work in tandem.

7. Reboot your computer when the installation is complete.

Tags: video cards, video card, your computer

Use A Pentium M Processor In A Presario C500 Celeron M Laptop

The processor installed in your Compaq Presario C500 laptop is the main component that determines the computer's speed. When new software installs slowly or programs don't respond as quickly as you need, a processor upgrade can improve performance. For a faster computing experience, you may want to replace the Celeron processor installed in your C500 laptop with a faster Pentium M unit. The processor is connected directly to the laptop's motherboard and is hidden underneath several other components.

Instructions

1. Turn off the C500 laptop and disconnect any devices or cables plugged into the computer's ports. Shut the laptop's lid and turn the device over so the battery is visible at the bottom of the case.

2. Push the battery lock slide bar over to the "unlock" position and lift the rectangular battery pack out of the C500. Locate the two Phillips screws on the hinges at the back of the laptop. Remove both screws and turn the laptop over.

3. Open the LCD screen and push it back until the laptop is lying flat. Push your flat-head screwdriver underneath the right hand edge of the plastic strip positioned above the keyboard. Pry the plastic strip off the case and set it aside.

4. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the four screws above the keyboard. Lift the keyboard up and unplug its cable. Pull the keyboard off the laptop.

5. Remove the single screw above the mouse touch pad and the three screws at the top of the palm rest. Pull the palm rest off the laptop to reveal the fan and metal heat sink at the left side of the laptop's motherboard.

6. Disconnect the fan's cable from the motherboard and remove the three screws locking the heat sink. Pull the fan and heat sink out of the laptop to find the Celeron processor in the square motherboard socket.

7. Use a flat-head screwdriver to turn the Celeron's locking screw counterclockwise one turn. Pull the Celeron processor straight out and set it aside.

8. Set the Pentium M processor over the square motherboard socket and push down gently. Turn the locking screw clockwise one turn with a flat-head screwdriver. Spread a layer of thermal paste on top of the Pentium M to keep the processor cool while it runs.

9. Replace the fan and heat sink and tighten the screws you removed. Plug in the fan's cable and reassemble the keyboard and plastic strip. Replace the battery pack and turn on the laptop.

Tags: heat sink, C500 laptop, Celeron processor, flat-head screwdriver, plastic strip, above keyboard, battery pack

Use Phoenix Award Bios Flash Tool

Use Phoenix Award BIOS Flash Tool

Your computer's BIOS ("Basic Input Output System") is a piece of software stored on a ROM chip on your motherboard. It loads when the computer first boots up, and tells the computer do basic things like interact with the keyboard, monitor, and hard drives. Winflash is a windows based utility for upgrading Phoenix Award BIOS software. Using Winflash, upgrade your BIOS without using floppy disks or complicated DOS commands.

Instructions

1. Go to your motherboard manufacturer's download page, find your motherboard model and download the new BIOS. Be sure you are downloading the correct BIOS, because flashing the wrong BIOS to your motherboard can make your computer unbootable. The file will probably be compressed, so unzip it.

2. Run Winflash. The software should show a block diagram of your BIOS chip, and a set of options on the left side.

3. Click the boxes on the left hand side to select the options "Bootblock," "DMI Area" and "Clear CMOS."

4. Click "File" and then "Open." Select the BIOS file you downloaded, and open it.

5. Click "File" again, and this time select "Update BIOS." Click "Update" on the screen that appears to update the BIOS. Sometimes, before the BIOS updates it will ask if you want to load a binary file. Select "No," and then update the BIOS.

6. Click "Reboot" at the prompt that appears when the BIOS is finished updating. Do not do anything while your BIOS is updating.

7. Enter the BIOS setup screen when your computer reboots. Clearing the CMOS reset your BIOS settings to default, so you must enter new settings. While your computer is booting, you will be prompted with a key to press to enter setup. The exact key will vary with your BIOS version. Press the designated key and enter setup, then configure your BIOS however you want.

Tags: your BIOS, your motherboard, Phoenix Award, BIOS Click, Click File

The Signs & Symptoms Of A Hard Disk Starting To Fail

Like all mechanical devices, a computer's hard drive can fail for a variety of reasons. Once a hard drive has failed, it's not possible to write or store data on that disk, which means all of the data on it is probably lost. Fortunately, signs and symptoms provide a warning of imminent hard drive failure. This gives a computer owner a chance to rescue his most important files - such as photos, documents and videos - before the disk crashes.

Background

A computer drive somewhat resembles a mechanical component in an automobile that can wear down and stop working over time. Most hard drive crashes are the result of mechanical failures, according to the website Stepcase Lifehack. Some of these include the hard drive motor burning out, bearings becoming stuck or the drive overheating. Sometimes, a head failure will occur, which is when the read/write head malfunctions. A media failure occurs when the drive has been handled improperly or the magnetic components are scratched. A logical failure happens when there is a problem with the electronics of the drive or the firmware.

Crashes

One of the easiest-to-spot symptoms of an imminent hard drive failure is that the computer crashes multiple times. For Windows computer users, a blue screen appears and the computer suddenly reboots on its own. Many times this happens while the operating system is booting up. A computer freezing up - the mouse cursor doesn't move and nothing happens when you type - may also be a symptom of a hard drive starting to fail, according to the website PCMech.

File Access

When a hard drive is beginning to fail, you will notice unusual activities when opening folders and accessing files. For instance, if you are trying to open a folder in Windows Explorer and it takes a long time for the folder to open, this is a telltale sign that the hard drive is failing. If it takes longer than a few moments to empty the "trash," or if files are vanishing, or if it takes an unusually long time to save a file, there is a good chance of a bad hard drive.

Sounds

If you suspect your PC's hard drive might be failing, listen for unusual sounds coming from inside the computer. Grinding sounds signal that the hard drive's bearings may be out of position and that the drive most likely can't be repaired. In this case, take quick action to rescue important files.

Tags: hard drive, according website, drive failure, happens when, hard drive failure, imminent hard, imminent hard drive

Remove A Cmos Battery

The CMOS battery protects your BIOS and CMOS settings by keeping a small amount of power supplied to the BIOS chips even when the PC is unplugged. If you have a power outage, or if your PC becomes unplugged, the battery will keep all of your BIOS settings and keep the correct time on your PC. If somebody sets a boot password on the BIOS, you can remove it by removing the CMOS battery and unplugging it from the wall. This will reset the information contained in the BIOS and RTC chips and remove the password.

Instructions

1. Turn off the computer. Unplug all device cords from the back. Remove the screws on the right panel of the tower. Lay the computer facing up on the floor or a table.

2. Locate the battery. The CMOS battery is similar to a watch battery except bigger. It is on the motherboard held on by thin metal tabs. Some computers have it flat against the board while others have it in an upright slot.

3. Use your fingernails or a pair of tweezers to remove the CMOS battery. Lift the metal tab gently. It is a weak metal and can break easily. Do not lift the tab all the way or pull it off. Take the tweezers or fingernail and place it under the battery in the casing. Gently lift up and pull it out.

4. Replace the panel and plug in the devices.

Tags: CMOS battery, BIOS chips, lift pull, your BIOS

Flash Bios Using A Usb Device

Use a USB drive to flash your BIOS.

Due to the recent deprecation of floppy drives it has become useful to understand the process of updating your BIOS, Basic Input/Output System, from a USB flash drive instead. Updating a computer's BIOS is an important task that helps resolve compatibility issues and hardware failures. The process of updating a BIOS using a flash drive is an easy one that you can accomplish on any computer.

Instructions

1. Insert the bootable USB drive into an available USB port.

2. Copy the motherboard manufacturer's BIOS update files to the flash drive.

3. Restart the computer with the USB drive still inserted. Upon restarting, the computer will boot into DOS (Disk Operating System).

4. Type "cd G:\" (without quotes) to change the DOS location to that of your flash drive. This assumes your flash drive is the "G:\" drive. If it is not, simply substitute your USB drive's assigned letter into the command.

5. Type the name of the update executable into the DOS command prompt and press the "Enter" key. If you can not remember its name you may type "/dir" (without quotes) to see a listing of all files currently on the USB drive.

6. Follow any onscreen directions. Users are required in most cases to confirm they wish to update the BIOS and accept an end user license agreement.

7. Remove the USB drive and restart the computer when the process is complete to initialize the new BIOS firmware.

Tags: flash drive, your flash drive, into command, process updating, without quotes

Install A Second Sata Hard Drive In Vista

SATA ports on a motherboard.

The SATA (Serial ATA) interface can transfer data much faster than the older IDE drives. Motherboards that support SATA drives have more than one SATA port, which allows for additional SATA drives on your computer. As programs, video and audio files become larger, increasing the storage capacity on your computer is important. Adding a second SATA hard drive is an easy way to increase your storage capacity.

Instructions

1. Power down and unplug the power supply from your computer.

2. Lay the computer on its side and remove the screws or thumbscrews that are holding the side panel of the computer case in place.

3. Locate your existing hard drive. Remove the SATA and power cable from the back of the hard drive and remove the hard drive cage.

4. Slide the new SATA drive into one of the mounting brackets on the hard drive cage. Usually, the next available hard drive bracket is located directly below your existing hard drive.

5. Align the hard drive with the holes in the bracket and screw in the hard drive. Once the hard drive is secure, place the hard drive cage back into the computer.

6. Locate an SATA power cable from your power supply and connect it to the hard drive. The power cable will have four wires with a small black plastic plug at the end of it.

7. Locate the SATA ports on your motherboard. The SATA ports are red, small square plastic ports typically near the front of your computer case. Plug one end of the SATA cable that came with your new hard drive into one of the SATA ports and the other end to the new hard drive.

8. Reconnect your existing hard drive and reboot your computer. When you log into Vista, it will recognize the new hardware and will prompt you to install the drivers for the new hardware. Insert the installation CD that came with your new hard drive and install the drivers.

Tags: hard drive, hard drive, your computer, SATA ports, drive cage, existing hard

Find Out How Fast My Computer Is

Find Out How Fast My Computer Is

One of the indicators of how fast a computer is lays in the CPU (Central Processing Unit, or simply processor) information. Computer speed is determined by the speed of its CPU expressed in gigahertz (GHz).

Do not confuse this with RAM (Random Access Memory). The larger the size of RAM, the more applications your computer can handle efficiently at the same time without running low on memory.

You can find your processor's speed using a few different methods in Windows, while on Mac OS X there's one method.

Instructions

Windows

1. Click on "Start" and then right-click "My Computer" or "Computer" icon. Select "Properties" and click on the "General" tab. Computer processor speed will be displayed at the bottom of the window, for example, "Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.80 GHz," where GHz represents the speed.

2. Go to the "Start" menu, click on "Run," type "dxdiag," hit "Enter" to start the "DirectX Diagnostic Tool" and click on the "System" tab. Computer speed can be seen next to "Processor."

3. Go to the "Start" menu, click on "Help and Support," then on "Use Tools to view your computer information and diagnose problems" under "Pick a task," click on "My Computer Information" in the left section and then on "View general system information about this computer" in the right section. PC speed can be found under "Processor."

Mac OS X

4. Click on the "Apple" system menu.

5. Click on "About This Mac" option.

6. Mac speed can be found next to "Processor."

Tags: Computer speed, Fast Computer, Find Fast, Find Fast Computer, menu click, next Processor, processor speed

Identify The Type Of Memory Chip

Random Access Memory (RAM) allows a computer to temporarily store data for processing by the central processing unit. Over the years, many different kinds of RAM chips have been installed in computers. Having to discern between SIMM, DIMM, RIMM, DRAM and SDRAM chips, just to name a few, you may find the task of identifying the type of memory chip in your computer overwhelming, but it's important: Knowing what type of, and how much, memory your computer has can help you determine if your computer can handle the projects you want it to or if you need to upgrade your system.

Instructions

1. Read your computer manual. It should contain information about the type of memory chip installed in your machine. If you have upgraded your RAM in the past, the information in your manual may not be accurate.

2. Open your computer case. Use your screwdriver to remove all of the screws from the casing and carefully lift or slide it off. Locate the RAM chips on the motherboard and carefully push on the clips holding the chip in place to pop it loose from its slot. Lift the RAM chip out of the slot carefully by the ends.

3. Read the information printed on the RAM chip. The information includes the manufacturer's name and part number. Write this information on a piece of paper so you do not forget it. Put the RAM chip back into its slot and press firmly until the clips lock the RAM chip in place. Put the computer covering case back on and tighten the screws using your screwdriver.

4. Press the power button on your computer to turn it back on. After everything finishes loading, open an Internet browser and navigate to a search engine. Type the manufacturer's name and part number from your piece of paper into the search bar and click the search button. The results will show you which type of memory chip your computer uses.

Tags: your computer, memory chip, type memory, chip place, chip your, chip your computer

Repair Bent Pins On An Lga775 Socket

The central processing unit, or CPU, connects to your computer through a socket on the motherboard. Pins on the LGA775 socket occasionally bend if you've installed or removed the CPU incorrectly. The main problem with having bent pins involves connectivity. Unless every pin makes full contact, the CPU will not work, which means the computer won't work either. It's possible to straighten the pins yourself. The procedure requires a few basic tools, manual dexterity and patience.

Instructions

Accessing the LGA775 socket

1. Power down your computer and unplug all cables and devices. Open the computer tower. This usually involves removing a set of thumbscrews and opening up the side access panel.

2. Put on an anti-static strap to prevent accidental static discharge that could damage your computer hardware. Locate the CPU cooling fan near the center of the motherboard. Disconnect the fan's power cable from the motherboard, unscrew any retaining screws holding the fan in place with a Phillips screwdriver and remove the fan from the computer to expose the CPU below.

3. Turn the CPU's flat-head locking screw counterclockwise. Lift the CPU out of the motherboard to reveal the LGA775 socket pins.

Fixing the Socket Pins

4. Straighten a paper clip with your fingers.

5. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to bend one end of the paper clip into a loop small enough to fit around each pin on the socket.

6. Place a small pocketknife or similar tool next to one of the bent pins. Apply gentle pressure to bend the pin back up into its correct position. Be very careful that you don't apply too much force and break off the pin; you will have to replace the motherboard if this happens. For hard-to-fix pins, place the paper clip tool you made over the pin and use the loop to pull the pin straight up into its correct position.

7. Reassemble the computer tower and reconnect the power cable and peripherals.

Tags: LGA775 socket, paper clip, your computer, bent pins, computer tower, correct position

Repair Hail Damage With Compressed Air

Ensure the value of your car by removing unsightly dents.

According to the University of Wyoming, hailstorms are most likely to occur during the spring, and the storm systems that produce them are sporadic and unpredictable. Dents on your vehicle from hail can be an aesthetic nightmare. These dents are unsightly and can be expensive to repair. You may think these dents would require professional attention; however, you can easily remove dents with a few tools lying around your house, in addition to a can of pressurized air from your local home improvement or electronics store. Repairing dents at home is a very hands-on project and can save you hundreds of dollars in repairs.

Instructions

1. Cleanse the dented area with a cleaning detergent specialized for motor vehicles. Pour some of the detergent into a bucket of water. Lather your sponge or cloth with the solution. Scrub away the dirt and grime. Wipe the area dry with a paper towel.

2. Park the car near an electrical power source. Use an extension cord if you have to. You may even have an electrical outlet in your garage.

3. Have your tools nearby. Place a can of compressed air in your work station. Connect a hair dryer to an open port on the extension cord's connector hub and place the hair dryer near you. Repairing a dent requires quick hands, so it is best to have all your tools near you for easy access.

4. Power on your hair dryer. Crank the hair dryer to its hottest settings. Place the nozzle into the dent's cavity, keeping it a few centimeters away from the surface. Focus the heat into the dent for three to five minutes, ensuring that the metal gets really hot.

5. Power off the hair dryer and place it aside. Quickly take the can of compressed air, turn it upside down, and blast away at the dent for 10 to 15 seconds, or until the dent pops out. Turning the can of air upside down will cause it to spray liquid carbon dioxide. The cold from the liquid carbon dioxide will cause the heated metal to rapidly expand, subsequently causing the dent to pop out.

6. Let the icy particles melt away. Wipe the area dry with a clean towel.

Tags: hair dryer, area with, carbon dioxide, extension cord, into dent, liquid carbon, liquid carbon dioxide

Install An Hp Motherboard

Installation of an HP motherboard can prove to be a tricky task.

An HP motherboard installation occurs in two phases: the physical placement of the motherboard onto the casing and the installation of the drivers. It is important to ensure that the casing supports the form factor of your motherboard because this is the circuit board that supports all other computer components. The majority of available PC motherboards are either ATX or microATX. Deliberate and cautious steps are necessary. Wrong installation will lead to overheating and system crashes, such as computer freezing, locking and even resetting unnecessarily.

Instructions

1. Open the computer casing and locate the metallic plate where the motherboard resides. Unscrew the plate from the back end of the case and slide it outward. Remove the plate from the case before installing the motherboard. Lay the motherboard on the metallic plate and match the holes on the plate to those of the motherboard to be used for installation. The plate has more holes than needed. Install screw nuts on all plate holes that match the motherboard holes by simply turning them clock-wise using your index finger and thumb.

2. Place screws directly on the screw nuts of the metallised motherboard holes. For non-metallised holes, place a cardboard washer between them and the screws. Fit one washer between the motherboard and the screw and another washer between the nut and the motherboard. Metallised holes provide grounding with the system case, so no washers should be used on them.

3. Lay the PC case down in a position that you can view the inside looking from above. Lower the motherboard and the plate so that it's flat in the case with the USB, VGA, keyboard, mouse, and other ports facing the back of the case. Screw the motherboard in position to the screw holes in the case, starting with the four corner holes working your way inward. Do not over tighten the screws, otherwise you risk cracking the motherboard. Check all screws to ensure none is loose.

4. Verify that all jumpers and dip-switches have been set properly that will allow either the BIOS or the software to set up the proper settings for the CPU, memory and other settings. Connect the front panel controls, such as the power button, reset button, hard drive and power lights. The last connection to be made is to properly connect the PSU cable connector to the motherboard power socket before installing CPU, memory, hard drive, optical drives and other peripheral devices.

5. Download the HP motherboard file from the HP manufacturers' website, save and unzip it on your computer. Click on the "Start" button menu and navigate to "My Computer" where you right-click to view the options. Click on the "Properties" and go to the "Hardware" tab. Click to "Device" manager option. Double-click on the HP motherboard of the "Motherboards" category and press "Reinstall Driver" button. After the installation procedure, you should see HP motherboard in "Motherboards" inside the device manager.

Tags: washer between, back case, before installing, between motherboard, hard drive, metallic plate

Fix A Dead Computer

Dead computers can be revived depnding on what's wrong with them.

If you start your computer and absolutely nothing happens, you might think your computer is dead. It might indeed be dead, but computers can be brought back to life. Fixing a dead computer is not just a matter of fixing one problem, however, because the computer can be "dead" for a number of reasons. Bringing the computer back might take several components being checked or replaced.

Instructions

1. Unplug the computer from the wall and the computer. Open the computer case door by unscrewing it from the back of the computer. Disconnect the power connections from the motherboard, the hard drives and anything else power connectors are connected to. Unscrew the power supply from the back of the computer. Remove the power supply and replace it with one as powerful as the original or more powerful. Connect everything back.

2. Replace the RAM. The current RAM will lift out of the slots if you pull back both tabs on the sides. Check your manual to be sure which RAM you can use.

3. Replace the motherboard and CPU. To replace the motherboard and CPU, you will have to unscrew and remove all of the cards, disconnect the drives, disconnect the power supply and then unscrew the motherboard from the computer. Screw the new motherboard in place and then reconnect the power supply, drives and cards. Put the RAM in from the old motherboard. Try putting the old CPU in the new motherboard, and if it doesn't work, replace the CPU.

Tags: power supply, back computer, computer dead, from back, from back computer

Find What Chipset My Computer Is

Having the computer's chipset information is helpful for upgrading.

Sometimes it is important to know the technical characteristics and capabilities of the chipset in your computer, particularly if you are adding new software, intend to upgrade your computer or need information about your CPU's specs. The path for finding the chipset information varies slightly depending on the installed Windows version.

Instructions

XP and Vista

1. Click the "Start" button and go to "Control Panel."

2. Choose "See basic information about your computer" at the top or "System" at the bottom of the screen. Clicking either of those will bring you to the Device Manager window.

3. Scroll down the Device Manager list and find "Processors." Click the small "+" (plus sign) by the chip/CPU icon or the icon itself to show the chipset information in your computer.

Windows 7

4. Go to "Start" and click "Control Panel" on the list.

5. Select the "Device Manager" on the next screen.

6. Choose "Processors" under the Device Manager. Click on the processor icons to find out the individual chipset information. There are two chip icons for the dual-core machine, three chip icons for a triple-core computer, and so on. Click each chip icon to see if they are different in specs.

Tags: chipset information, Device Manager, your computer, about your, chip icon, chip icons, Control Panel

Find Out What Kind Or Motherboard You Have On Windows 7

The motherboard is a vital computer component that houses all of the chips and cards connected to the computer. The type of hardware you're able to connect to the computer, such as the graphics card and RAM, are entirely dependent on the specifications of the motherboard. Because Windows 7 cannot tell you the name or type of motherboard installed, you need to use a system benchmarking program to find out this information. These programs, which are generally free of cost, display the manufacturer name, model and exact version of the motherboard.

Instructions

1. Download the system benchmark program you want to use to the Desktop.

2. Double-click the EXE file to begin the installation. Certain programs, such as CPU-Z, don't require an installation and will start immediately.

3. View the motherboard information. Some programs display this information immediately as you open the program, while others require you to click a "Motherboard/Mainboard" tab.

Tags: this information

Replace Cpu Chipset Fans

Whether it's a mechanical hard drive or a system fan, the moving parts in a computer will eventually break down. Fortunately, fans are the least expensive components inside a computer case, and replacing them does not require much computer expertise or special tools. If your motherboard is still under warranty when your fans break down, however, you can contact the manufacturer for a replacement motherboard, rather than potentially voiding your warranty by replacing the fans yourself. You may have to mail the motherboard to the manufacturer and wait several days for a replacement.

Instructions

1. Turn off your computer and detach its power cable from the wall. Do not put your hands inside the case when the computer is on or even connected to a power supply. Damaged or improperly manufactured internal parts can expose you to potentially serious injury if you touch them when the computer is plugged in.

2. Open the case. Modern computers will have a door on the left-hand side (as you are facing the computer). Increasingly, you will encounter case doors that do not require a screwdriver. These use "thumbscrews" that you can loosen and tighten by hand. Sometimes a door is secured by clips or latches or even a magnet.

3. Detach the fan, starting with its power cable. This cable may be connected to the motherboard or to the power supply. Once the cable is detached, remove the fan's screws. Here you will usually need a #1 Phillips screwdriver.

4. Install the new fans. If your new fans came with their own screws, use those, because the screws you just removed may not fit. Once the new fans are securely attached, plug their power cables in, reattach the power cable, and turn the computer on. If the fans spin up, close the case.

If you are replacing chipset fans, these are often built into their heatsinks. In this case, you need a "heatsink fan combo" or HSF replacement, not just a fan replacement. This process is trickier.

Replacing a Chipset HSF

5. Remove the old chipset HSF. First detach its screws, then carefully pry the chipset off with a flat-bladed screwdriver (it will still be partly attached because the thermal paste between the HSF and the chipset acts as an adhesive). You may be able to just twist the HSF off instead. Once the HSF is off, clean the thermal paste off by rubbing it with a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol.

6. Apply the new chipset HSF. Your new HSF may come with a thermal pad pre-attached. In this case, simply peel off the pad's protective film and set it on the chipset, being careful to align correctly, because these pads are sticky.

7. Use your sandwich bag as a glove and apply a dollop of thermal paste onto it---an amount about the size of a half a grain of rice. Rub this onto the chipset until you have a thin layer, then set the chipset HSF on top and screw it in. Do all this if there is no thermal pad.

Tags: power cable, thermal paste, break down, case replacing, power supply