Flash Bios From Usb

A USB flash drive can be used to flash a BIOS.

One of the most common ways to update (or "flash") the BIOS on a computer is by using a standard USB flash drive. If a new update is available for your BIOS, you'll need to flash it to update it. Short for "basic input and output system," the BIOS is the main program on your computer and will periodically need to be updated to ensure that your machine stays functioning the way you want it to. Though it is an incredibly important procedure, updating the BIOS from a USB flash drive won't take more than a couple of minutes to complete.

Instructions

1. Insert the USB flash drive that you want to use to flash your BIOS into your computer.

2. Download the update for your BIOS from the website of your BIOS manufacturer. (The manufacturer of your BIOS will be listed in the instruction manual that came with your computer.)

3. Copy the BIOS update file onto your USB flash drive. At the same time, make a note of the exact name and extension of the update file. Do not remove the USB flash drive from your computer.

4. Restart your computer.

5. Press the key required by your computer to enter the BIOS. This key will be written down on the screen. Press this key immediately as your computer starts to turn itself on.

6. Highlight "Boot" and then hit "Enter" to select it. Change the piece of hardware listed under "Primary Boot Device" to reflect your attached USB flash drive. This will tell your computer that you want to restart your computer and boot from the flash drive. Select "Save Changes and Exit" to restart your computer.

7. Wait a few seconds for a command prompt to appear on your computer screen. The command prompt is an entirely black screen with a small line of white text that you can type on. Once the command prompt appears, type in the name of the BIOS update file on your USB flash drive. Then hit "Enter."

8. Hit the "Y" keyboard key a single time to tell your computer that you want to update your BIOS. Your existing BIOS version will be upgraded (or "flashed") to the new version via the file on your USB flash drive. Do not remove the USB flash drive from your computer during this process.

9. Remove the USB flash drive from your computer once the BIOS update process is finished. The update program will indicate when the process is finished. Your computer will automatically restart itself and your BIOS will be updated.

Tags: flash drive, your computer, your BIOS, your computer, BIOS update, command prompt, drive from

Replace A Pentium 4 Cpu Chip Dimension 4300

The CPU processes data for the computer.

Replacing the Pentium 4 CPU on your Dell Dimension 4300 desktop may be necessary if the processor is broken or if you want to upgrade to a faster model. While some computer upgrades can be completed in just a few steps, replacing the CPU is a more complicated task that has expensive repercussions if done improperly. Avoid damaged hardware or wasted time by replacing the Pentium 4 CPU correctly the first time around.

Instructions

Replace a Pentium 4 CPU

1. The computer should stay unplugged throughout the project.

Turn off the Dell and unplug all cables connected to it. Hold the power button for several seconds to ground the motherboard. Turn the computer right side down. The arrow on the bottom of the system should be pointing upward.

2. Remember to touch the case once before handling any components.

Push the computer case release buttons located on the top and bottom of the PC near the back. Pull upward as you push in the buttons to open the case. It will swivel open on a hinge, revealing the internal components. Touch the case to remove static electricity from your body and ground yourself. You can easily damage a processor by exposing it to static charge.

3. Most heat sinks consist of a combination of copper and aluminum.

Pull the green airflow shroud up to reveal the heat sink. It should be immediately visible upon opening the computer. Unplug the CPU fan and 12V connector. The CPU fan uses a three-pin plug above the green shroud near the memory. The 12V plug is square with four pins and may be found directly to the right of the shroud.

4. Remove the heat sink covering the processor. Push down on the latches of each of the two clips holding the metal heat sink down. The clips will pop off. Twist the sink back and forth gently to loosen it from the CPU. You should now see the top of the Pentium 4.

5. Gently lift the CPU out of the socket.

Pull up the lever on the right of the CPU to release it from the socket. Grab the Pentium 4 from its sides and gently lift it out of the computer.

6. Apply thermal grease to the top of the CPU only.

Apply a thin layer of thermal grease to the top of the new CPU using a cotton swab. This white or gray substance should have come with your new Pentium 4. It quickly removes heat from the processor and transfers it to the heat sink. Installing your processor without thermal grease will damage it.

7. Pentium 4 CPUs have hundreds of delicate pins.

Align the new processor with the CPU socket and gently set it in place. There is a beveled edge on one corner of the CPU that should match up with a corresponding corner in the socket. Make sure that each pin is aligned with the corresponding hole in the socket. If the CPU does not fall into place naturally, do not force it. Pull it out and try again. The CPU pins break easily if forced.

8. Reinstall the heat sink above the CPU. Replace the latches and pull the green shroud back over the CPU. Plug the 3-pin CPU pin back in as well as the 4-pin 12V connector. Pull the top of the computer case down to close it. Plug all cables back into the computer. Your new CPU is ready to go.

Tags: heat sink, thermal grease, computer case, Dimension 4300, green shroud, Replace Pentium

Install A Motherboard In A Dell Inspiron 2500

When your motherboard dies on your Inspiron 2500 and you contact Dell, you'll probably be advised that it's best to buy a new computer, instead of replacing the motherboard. This is not the case, unless the motherboard costs as much as a new computer. The chances are that you can keep your computer and install a new motherboard, yourself. Keep in mind, though, that the best way to get your computer back together after disassembling it is to maintain a good organizational system so that are parts are reinstalled properly.

Instructions

Cables and hardware

1. Remove all discs from the drive and shut down the computer.

2. Disconnect all the cables and the externally mounted components from the computer.

3. Locate the hard drive on the right side of the computer, extract the screw on it and pull it out of its bay.

4. Turn over the computer, extract the screw that's labeled with a "C" and pull the release latch on the bottom of the drive.

5. Locate the Mini-PCI card compartment near the hard drive, extract the screw on the cover and remove the cover.

6. Spread the retainers on the Mini-PCI card and it will pop up. Pull the card out of its port and disconnect the antenna cables from it.

7. Locate the memory module compartment on the left side of the computer base (near the disc drive), extract the screw on the cover and remove the cover.

8. Spread the retainers on the memory module and it will pop up. Pull it out of its port. If there are two, do this for both of them.

9. Extract the four screws that are labeled with a "K", turn the computer over and open the display.

10. Insert a flat-head screwdriver under the blank screw on the right side of the keyboard. Lift the keyboard up and disconnect the ribbon cable from the motherboard. Take the keyboard off the computer.

Removing the motherboard

11. Close the display and turn the computer so that the back is facing you.

12. Insert a flat-head screwdriver into the seam between the hinge cover and the computer and pry it up from one side all the way to the other. Open the display and take off the hinge cover.

13. Extract the screw on the back of each display hinge. These screws are labeled with a "D."

14. Extract the screw on the display cable, disconnect the display cable and lift the display off the computer.

15. Turn the computer over, extract the nine screws that are labeled with a "P" and turn the computer back over.

16. Disconnect the palm rest cable from its port above the touchpad buttons and lift the palm rest off the computer.

17.Locate the video memory card in the middle of the motherboard above the microprocessor (there may not be one), extract the two screws on it and lift it out of the computer.

Tags: labeled with, that labeled, that labeled with, turn computer, cable from, computer back, computer extract

Install A Split Rail Fence

Old split rail fencing

Split rail fence is one of the oldest, and most beautiful methods of fencing. It utilizes raw materials that are readily available in most forested areas, and can be assembled using the most basic of tools. Split rail fencing can be a practical choice if you live in a wooded area where you will be doing some construction. Since you will be felling trees anyway, this is a great method of recycling the downed timbers and making an attractive and useful fence.

Instructions

1. Measure your fenceline. You need to mark your corner with groundstakes. Take a guideline and tie it from one corner to the next to make sure your line is straight.

2. Set your corner posts. These will need to be set into concrete to a depth of at least 24 inches and cure for a minimum of 72 hours. Make sure your corner posts are level and in a straight line to each other.

3. Set your guidewire. This is a single wire that you will run from corner post to corner post, approximately six inches from the ground. It will keep your fence line straight and allow you to measure your fence precisely.

4. Measure your line and cut your rails. You will need the rails to match in length and size as closely as possible to maintain a trim appearance.

5. Set your posts. Most often these will be 10 to 12 feet from each other. They will need to be set in post holes to a minimum of one third of their length. Most splits rails are about four feet high, so you need a six foot post. Using your axe and your wedge, split these posts from the top to the bottom, forming a split that is wider at the top than at the bottom.

6. Place your rails into your posts. This is done by hammering the rails down into the split posts. Care must be taken not to split the post so badly that it cannot hold the rail. If done with care, the rails will fit very tightly into the wedge created, and form the perfect fence.

Tags: will need, your corner, corner post, corner posts, each other

Install Xp On A Sata Drive

SATA hard drives are faster than IDE drives.

SATAs are becoming much more popular because of their high speed and reliability. Newer motherboards are SATA-enabled, but if you are using an older motherboard, you'll have to install a SATA controller card. There is one little kink, however, when installing Windows XP on a SATA hard drive. XP doesn't come with all SATA drivers, so you may have to install them from a floppy disk. If you don't have a floppy drive, spend $10 and get one. You'll save yourself tons of time trying to work around not having one, and having that SATA drive is worth it.

Instructions

Installing the SATA Drivers

1. Install a floppy drive into your computer if you don't already have one. If you are using an older operating system like XP, you might as well have a floppy drive, too. It comes in handy, and a lot of XP-based software assumes an A: floppy drive anyway. Most of the time older computers have a slot for the A: drive floppy that nothing else will fit in anyway.

2. Copy the SATA drivers from the motherboard support CD to a floppy using your second computer. You only need do this if the SATA drive didn't come with the drivers already on a floppy. To find the files on the motherboard CD, look for a directory and subdirectory like this: \DriverDisk\SATA\. Select all the drivers. Manually load the drivers into the boot directory of the floppy disk drive (usually A:). The floppy should now contain the \pide and \sata folders along with the other files found in the SATA driver's directory. If the driver folder isn't on your motherboard support CD, it will be on the software CD that came with your SATA drive. If you don't have the drivers on CD, search online for SATA drivers and download them. The drive manufacturer probably has the drivers on its company website. Next, transfer the drivers to the floppy disk. Remove the floppy.

3. Power up the new computer and open the BIOS settings. Follow your computer's manual or the motherboard manual if you have a different motherboard than what came with your computer to enter the computer's Basic Input Output System (BIOS) settings. Usually this involves hitting the "Delete" key when prompted to during bootup. Set the first boot device to "CDROM" drive, then the second to recognize the hard drive, then the floppy drive. Different BIOS windows have different screens. The boot order settings are usually under Advanced Options, but you may have to search for it. Save the settings.

4. Insert the Windows XP installation CD into the computer and exit the BIOS to continue booting the computer. The XP installation disk should spin up and ask you if you want to install Windows XP. If it doesn't, simply reboot. The computer should open the operating system on the installation disk and begin installing Windows XP. Follow the prompts until a dialogue box appears a few minutes into the setup routine that says "Press F6 if you need to install a third party SCSI or RAID driver." Press F6" then press "S." This brings up a window that allows you to specify an additional device when the next screen appears.

5. Insert the SATA drivers floppy into the floppy drive and press "Enter." The installation window will then prompt you to select a driver. Select "VIA Serial ATA RAID Controller(Windows XP)." Wait for the SATA drivers to load. Windows XP can now recognize the SATA hard disk drive. Power down and continue to install Windows XP as usual.

6. Remove all floppies and CDs from your computer and close Windows down when the installation process is finished. Reboot and open the BIOS again. This time set the boot order to open the SATA hard drive first. If this is not an option offered in the BIOS, you can select HD0, but only if you don't have any IDE hard drives on your system. If you set the jumpers on the back of your old IDE hard drive to the "slave" setting, then you can select SCSI as the first boot drive and it should pick up the SATA drive. You may have to try it several times to get the setting right, particularly with older motherboards. Save the settings.

7. Exit the BIOS and reboot the computer. The SATA hard drive should spin up first and open Windows XP. Now comes the fun of installing all that software you have piled up on your desk.

Tags: floppy drive, hard drive, SATA hard, SATA drive, SATA drivers, your computer

Replace A Gateway 2500 Bios Battery

Replace the BIOS battery on a Gateway Solo 2500 series laptop to resolve issues regarding lost date and time when the system boots, or to maintain the hardware configuration settings stored in BIOS. The Solo 2500 series uses a battery pack that is attached to the motherboard with a small two-wire connector. The battery pack is typically located under the motherboard, making this operation rather challenging compared with many laptops inside which the battery pack is easily accessible.

Instructions

1. Create a backup of the computer before attempting this operation to avoid data loss.

2. Power down the computer, disconnect the power cord and remove the battery pack.

3. Remove the memory and hard drive access covers and inspect for the battery pack, which is sometimes in these areas.

4. Remove the keyboard by gently prying up the corners of the keyboard, one corner at a time, and disengaging the small, delicate tabs that hold the keyboard in place. Lift the keyboard up about an inch or less to avoid disconnecting the small ribbon cable that connects it to the motherboard. Remove screws from the bottom of the laptop if the keyboard does not release by prying free the keyboard. Some models are screwed into place and not held by tabs.

5. Remove the BIOS battery pack and replace it with the new one. Replace the keyboard and any screws or covers removed during the process. Replace the main battery and connect the power cord. Set the date and time during the first boot routine.

Tags: battery pack, 2500 series, date time, power cord, Solo 2500, Solo 2500 series

Install Dell 80 Gb Sata Hard Drive

Install 80 GB hard drive in a Dell computer.

There are several reasons to install a new hard drive in your Dell desktop or laptop. One of the most common reasons is the need for more space. Software, games and media files can fill up a smaller hard drive very quickly. This is why it may be necessary to upgrade your Dell computer's hard disk space to a 80 GB hard drive. Installation is not terribly complicated, but if not done correctly, you can permanently damage your newly purchased hard drive.

Instructions

Dell Laptop Hard Drive Installation

1. Turn off the laptop, disconnect the power cable and close the LCD display until it latches shut. Disconnect any other cables and external devices. Place the laptop face-down, and remove the battery pack.

2. Remove the two Phillips-head screws, securing the hard drive to the drive compartment. Slide the hard drive out of the compartment and set it to the side. Some models will have a plastic cover you must remove before gaining access to the hard drive compartment.

3. Slide the new hard drive into the drive compartment, and then replace the two retaining Phillips-head screws. Replace the plastic drive cover if necessary.

Dell Desktop Hard Drive Installation

4. Turn off the computer, disconnect the power cable and any miscellaneous cables or external devices.

5. Place the computer on its side, and then remove the two retaining Phillips-head screws, or (depending on the model) disengage the retaining tabs. Lift the side panel away from the computer to gain access to the hard drive compartment.

6. Disconnect the power and data cables from the rear of the hard drive. Remove the two Phillips-head screws securing the hard drive compartment in place. Remove the hard drive compartment. Remove the Phillips-head screws securing the hard drive inside of the drive compartment. Slide the hard drive out of the compartment.

7. Place the new hard drive inside the hard drive compartment so that the three securing screw holes on the drive are aligned with the screw holes on the drive compartment. Replace the drive compartment and screws in side the desktop. Connect the data and power cables to the rear connectors in the new hard drive.

8. Replace the side access panel and retaining screws. Place the computer tower vertically, and then reconnect the power cable and external devices. Turn on the desktop and test your new 80 GB hard drive.

Tags: drive compartment, hard drive, hard drive compartment, Phillips-head screws, compartment Slide, compartment Slide hard

Install A Motherboard

These general instructions are intended to supplement or simplify some of the information in your motherboard manual.

Instructions

1. Make sure to read the manual that came with the motherboard - instructions differ for each one.

2. Ground yourself with any professional grounding equipment you have. Otherwise, ground yourself by touching the computer power supply.

3. Place motherboard on its anti-static bag.

4. Configure motherboard: Set jumpers or DIP switches for CPU, voltage(s), and bus speed, if necessary. If your motherboard is configured by software, you will need to configure it after you complete the physical installation.

5. Position motherboard in case. Line up holes in board with holes in case.

6. Insert spacers, plastic stand-offs, washers and screws, as necessary. Tighten screws carefully, but securely.

7. Make sure motherboard is not touching metal anywhere.

8. Make sure slots and connectors fit into openings on back of case.

9. Connect motherboard to power supply.

10. Connect CPU fan, if you have one, to power supply.

11. Connect reset and power switches to power supply.

12. Connect LED indicators to power supply.

13. Connect case speaker to motherboard.

14. Check all connections.

15. Test motherboard (and configure in CMOS if necessary) before installing other components of computer system.

Tags: power supply, power supply Connect, supply Connect, Make sure, your motherboard

Find A Way To Reset Cmos

A computer stores many basic hardware configuration details in a memory bank known as the CMOS. Sometimes the values in a CMOS become corrupt, causing your computer to stall during the boot-up process. If this happens, you won't be allowed to enter the BIOS to change the corrupted settings or load your operating system. Your computer will appear dead. Luckily, you can clear out the CMOS and restore its default settings. The CMOS requires electricity to maintain its memory. By cutting off its electricity, you can clear the CMOS and reset it.

Instructions

1. Remove the power cable from the computer.

2. Open up the computer case by unscrewing the case panel and sliding it off.

3. Locate the motherboard battery. The motherboard is the largest board in the computer, and it contains the CPU, RAM and expansion cards. The battery is a small, round disk about the size of a quarter.

4. Remove the motherboard battery.

5. Wait 30 seconds. The CMOS loses its charge, and all its configuration values are lost.

6. Plug the motherboard battery back in.

7. Replace the case door.

8. Plug in the power cable.

Tags: motherboard battery, clear CMOS, power cable

Replace The Fan In An Hp Laptop

You can replace the fan in your HP laptop.

Replacing the fan in a HP laptop keeps the unit from overheating, shutting down unexpectedly and making noise. Replacement fans are relatively inexpensive and replacing them is a fairly simple process.

Instructions

1. Shut down the laptop and remove the AC cord. Disconnect any devices, such as a printer or external hard drive, that are attached to the laptop

2. Remove the laptop battery. Turn the laptop upside down, slide the battery release latch and then pull the battery out of the bay.

3. Unscrew the hard drive cover. Grab the hard drive tab and shift the hard drive to the left to unplug it. Lift the hard drive out of the bay.

4. Unscrew and remove the PCI memory cover, the optical drive cover and switch cover.

5. Unscrew the two screws that hold the keyboard to the base, located in the middle of the rear panel. Flip the laptop over so it is right side up and open and remove the keyboard by using the keyboard release switches located above the keyboard. Next, unplug the keyboard cable.

6. Close the laptop and turn it over so it is bottom up. Unscrew the display assembly screws located under the laptop hinges. Turn the laptop over so it is right side up. Open the laptop and unplug the display assembly cable and disconnect the wireless antenna from the display assembly. Unscrew the display assembly from the laptop base and remove.

7. Unplug the mouse pad cable. Turn the laptop over so the bottom side is up and unscrew the base screws which are located along all four sides of the laptop base. Gently remove the base of the laptop.

8. Turn the laptop over so it is right side up. Unplug the fan cable from the circuit board. Unscrew the screws holding the fan assembly to the laptop. Lift the fan assembly out of the laptop.

9. Insert the new fan assembly into the laptop. Screw the assembly unit to the laptop and plug the fan cable into the circuit board.

10. Reassemble the laptop by repeating the previous steps in reverse order.

Tags: hard drive, display assembly, laptop over, Turn laptop, laptop over right, over right

Set Benchmarks & Milestones

Companies must perform at their highest levels to achieve long-term success. At times, organizations perform at inefficient levels and need to make improvements. To help with the process, an organization may choose to establish benchmarks and milestones. Benchmarking consists of comparing the performance and processes of your organization to comparable companies in an effort to identify your shortcomings and increase performance levels. New and existing companies set milestones to solidify the planning and management processes. Milestones are tangible goals companies make to determine its progress. Knowing establish benchmarks and milestones can help business owners and managers better manage the organization.

Instructions

Benchmarks

1. Identify the areas you desire to benchmark. Focus on the most-pressing areas concerning your business, such as performance, profitability or customer service. Prioritize the areas to benchmark in order of importance and benchmark the most important first.

2. Select professional individuals to facilitate the benchmarking process. Choose qualified professionals who are able to devote their time to the team. Team members may include business owners or executive managers with the necessary skills and resources to add value to the team. Appoint roles for team members, such as a consultant, general team members and a supervisor.

3. Research your selected areas and processes. Research the areas you selected to benchmark. Analyze the current processes and procedures used in those areas, and identify problem areas. Look at the company's budgets, flow charts and financial statements to find issues.

4. Compare your findings to companies chosen for the benchmarking process. Search for competitors or industry leaders that achieved success your company has yet to achieve. Analyze the differences between the comparable companies and your organization. Document the success of other organizations that you can use as a guide to improve your company.

5. Develop new strategies to improve performance. Gather all of your documented information and confer with team members about the best strategies to implement to improve performance. Describe how you plan to carry out the new strategies and what resources are needed.

Milestones

6. Find areas within your business to create milestones. Identify the areas and departments of your business plan to establish milestones and create specific actions needed to accomplish goals. For example, you can create a milestone for marketing, finance, research, and development and funding.

7. Select dates for milestones. Choose start and end dates for each area you select to create a milestone. Create dates that are realistic. Avoid choosing dates based on external pressure from investors and creditors.

8. Develop a budget for each milestone. Calculate the financial resources needed to accomplish each milestone. Knowing the costs to reach your goals can help you successfully develop plans to give your company the best chance at achieving profitability.

Tags: team members, your business, your company, benchmarking process, benchmarks milestones

Set The Cpu Clock Speeds For A Pentium 4 3 3 Ghz With Hyper Threading

Processors can be overclocked in the BIOS menu.

The Pentium 4 is a single-core processor introduced by Intel in 2000. The Pentium 4 has been made with speeds ranging from 1.3 GHz to 3.8 GHz. The CPU clock speed refers to how fast a processor operates. The speed of a processor can be adjusted by an operation known as "overclocking." This refers to editing computer hardware performance through advanced BIOS menus.

Instructions

1. Restart the computer. Before the operating system loads, the screen will display a keyboard shortcut to open the BIOS menu. Press the displayed key.

2. Use the arrow keys on your computer keyboard to navigate the BIOS menu. Highlight the "Frequency/Voltage Control" option and press "Enter."

3. Adjust the system performance to "Fastest" by using the arrow keys. Highlight the "CPU Overclock in MHz" option and increase in increments of 200 MHz. This will adjust the processor speed and make it run faster. Press the "F10" key to save your changes. Press the "Esc" key to exit from BIOS and continue booting the operating system.

Tags: BIOS menu, arrow keys, operating system

Overclock An Amd 64 X2 Processor With An Ecs Motherboard

People have been overclocking processors since the 1980s.

When overclocking was first introduced in the 1980s, it meant physically altering the processor by removing its quartz clock crystal and inserting one with a higher frequency. Within 10 years, hand tools were no longer required, and overclocking meant adjusting several small switches on the motherboard. By the decade after that, overclocking had moved entirely into the BIOS software, which has control over the processor's core clock and clock multiplier speeds, as well as the voltage supplied to the processor, Northbridge and other elements of the system. Today, all of this can be automated and managed from Windows.

Instructions

1. Download and install AMD OverDrive. OverDrive is an overclocking utility created by AMD specifically for its processors, including the 64 X2 line.

2. Open OverDrive and click on the "Preference" tab. This is where you'll enable overclocking.

3. Under the "Performance Control Mode" heading, click the "Advanced Mode" button. Then, under the "Misc" heading, check "Apply my last settings when system boots." Then click "Apply." This will enable overclocking and automatically load your overclock settings whenever Windows is run.

4. Click the "Performance Control" tab, and under it, the "Auto Clock" sub-tab.

5. Check "Voltage Boost" under the "Advanced Options" heading. This will allow OverDrive to increase power to the processor to fuel the extra speed.

6. Choose a "Clock Step" value. The default is 1MHz, but larger values will allow OverDrive to find the maximum stable overclock more quickly. However, larger values will also increase the likelihood of OverDrive encountering an error.

7. Click the "Start" button to have OverDrive automatically find your maximum stable overclock. Note that this can take anywhere from several minutes to half an hour or longer.

8. Click "Apply Settings" (not "Apply") when the test is done if you want to use the results, then click "Apply," followed by "OK." These overclock settings will now be used each time you load Windows.

Tags: allow OverDrive, click Apply, enable overclocking, larger values, larger values will, maximum stable

Improve Pc Performance

You can get more work done by optimizing your computer's performance.

You can improve the performance of your PC in a variety of ways. Doing so can lengthen the PC's lifespan. If your PC is running too slow for your liking, there's no need to call a technician. You can increase performance without spending any money.

Instructions

1. Run a virus and spyware scan every week. If you notice that your computer slows down and freezes up frequently, it may be infected. Some free programs for keeping infectious programs at bay are AVG Anti-Virus Free (free.avg.com) and Spybot Search & Destroy (safer-networking.org).

2. Update your computer's drivers frequently. Set Windows to do this automatically by clicking "Start" and typing "update" into the search box. Click "Windows Update" in the list of results. Click "Change settings" on the left side of the screen. Click "Install updates automatically (recommended)" under Important Updates.

3. Update your Web browser and delete cookies and history files. In Firefox, click "Tools" and then "Clear Recent History." Put check marks in the boxes for Browsing & Download History, Form & Search History and Cookies, and press "Clear Now." In Internet Explorer, click "Tools" and "Delete Browsing History." Check the boxes next to Temporary Internet Files, Cookies and History.

4. Give your hard drive special attention. Check for disk errors on your PC and defragment all your files. Click "Start" and type "clean disk" into the search box. Click "Disk Cleanup" in the results and walk through the onscreen instructions. After that, click "Start" and type "defragment" into the search box. Click "Disk Defragmenter" in the list of results and walk through the onscreen instructions to defragment your hard drive.

Tags: into search, into search Click, search Click, your computer, Click Disk, click Tools, defragment your

Hp Pavilion Dv600 Specs

Released in 2006, Hewlett Packard's Pavilion DV600 notebook is a desktop replacement grade laptop. Featuring the standard components of a consumer grade laptop, the DV600 includes a DVD-ROM drive, a webcam and Windows Vista installed on the hard drive. Hewlett Packard discontinued support for this product in 2007, so if you are thinking about buying one, make sure to read up on its specifications to make sure it's the right computer for you.

Dimensions and Design

The HP Pavilion DV600 is a standard desktop replacement laptop, measuring 15 inches wide, 10 inches long and two inches high. Altogether, the unit weighs around seven pounds, making it a rather large mid-size laptop. The palm panel and the trackpad on this model are silver while the rest of the panels -- including the keyboard -- are matte black. The 16-inch screen has a maximum resolution of 1366 by 768 pixels and supports widescreen display.

Internal Hardware

The Pavilion DV600 is powered by an AMD Turion 64 central processing unit, which is a dual core processor with 800 megahertz bus speed. The random-access memory on in the DV600 supports up to two gigabytes worth of memory, making it capable of running Windows Vista as well as some minimalist versions of Windows 7. The SATA disk drive in the unit has 160 gigabytes of storage and spins at 5400 revolutions per minute.

Auxiliary Components

The DV600 includes the standard auxiliary hardware components for its generation of laptops, including a DVD drive capable of writing DVD-Rs, a 1.3-megapixel webcam built into the display panel, as well as stereo speakers and a wireless card. Additionally, the DV600 includes the usual interfaces: three USB ports, a video-out jack, an Ethernet port and an ExpressCard slot. The graphics on the DV600 are supported by NVIDIA's 256-megabyte GeForce Go 7200 graphics card.

Software

The HP Pavilion DV600 comes factory-installed with Microsoft's Windows Vista Home Premium. Along with the standard Windows software components, such as the Control Panel interface, Internet Explorer and Microsoft Outlook the DV600 software bundle includes Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office 2007 and Norton Security.

Tags: Pavilion DV600, DV600 includes, Windows Vista, desktop replacement, grade laptop, Hewlett Packard, make sure

Install A Laptop Hard Drive In An Enclosure

If you decide to upgrade the hard drive in your laptop, your old hard drive can still be useful. You simply need to purchase an "enclosure" and a connecting cable to either continue to use the old drive or format it for use as new storage. In either case, this allows you to keep old or outdated hardware useful even after an upgrade.

Instructions

1. Make sure the enclosure you purchase is compatible with the type of drive you have. Most older laptop hard drives have what are called "PATA" connections, while newer ones are called "SATA" or "Serial ATA." (You can simply look at the label on your drive to determine its type.)

2. Remove the hard drive from the laptop with a screwdriver, then remove it from its static-free casing.

3. Open the enclosure and remove its static-proof slip.

4. Place the drive in the enclosure's static-proof slip and secure it in with the screws that came with the laptop. Many enclosures also come with small screws, but they may not fit your drive.

5. Insert the drive connectors into the connection socket on the enclosure. Be sure all the pegs are inserted properly.

6. Secure the casing of the enclosure with the supplied screws.

7. Once your laptop is back in working order with another hard drive, connect the external hard drive in its enclosure by way of a USB cord. Most operating systems will immediately recognize the drive and provide you with specific instructions for working with your drive based on its particular specifications. If your operating system does not recognize the drive, install the software that comes with the enclosure, which will guide you through the installation process.

Tags: hard drive, your drive, drive enclosure, hard drive, recognize drive, static-proof slip, your laptop

Marry A Ps3 Drive Board With Your Ps3 Motherboard

Blu-ray drives are not completely interchangeable on the Sony PlayStation 3 console. Each Blu-ray drive daughterboard is only compatible with specific motherboards, which is referred to as marriage. In order to replace a Blu-ray drive, you must determine what model of Blu-ray daughterboard can be married to your console. The process is much easier if you still have access to the original Blu-ray daughterboard that shipped with your console.

Instructions

1. Check the label on the Blu-ray drive. It is located next to the green circuit board. Locate the daughterboard number on this label. The model number consists of the letters "BMD" followed by three numbers. You can marry a Blu-ray drive board with the same model number to the motherboard. You do not need to do any additional steps to determine the board marriage if you have direct access to this model number.

2. Check the label on the back of the PS3 console. Locate the serial number. Near the end of the serial number is the letters "CECH." A letter or number appears after these four letters. This letter or number is used to differentiate between different models of the PS3.

3. Use a Blu-ray board as the marriage board for a model number "BMD-001" on a "CECHA," "CECHB," "CECHC" or "CECHE" model PS3 console.

4. Use a "BMD-002," "BMD-003" or "SEM-001" Blu-ray board for a "CECHG" model PS3. The "CECHG" PS3 is the only model with multiple daughterboards that can be married to it.

5. Use a "BMD-003" Blu-ray board for a "CECHH" model PS3.

6. Use a "BMD-006" Blu-ray board for a "CECHK" model PS3.

7. Use a "BMD-021" Blu-ray board for a "CECHL" model PS3.

8. Use a "BMD-051" Blu-ray board for a "CECH20" model PS3.

Tags: Blu-ray board, Blu-ray drive, model number, Blu-ray daughterboard, board marriage, Check label, letter number

Tell Whether A System Was Regular Btx Microbtx Or Picobtx

Motherboards come in different form factors that determine the parameters of the board. The balanced technology extended form factor was developed to replace advanced technology extended. Offshoots of BTX, called microBTX and PicoBTX, were developed. You can use a few methods to determine whether a motherboard is BTX, microBTX or PicoBTX.

Instructions

1. Check the dimensions of the motherboard. The BTX measures 325 mm in width, the microBTX, 264 mm, and the PicoBTX, 203 mm.

2. Review the structural design. PicoBTX has one peripheral component interconnect socket. The microBTX has four and the standard BTX has five or more.

3. Count the number of mounting holes.Standard BTX has nine mounting holes lining the edge of the board. MicroBTX has six and PicoBTX has four. Only BTX and microBTX have a mounting hole located near the center of the board.

4. Shine a flashlight onto the motherboard and look for a sticker or silk screen with the product model or serial number printed on the surface. Go to the motherboard manufacturer's website and look up the product model or serial number to find what form factor the motherboard uses.

Tags: form factor, microBTX PicoBTX, model serial, model serial number, mounting holes, product model, product model serial

Set Up Award Modular Bios

Whenever you make repairs to a desktop computer or install upgrade components, you should configure the computer's Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) settings. Whether you are installing a new motherboard or simply adding a hard drive, you might have to configure settings not automatically detected by the BIOS. Furthermore, when installing a new motherboard, you must configure time and date settings, as well as load system default values for hardware detection and boot sequence priority. Configuring the settings and BIOS values on a motherboard with the Phoenix/Award Modular BIOS takes only minutes.

Instructions

1. Turn on the computer. As soon as you see the motherboard's initial boot or post screen, begin tapping the "Delete" key repeatedly until you see the BIOS menu screen on the display. Enter the BIOS system password if prompted.

2. Press the arrow keys on the keyboard to move the cursor to the "Standard CMOS Features" menu option. Press the "Enter" key.

3. Verify that the system time and date settings in the BIOS are correct. If you need to adjust the time and date settings, press the arrow key to go to the value that needs changed. Press the "+" and "-" keys to adjust the settings for the time or date. Press the "Esc" key after you finish changing the time and date values.

4. Scroll to the "IDE Primary Master" option field, then press the "Enter" key. Navigate to the "IDE Primary Slave," "IDE Secondary Master" and "IDE Secondary Slave" fields in sequence and press the "Enter" key for each. This action allows the system BIOS to detect IDE hard drives and optical drives installed in the computer.

5. Verify that the "Drive A" option is set to "1.44M, 3.5 in" if you have a floppy drive in the computer. Alternatively, set the value to "None" if the PC does not have a floppy drive installed.

6. Press the "Esc" key on the keyboard to return to the main BIOS setup screen.

7. Press the "F7" key to configure "Optimized Default Settings" for the motherboard automatically.

8. Press the "F10" key to save the BIOS settings and exit the configuration utility. When prompted to confirm changes to the BIOS settings, press the "Enter" key. The computer will restart automatically. Allow the computer to boot into Windows or install a new operating system.

Tags: time date, BIOS settings, date settings, press Enter, time date settings, Award Modular, floppy drive

Install Sis Files

An SIS file is an installation archive for a Symbian Operating System device. Symbian Operating System is a platform that is used on many personal cell phones and PDAs. When installing any type of software onto the mobile phone, an SIS file is automatically created on the device. So in order to install an SIS file, some sort of software will need to be installed to create it.

Instructions

1. Go to MySymbian.com. This site provides multiple downloads for all phones and PDAs which use the Symbian operating system.

2. Select your current cell phone from the list provided. This will bring up a list of available software and updates for the phone.

3. Select the software you would like on the phone and purchase it.

4. Connect the cell phone to the computer through the USB cable. The computer will detect the cell phone and launch the link software, which will allow software, contacts and images to pass from one to another. The phone will automatically install the purchased software. It will take a few moments for the installation to complete. Once the software has been installed, the SIS file will be installed as well, creating an archive of the installed program.

Tags: cell phone, phones PDAs, software will

Install A Cpu Heatsink And Fan

A heatsink's metal fins dissipate heat from the processor.

When you upgrade your computer's processor, you will most likely need to install a heatsink and fan assembly at the same time. You must take special precautions, while installing a CPU, to reduce the risk of static electricity damage, but it is a straightforward process. The entire installation will take 15 to 20 minutes, even if this is your first time opening your computer.

Instructions

1. Power down your computer and remove the power cable from the back of the case. Open your computer case by unscrewing or sliding open the cover, depending on your computer's case style.

2. Slide the heatsink fan's power connector off of the pins on the motherboard. Locate the clips or retaining caps on the sides of the heatsink. Although each heatsink manufacturer has slightly different methods for fastening the heatsink to the top of the processor, generally you need to detach the clasps or caps on each side of the heatsink. Use a twisting motion to disengage the heatsink from the thermal paste and remove the assembly from the computer.

3. Locate the CPU retaining lever on the side of the CPU socket. It looks like a small metal lever, usually in an L-shape. Push this retaining lever up. Some motherboards also require you to move the lever out at a 90-degree angle after pushing it up.

4. Pull the CPU out of the socket. Make sure that no pins are bent on the socket. Use gentle pressure to install the new CPU. Spread a small dot of thermal paste on top of the CPU if your heatsink does not have a thermal compound applied on the bottom. Return the retaining lever to its original position to lock the CPU into place.

5. Press the heatsink down on top of the CPU. Press down on the clips or retaining caps to secure the heatsink onto the motherboard. Connect the heatsink fan's power connector to the pins you removed from the original fan's power cable. Replace the case cover.

Tags: your computer, retaining lever, clips retaining, clips retaining caps, computer case

Set Up Wireless Internet For The Msi Atom N270 Netbook

Set Up Wireless Internet for the MSI Atom N270 Netbook

Several models of the MSI Wind netbook uses the Intel Atom N270 processor. This processor is a low-powered 1.6 mHZ processor used to lengthen the battery life on this netbook. The MSI Wind has a built-in wireless networking feature that allows you to connect to a wireless router or hot spot. Windows XP Home is the standard operating system on this netbook and it has a wizard for setting up the wireless networking capabilities of the computer.

Instructions

1. Look at the system tray on your MSI Wind netbook. Find the icon that looks like a computer monitor.

2. Right-click this icon and choose "View Available Wireless Networks."

3. Choose the SSID, or name of your wireless network. Choose the wireless network with the strongest signal strength if you are unsure what the SSID for your network is. Usually that will be the right network, unless you have multiple wireless networks or hotspots located very close to your computer.

4. Click "Connect." Enter the network password if you have one. Your MSI netbook will connect to the wireless network. The wireless connection system tray icon you clicked earlier will now display your connection speed, SSID, signal strength and status when you hover over it.

Tags: Atom N270, wireless network, Atom N270 Netbook, connect wireless, Internet Atom, Internet Atom N270

Install A Hard Drive On My Hp Pavilion Desktop

Install a Hard Drive on My HP Pavilion Desktop

Whether you are replacing a bad hard drive or installing a new one into your HP Pavilion desktop, the process is short and easy. Be careful around the motherboard, as any crack or damage can result in a dead computer. Also, you should first determine if your computer has the correct power supply for the type of hard drive you are installing, whether Sata or IDE.

Instructions

1. Make sure the computer is off and all the cables are unplugged from the rear of the tower.

2. Unscrew the two screws holding the side panel on your HP machine.

3. Remove the side panel and locate the hard drive, which is a big metal rectangle with power and data cables plugged into it.

4. Unplug the power and the data cables by pinching them with the thumb and index finger and pulling out.

5. Unscrew all screws surrounding the existing hard drive and remove it from your HP unit.

6. Put in the new hard drive and plug the cables you just unplugged back into the new hard drive.

7. Screw in all screws you took out and plug all cables back in.

Tags: hard drive, data cables, drive installing, Drive Pavilion, Drive Pavilion Desktop, hard drive, hard drive installing

Make A Motherboard Last Longer

You can make a motherboard last longer by following a few essential rules. A motherboard is a very sophisticated, and yet very delicate piece of equipment. It contains a large number of capacitors and transistors, as well as the all-important CPU. These components need to work together under optimal conditions to have a long life. By performing regular maintenance on your motherboard as well as following a few best practices, you may not have to replace your motherboard before you are ready for a new computer.

Instructions

1. Shut Windows down properly each time you use it by clicking "Start" and then selecting "Shut Down."

2. Remove excess dust from the motherboard of your desktop computer on a regular basis. Shut the computer down, unplug the power cord, and discharge any static electricity that you may have built up in your fingers by touching a metal object outside of your computer's components. Follow the instructions in your computer's support documents to remove the frame. Use the can of compressed air to remove loose dust by blowing in gentle arcs. Gently rub the cotton swab on stubborn dust composites around the motherboard and then blow the dust away with the can of compressed air. Carefully screw the frame back together.

3. Fit your computer with a surge protector. Plug the surge protector into the wall outlet that your computer is currently plugged into, and then plug the computer into the surge protector.

Tags: your computer, surge protector, your motherboard

Hp Laptop Motherboard Specs

HP laptop motherboards offer powerful computing.

The popular Hewlett-Packard G62 series of laptop computers consists of more than 50 models that offer powerful performance and a strong line of features. The HP G62 series offers an integrated web camera and powerful Intel processor, and weighs less than six pounds. A 15-inch LED display monitor features HP Brightview technology that provides vibrant colors. At the heart of the HP G62 is a motherboard with impressive specifications capable of handling the needs of even the most advanced users.

Processor

The HP G62 motherboard can support the Intel Arrandale i3, i5 and i7 dual-core processors, providing users with processing power to meet virtually any needs.

Chipset

The HP G62 motherboard is built around the Intel HM55 Express chipset.

Graphics

High-quality graphics performance is accomplished using the Intel HD Graphics Media Accelerator and the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5470 graphics card.

Memory

The motherboard has two upgradeable SO-DIMM memory slots that use DDR3 1066 MHz dual-channel memory. The memory slots are customer accessible. The HP G62 motherboard supports up to eight gigabytes of total system memory when configured with one, four-gigabyte memory module in each memory socket.

Hard Drive

The motherboard supports SATA interface hard disk drives with capacities of 160 gigabytes to 750 gigabytes. The hard drive is user accessible.

Optical Drives

The HP G62 system board supports SATA interface optical drives including DVD and Blu-ray devices.

Modem

A 56K V.92 data/fax MDC modem is built into the HP G62 motherboard, providing users with dial-up connectivity capabilities.

Network Connections

An on-board 10/100 Ethernet port and integrated wireless connectivity are built into the motherboard, allowing users to easily connect to cabled or wireless networks.

Ports

The HP G62 motherboard is equipped with integrated audio-in and audio-out ports, three USB ports, a VGA port for an external monitor and one high-definition multimedia (HDMI) port. Multiple peripheral devices can be connected to the laptop through these ports.

Tags: built into, built into motherboard, into motherboard, memory slots, motherboard supports, offer powerful

Overclock An Amd Athlon 64 X2 6400+ With Dual Core Processor

Overclock your AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+ to raise its operating speed.

AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+ processors are dual-core CPUs used in many desktop and laptop computers. A processor functions as a PC's brain, performing many operations per second that help the computer run. The speed of the CPU's operations determine the PC's power. Overclocking pushes the AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+'s speed past the normal factory defaults. Overclocking is used to get the most out of a CPU and to enable the computer to run processor-intensive tasks.

Instructions

1. Boot the computer holding the AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+. During boot, press the "F11," "F8" or whichever key is prompted to enter the setup or BIOS menu. Enter the "External Bus" portion of the menu.

2. Highlight the number in the "Front Bus Speed" field. Press "Enter" or the up arrow key to increase the value one level. This determines the operating speed of the AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+.

3. Enter the "CPU Core" field. Highlight the number in the "Front Bus Speed" field. Press "Enter" or the up arrow key to increase the value one level. This determines the frequency of the AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+'s front bus.

4. Exit the setup menu. Completely boot up the PC. The AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+ is now overclocked.

Tags: Athlon 6400, arrow increase, arrow increase value, Enter arrow, Enter arrow increase, field Press

Identify Your Computer Motherboard

Motherboard manufacture and model information is required to perform some hardware and driver upgrades. But many manufacturers do not list model numbers on their motherboards, or the information is not easily accessible. Generally, there are two ways to identify the motherboard. You can reboot your computer. The boot screen will often (but not always) display the motherboard name and model. Or you can download freeware that will locate and display the information.

Instructions

Using BIOS information

1. In windows XP/Vista, click the "Start," button, then "Turn of Computer," then "Restart. The screen will go blank for a few seconds.

2. Text lines will appear when the computer restarts. When they do, immediately press the "Pause" button on your keyboard to freeze the screen.

3. Write down the information: The top line should be the motherboard model. You might also see the manufacture logo on the top (e.g., MSI on the image shown here).

4. Press any button on the keyboard to resume computer restart.

Using Hwinfo32 freeware

5. Navigate to the Hwinfo32 Web site at http://fileforum.betanews.com/download/HWiNFO32_Portable-ZIP/950009060/2. Click "Download Now" and a zip file will download to your computer.

6. Navigate to the zip file using Windows Explorer.

7. Right-click on the zip file. Select "Extract all," then "Extract." It should create a subdirectory and extract the content of the zip file there.

8. Navigate to the subdirectory, double-click on "hwinfo32.exe," then "Run." It takes 10 to 20 seconds to gather system information and open the program window.

9. Click on "Motherboard" on the left and read the motherboard information on the right panel.

Tags: screen will

Install New Ati Radeon Drivers

Graphics cards can make a nice first upgrade to any PC.

ATI Radeon are graphics cards produced by AMD, a popular computer parts manufacturer. The Radeons are sold in different models to suit your computer and individual needs. During the installation process of the new card, drivers are installed. It always helps, though, to check for updates to these drivers to keep your graphics card running optimally. Sometimes you will be prompted with updates automatically through Windows, but you can always check for the most recent update online yourself.

Instructions

1. Get the name and model of your graphics card from the Windows Device Manager. It can be found under "Display adapters" on the Device Manager list.

2. Open your web browser and navigate to the AMD official web site. Click "Support and Drivers" at the top of the page. Click "Download graphics drivers" under "Download Drivers" on the page. Click on the correct information for your computer, click "Go" and download the appropriate file.

3. Run the downloaded file. Follow any instructions to install the driver on your computer. A reboot may be needed to complete the installation.

Tags: your computer, Device Manager, Drivers page, Drivers page Click, graphics card, page Click, your graphics

Install A Radeon 9600 Pro Graphics Card

Install a Radeon 9600 PRO Graphics Card

The Radeon 9600 PRO is a high-powered video card created for playing resource-demanding multimedia files and video games. The Radeon 9600 PRO's features include pixel shading, high-resolution video support and quad-channel DDR memory totaling 256 MB. Installing the Radeon 9600 PRO requires that you have an AGP-compatible slot and a power supply of at least 300 watts. An AGP slot is designed specifically for video cards.

Instructions

1. Turn off your computer. To prevent electrical damage or shock, remove the power cable from the wall.

2. Ground yourself. Before touching any internal hardware, you should ground yourself to remove static electricity. You can do this by either touching something metal before touching the hardware or by using an anti-static wristband, which you can purchase at an electronics store. Avoid installing the hardware on static-prone surfaces such as carpet or rugs.

3. Open the computer case. Depending on your computer model, you will need to either unscrew the side panel or slide it open using the release levers.

4. Locate the AGP slot on the motherboard. Generally, it will be toward the back or side of the computer, protruding from the motherboard. If you can't find it, refer to your computer manual.

5. Insert the Radeon 9600 PRO into the AGP slot. The metal brace connected to the video card should slide into the back of the computer case. In some cases, you may have to remove the temporary metal brace from your computer case to make a free slot. Make sure the video card fits snugly into the AGP slot and screws securely into the computer case.

6. Close the computer case and replace the side panel.

7. Reconnect the power cable to the wall and turn the computer on.

8. Install the drivers. A driver CD comes with the Radeon 9600 PRO, and you must install the drivers for the video card to work properly. Insert the CD into your computer and follow the prompts to install the video card. You may need to reboot after the installation. If you do not have the driver CD, you can download the drivers from the Radeon manufacturer's website (see Resources).

Tags: Radeon 9600, computer case, video card, your computer, 9600 Graphics

Setup & Install An Agp Graphics Card

Upgrading to AGP for better performance

Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) cards are a popular video-card format. AGP cards are not only faster than their closest rival, PCI cards, but offer overall better performance, reports HelpwithPCs.com, a website dedicated to personal computer technology. Most new motherboards come standard with AGP slots; however, some older motherboards may only come with the basic PCI slots. AGP card installations are a fairly simple process as long as no compatibility issues arise.

Instructions

1. Power off your computer and unplug the power supply cable form the wall. Unplug any monitor or video cables also connected to the computer. Locate the screws on your computer's removable panel, or if you have a tool-less case, look for the release levers. Remove the computer panel to expose the internal hardware. Ground any static electricity by touching something metal before installing the card. Avoid doing the installation on any kind of abrasive surface such as carpet.

2. Locate the AGP slot on your motherboard. AGP slots are darker in color than PCI slots in most cases. It should be a dark grey slot connected to the motherboard, located towards the back of the computer case. If you have an AGP slot that you are replacing, or a PCI slot card, remove the card by unscrewing the mounting brackets and gently pulling the card out.

3. Insert the new AGP video card into the AGP slot. Screw the mounting bracket into the case to secure the card. You may have to push out one of the metal clip place holders on your computer case if you are using a new slot. Once you secure the card, push any wires or cables back into the case and put the side panel back on. Screw the side panel back on or lock it into place. Reconnect the power cable to the wall and plug in any video or monitor cables into the back of your new video card.

4. Power on the computer and let it load on your desktop. Since you are installing a new video card, the resolution may initially look poor until you install the drivers. Insert the driver or software CD that came with your AGP video card. Follow the steps until the installation wizard is completed. When you have received notification of a successful installation, you will generally have to restart your computer to see the changes.

Tags: video card, your computer, your video card, better performance, computer case, into case

Laptops Asus Vtx5 Vs Asus Vta1

The Asus Vt-X5 and Asus Vt-A1 refer to the Asus G50Vt-X5 and Asus UL30Vt-A1, two laptop PCs from Taiwanese computer product manufacturer AsusTeK Computer Inc. Although they belong to the same mid-range laptop series, the Vt-X5 was released after the Vt-A1. Each Asus laptop has certain advantages over the other, leaving customers to choose which computer better suits their needs.

Operating System. Processor and Memory

The Asus G50Vt-X5 is runs the Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium operating system. The UL30Vt-A1 runs its immediate successor, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium. Both laptops have an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, although the Vt-X5 uses the 2.53 GHz P8700 and the Vt-A1 relies on the ultra-low voltage 1.3 GHz SU7300. Both computers com with 4 GB of RAM pre-installed.

Storage and Multimedia

Although the hard drive of the G50Vt-X5 and UL30Vt-A1 is attached to the Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) interface and spins at 5,400 revolutions per minute, the former offers 320 GB of space while the latter surpasses it with 500 GB. The optical drive is a CD/DVD player and recorder, and the computers' video and graphics primarily come from a 512MB Nvidia graphics processing unit. A webcam is built into the top section of each computer's bezel, with 2 megapixels for the Vt-X5 and 0.3 megapixels for the Vt-A1.

Networking

A barely-used feature of laptops, the 56-Kbps modem, is included on the G50Vt-X5 but omitted from the UL30Vt-A1. Both computers have an Ethernet connection for wired networking; and both have a wireless network adapter and Bluetooth 2.1 + Enhanced Data Rate technology for wireless networking. The Ethernet can achieve up to 1 Gbps in data transfer on the Vt-X5, while the peak speed on the Vt-A1 is 100 Mbps. However, the Vt-X5 has an IEEE 802.11n compliance, while wireless compliance of the Vt-A1 extends to the IEEE 802.11b/g/n trio of standards.

Display and Power

Each G50Vt-X5 has a 15.4-inch widescreen, which offers resolution of 1,680 x 1,050 pixels. By contrast, the UL30Vt-A1 has a smaller 13.3-inch widescreen and lower display quality of 1,366 x 768 pixels. The Vt-A1, however, has an 8-cell, 5,600-milliampere-hour lithium-ion battery, which provides 12 hours of battery life, according to Asus. a longer period of operation than the Vt-X5's 6-cell, 4,800-mAh battery.

Tags: Asus G50Vt-X5, Both computers, Home Premium, Microsoft Windows

Install An Ethernet Controller Driver For Vista 32bit

Ethernet controllers need drivers to work properly.

Windows Vista makes it surprisingly easy to download and install Ethernet controller drivers. Older versions of Windows require driver disks and manual setup, but Vista 32-bit edition automatically detects and installs new drivers. If the drivers are not automatically added to your system following Ethernet controller installation, you can still run diagnostic checks to determine which drivers are needed and install them.

Instructions

Automatic Installation

1. Install the Ethernet controller. A USB controller is plugged into an open USB port, while internal hardware requires opening up your PC for internal installation.

2. Turn on your computer. With the Ethernet controller installed, Vista 32-bit should automatically detect the new hardware. Once detected, your computer will attempt to locate drivers in Vista's library or will connect to the Internet to download drivers.

3. Click the prompt in the lower right-hand corner that lets you know when the drivers are installed and the device is ready to use. If no prompt appears, you can use additional Vista tools for drivers not found during the automatic check.

Windows Update

4. Click on the Windows "Start" button.

5. Click "All Programs" and select "Windows Update" from the list of programs.

6. Click "Check for Updates." This will start a search for updates, including drivers for new hardware on your PC.

7. Click on any driver updates listed and select "Install."

Device Manager

8. Click the Start button and select "Control Panel."

9. Click "System and Maintenance" and select "Device Manager."

10. Click on "Ethernet Controllers" to expand the list of devices and right-click on the Ethernet controller that needs drivers.

11. Click "Properties," then click the "Driver" tab.

12. Click "Update Driver." This will begin a search for driver files, specifically tailored toward outdated or missing drivers for your Ethernet controller.

Tags: Ethernet controller, Device Manager, Device Manager Click, drivers Click, Ethernet controller, Manager Click, Start button

Install A Motherboard On A Dell E521

You must first dismantle your Dell Dimension to remove the motherboard.

The motherboard on your Dell Dimension desktop is its most important component. All hardware, chips and external peripheral devices connect to your computer through the motherboard. In most cases, a motherboard should be replaced if you want to perform significant hardware upgrades to an outdated computer or if the motherboard is completely dead. Although it is possible to replace the motherboard yourself, wrongly diagnosing or installing a replacement motherboard can render your computer completely useless.

Instructions

1. Turn off your computer, unplug the main power cable and all external devices from the desktop. Position the computer so the back panel is facing you. Lay the computer horizontally on its right side.

2. Pull back on the release lever located on the back panel. This releases the left-side access panel. Lift the panel off of the computer to reveal the internal components. Attach an electrostatic discharge (ESD) strap to your wrist before dismantling the computer. This both discharges static electricity from your body and protects your computer's components from serious electrical damage.

3. Locate the four memory modules attached to the center of the motherboard. Spread apart the spring-loaded retention clips on each side of every memory module. This ejects each module from its respective socket. Remove the modules from the motherboard and store them in static-free plastic bags.

4. Release the clip securing the hinged retention door on the computer's back panel. This secures each PCI card to its slot. Rotate the clip so it is in the upright position. Pull each PCI card out of its individual motherboard slot.

5. Disconnect the data and power cables extending from the storage drives mounted on the front panel to their connectors on the motherboard.

6. Unplug the two DC power cables extending from the power supply mounted to the back panel to the motherboard. Remove the Phillips-head screws mounting the power supply to the back panel and release the supply's retention clip. Lift the power supply unit out of the computer and set it aside.

7. Use a thin flat-head screwdriver to disengage the retention tabs on either side of the processor cooling fan. Disconnect the fan's power cable from the motherboard, remove the fan's single Phillips screw and lift the fan out of the computer to reveal the processor chip.

8. Lift straight up on the processor's retention lever and lift the processor out of its socket. Disconnect all remaining cables from the motherboard assembly. Unscrew the remaining six Phillips-head screws from the motherboard and lift the unit out of the computer.

9. Reverse this procedure to install your replacement motherboard.

Tags: back panel, from motherboard, your computer, power supply, back panel This, cables extending, cables extending from

Reinstall A Sound Card For Windows Xp

A sound card is an audio processing device that plugs into a computer's motherboard, processes digital audio data and translates it into signals that are turned into audible sound by speakers. Most sound cards also allow for sound input through a microphone. If you installed a new sound card that caused your audio to stop working, you may have to reinstall your old card to get sound back until you can find a working upgrade.

Instructions

1. Uninstall the drivers powering the malfunctioning sound card. To do this, go to the Start menu, open the Control Panel then open the Device Manager. Under the device Manager, find "Sound, video and game controllers" and locate the sound card that you want to replace with your original card. Right click on the device, then click "Properties." Click on the "Driver" tab, and then click "Uninstall (advanced)."

2. Turn off the computer and unplug all cords.

3. Open the computer case with your screwdriver.

4. Uninstall the malfunctioning sound card. Grip the card firmly at both ends with your thumb and forefinger and pull it straight back with as much force as needed to free it. You may have to undo a screw near the back of the case before attempting to pull it out.

5. Reinstall the original sound card. Do the reverse of step 4, aligning the card to the slot, and pushing down with even, firm pressure.

6. Close the case and reconnect cords.

7. Turn on the computer.

8. Install the drivers for the reinstalled sound card. If you have a CD with drivers for Windows XP, use that; if not, download drivers from the card's manufacturer. Once driver installation is complete, restart your computer. As it restarts, you should notice that the sound has been restored.

Tags: sound card, with your, card that, malfunctioning sound, malfunctioning sound card

Set Agp Aperture Size

When manufacturers first introduced the AGP video card interface, memory was expensive. Because of this, video cards shipped with less RAM than newer PCI-X models. To provide better performance with AGP video cards, many motherboard manufacturers included AGP aperture settings in the system BIOS. This allows users to allocate system RAM to video cards when running memory-intensive 3D games or applications. Generally speaking, the more memory an AGP video card has, the lower the aperture setting. Setting the aperture size in the BIOS is relatively simple and the process is about the same with all motherboards that support the feature.

Instructions

1. Shut down the computer and restart it. As soon as you see the computer manufacturer logo or initial boot screen, press the "Delete," "F1," or other designated key for entering the system BIOS menu. Many computers display the key used to enter the BIOS or "System Setup" menu during the boot process. If you are unsure which key you need to press to enter the BIOS, refer to the user guide or manual for your system or motherboard.

2. Use the arrow keys on the keyboard to move the cursor to the "Advanced," "Advanced Features," "Advanced Chipset" or other similarly named menu heading, and then press the "Enter" key. Alternatively, if your BIOS supports use of a mouse, click the appropriate menu heading.

3. Scroll down to the "AGP Settings," "Graphics Settings" or "Video Settings" header. Position the mouse over the "AGP Aperture" value, then press the "Enter" key. Some motherboard BIOS menus have an "AGP Aperture" setting on the first page of the "Advanced Settings" menu. While manufactures place the setting in different parts of the menu, the "AGP Aperture" value should be somewhere on the "Advanced Settings" or similarly named menu page.

4. Press the "Enter" key after you highlight the "AGP Aperture" value. Use the down-arrow key to select the amount of physical RAM memory you want to allocate to the AGP video card. Values for the setting vary by motherboard. However, most motherboards allow you to select between 64MB, 128MB and 256MB of memory for the setting. Generally speaking, you should choose the lowest value as long as you are not experiencing video card memory issues. A good rule thumb for the setting is as follows:

If your video card has 32MB or less of memory, select the 256MB AGP Aperture setting.

If the AGP video card has between 64MB and 256MB of on-board memory, select the 128MB setting.

If the card has more than 256MB of video memory, set the AGP Aperture setting to 64MB.

Tags: video card, Aperture setting, Aperture value, video cards, Advanced Settings, between 64MB

Manage Computer Memory And Cpu Use

If you experience your computer running slowly or programs crashing, the culprit could be the amount of memory and processing usage that your computer is using. Programs, processes and services all use memory and resources. Programs hogging your system resources can affect other parts of your computer. However, you can improve your computer's performance and properly manage memory and CPU usage.

Instructions

1. Monitor your computer memory and CPU usage using the Task Manager. Access the Task Manager by holding down the "CTRL," "ALT" and "DEL" keys. Select "Start Task Manager" from the list. The Windows Task Manager pane is displayed.

2. Click the "Performance" tab. The CPU Usage graph on the top left displays the percentage of CPU usage and the Memory graph on the bottom left indicates memory usage. Make a note of these usage levels and click the "Processes" tab.

3. Sort the processes by clicking the "User Name" tab. Unless there are multiple user accounts logged onto your computer, the only processes listed are those with your user name and "System." Don't end the processes that are labeled "System" as they are often essential services that the operating system utilizes.

4. Navigate to "Start" and type "msconfig" into the search box. If you're using a non-administrator account, the User Account Control dialog may prompt you to type an administrator password. If so, type an administrator password and click "Yes." The System Configuration window appears.

5. Click the "Startup" tab. System Configuration subsequently displays a list of non-Microsoft processes and programs that automatically start up when your computer boots. If you've never accessed the System Configuration utility before, you will probably see many different programs listed.

6. Uncheck the boxes next to programs that you don't recognize, have previously uninstalled or don't want running when your computer starts up. In most cases, you can safely uncheck all of the programs in this list. The only exceptions are for anti-virus software and network utilities that must run in the background. After unchecking the selected startup items, click "Apply" and "OK." Click "Restart Later."

7. Perform routine maintenance tasks on your computer using the Windows Disk Cleanup and Windows Disk Defragmenter tools by clicking "Start," "All Programs," "Accessories" and the "System Tools" folder. The programs within the System Tools folder can clean up temporary files, defragment your hard drive for better data access and empty your Recycle Bin.

8. Navigate to "Start" then "Control Panel." The Control Panel is displayed. Display the Icon View by selecting "Small icons" from the drop-down menu in the upper-right corner. Select "Performance Information and Tools." The Performance Information and Tools dialog is displayed. Click "Adjust Visual Effects" from the left side panel. The Performance Options dialog is displayed. Select the "Adjust for Best Performance" radio button to remove the visual effects from Windows. Windows visual effects require a lot of processing power and memory so reducing those should boost your computer's performance. Click "OK" when done.

Tags: your computer, Task Manager, memory usage, System Configuration, administrator password, computer performance, computer using

Fix This Error Unrecognized Memory Module Detected

Each type of memory module has a different set of notches in the bottom.

Memory modules, also known as RAM modules or RAM sticks, are the "working memory" of a computer system. You can find memory modules in the computer's motherboard. However, only certain modules are compatible with a given motherboard. Several factors determine compatibility. These factors include the amount of memory the module contains, the speed of the memory, the type of the memory module and even the brand of the memory module. Sometimes it's as simple as an improper installation. If a computer throws an unrecognized memory module error, following these troubleshooting steps will help you resolve the problem.

Instructions

1. Shut down the computer.

2. Open the computer's case according to the manufacturer's instructions.

3. Locate the memory module or modules. They are usually made of green plastic, about 1 inch wide and 5 inches long, with black chips on one or both sides. They will be perpendicular to the motherboard.

4. Pull out all the memory modules.

5. Reinsert a single module.

6. Turn on the computer. If the error does not repeat, turn off the computer, reinsert another module, and turn the computer on. If the error repeats, the last memory module you inserted is the problem. This module may be damaged, defective or simply incompatible with the motherboard.

Tags: memory module, memory module, computer error, type memory, type memory module

Replace An E6320 With A Q6600

The CPU determines the basic speed of the computer.

Upgrading the processor in a computer can make a big improvement in nearly everything the system does, from boot time to crunching numbers, browsing the Internet or playing games. Replace an Intel Core 2 Duo E6320 with a Q6600 Quad Core processor for an improvement in both speed and efficiency. The E6320 is a dual-core chip running at 1.86 GHz, while the Q6600 is a quad-core chip running at 2.4 GHz. This gives the processor the ability to run twice as many processes per clock cycle, and also gives it nearly 50 percent more speed for processing information.

Instructions

1. Power down the computer and remove the power cord from the power supply on the back of the computer.

2. Connect the clip end of the anti-static wrist strap to the computer case and attach the other end to one wrist.

3. Open the case and disconnect the power lead for the CPU fan from the motherboard. Push down on the movable side of the heat sink bracket to disconnect it from the plastic tab on the CPU socket. Release the other side of the heat sink bracket and remove the heat sink and fan from the CPU.

4. Lift the CPU retaining lever on the side of the CPU socket to a vertical position. Lift the load plate that holds the CPU in place to a vertical position. Grasp the E6320 CPU with fingers on the outer edge of the chip and slowly pull it out of the socket, placing it onto a protective foam or into a protective container of some kind to prevent damage to the pins.

5. Insert the Q6600 CPU into the socket by aligning the triangular indicator on one corner of the chip with the matching indicator on the socket so that Pin 1 on the chip matches Pin 1 on the socket. Gently set the CPU into place. Place the load plate down onto the CPU.

6. Lower the locking lever into place to secure the CPU in the socket. Place a layer of thermal heat sink compound onto the bottom of the heat sink if there is none on it already. Lower the heat sink squarely onto the CPU and attach the retaining clamps to secure the heat sink to the CPU. Attach the power connector for the cooling fan to the motherboard port labeled "CPU FAN."

Tags: heat sink, chip running, E6320 with, heat sink bracket, into place, load plate, side heat

Install An Ati Radeon Video Card

ATI Radeon video cards are high end dedicated graphics cards produced by AMD (Advanced Micro Devices). ATI Radeon cards are used primarily for computer gaming and playing HD video, as many cards have HDMI and DVI ports to connect to HDTVs. To install an ATI Radeon card, a computer must have a PCI express slot, and the appropriate power connector for the card.

Instructions

1. Turn off the computer and unplug all the cords.

2. Open the case by unscrewing the screws along the right hand side of the back of the case. This will release the side panel covering the motherboard.

3. Locate a PCI express slot. This slot is longer than the other expansion slots (PCI and AGP slots), and is usually located highest up on the motherboard, above the PCI slots. Some motherboards have two PCI express slots.

4. Take off the slot cover. Each unused expansion bay on your computer will likely be covered by a metal cover which is mounted in place by a screw just inside the computer from the back of the case. Take out this screw to remove the cover.

5. Install the card. Align the card in the PCI express slot, making sure it is square with the slot, then push it in applying pressure to either side of the card, so it pushes in with uniform force. The card should pop into position and line up flush with the back of the case. You can screw the slot cover screw back in to secure the card.

6. Attach the card's power cord, if necessary. Some of most powerful video cards require a special PCI express power cord to be connected to it from the power supply.

7. Close the case, plug the cords back in and power on the computer.

8. Insert the driver CD into your CD drive and install the drivers appropriate for your operating system. ATI Radeon cards should come with a driver installation CD. You can also download driver's from AMD's website.

9. Restart your computer.

Tags: back case, express slot, have express, power cord, Radeon cards, slot cover, video cards

What Are The Causes Of A Blown Capacitor On A Mother Board

Shaped like little tin cans, a capacitor stores power until its needed.

A critical component of a motherboard is the capacitor. Designed to gather and store a charge of electricity until needed, capacitors condition and maintain an even flow of energy from the power supply to the other components of the motherboard. Troubleshooting a blown capacitor is a matter of just looking at it or the area around it. If the capacitor is bulging or leaking, it is blown. A number of reasons exist for a blown capacitor.

The Capacitor is Defective.

Low quality or defective capacitors cause motherboard issues. In the early 2000s a series of motherboards began to fail due to faulty capacitors. One company in particular, Abit, admitted to using capacitors with faulty construction. After a certain age, the chemicals in the capacitor caused it to blow and ruin the motherboard.

The Power Supply is Defective.

A defective power supply can cause a capacitor to blow. Capacitors are rated only to a certain voltage. A faulty power supply that delivers voltage exceeding that of the capacitors on the motherboard causes failures of these components.

Surge Protector or UPS Failure.

A faulty surge protector or UPS permits unconditioned electricity to travel from the outlet to the computer. A surge due to a lightning strike or problem from the source can blow out capacitors if the surge protector or UPS is defective.

Overheating

Lack of cooling in the computer case can cause capacitor failures. An over-clocked CPU or broken cooling fans accumulate heat within the case. Consistently high temperatures boil the chemicals within the capacitor and cause them to leak out onto the motherboard.

Tags: power supply, blown capacitor, cause capacitor, until needed

Pentium D Dual Core Vs Pentium Core 2 Duo

The microprocessor is a crucial component of your computer.

The Pentium D Dual Cores and the Core 2 Duo processors are 64-bit, dual-core microprocessors from Intel, with some of each made for laptops and others for desktops. Intel produced 14 D Dual Core processors and 24 Core 2 Duo processors.

Speeds

The front-side bus speed of the D Dual Cores range from 533 megahertz (MHz) to 800 MHz; the Core 2 Duo speeds range from 800 MHz to 1333 MHz. D Dual Cores range from 2.66 gigahertz (GHz) to 3.6 GHz in processing speed, and the Core 2 Duos range from 1.8 GHz to 3.33 GHz.

Power

The maximum power draw of the D Dual Cores is 95 watts to 130 watts, and each of the Core 2 Duos draw 65 watts. Some D Dual Cores have 65 nanometer (nm) technology, and others have 90 nm, while the Core 2 Duos are 45 nm- and 65 nm. The D Dual Cores are intended for PLGA775 socket types, as are some Core 2 Duos. Others are intended for the LGA775 socket type.

Cache

Some of both processor types use Intel virtualization technology, which offers increased security and hardware efficiency. They all have two cores and two threads. The D Dual Cores have two megabytes (MB) or four MB of cache, and the Core 2 Duos have 2 MB, 3 MB, 4 MB or 6 MB of cache.

Tags: Dual Cores, Core Duos, range from, Core processors, Cores have

Sell A Psp

Whether you have upgraded to a newer model or no longer play games on the console, you can sell your PSP to a new owner, either online through a sales website or offline at a store that specializes in used games on consoles. Before you can sell your PSP, you must prepare it for sale by taking stock of the console so that you know the appropriate price to sell it for, and so buyers know exactly what PSP they are receiving from you.

Instructions

Setting Your Value

1. Turn over your PSP so you can see the bottom edge. Along the right side of the console is a barcode and a series of alphanumeric digits.

2. Copy down the last four of the alphanumeric series, falling after the letters "PSP." The first digit will either be a 1, 2 or a 3. This is the model number of your PSP.

3. Set a starting price for your PSP. As of November 2010, the average price of a used PSP 1000 is $100, and $120 for a PSP 2000 or 3000

4. Turn on your PSP. Press each button and use both the analog stick and directional pad. Write down any problems you have, such as the "X" button becoming stuck when pushed.

5. Move your finger lightly over the entirety of the PSP screen. Look for any points where the color is different than it should be, or where no light is being emitted. These areas are referred to as "dead pixels."

6. Write down the color of the PSP and any insignias that denote a special edition, such as Darth Vader on the Star Wars edition, or the purple Hannah Montana edition.

7. Reduce your price based on any damage to your system. Take off $5 to $10 for cosmetic damage and $20 to $30 for screen or hardware damage.

8. Bundle your PSP and its power cable together and place it in a resealable bag. Do not sell the PSP without the cable, as buyers will have no way of charging the internal battery.

Prepping the PSP for Sale

9. Open the back flap of the PSP and remove any games inside the console.

10. Remove your Memory Stick Pro Duo from the slot on the left side of the console.

11. Turn on the PSP. Scroll to "Account Management" and press "X.""Scroll down to "System Activation" and press "X."

12. Highlight "Game" and press "X." Select "Deactivate System" and press "X." Confirm the deactivation. This prevents other users from accessing your content.

Online Sale

13. Go to a website such as Amazon, eBay, or Dawdle. Type in the model number of the PSP you are looking to sell, to see a price range of other sellers.

14. List your PSP on the website for a price no more than $10 above the average seller.

15. Include all of the information you acquired when setting the console's value, including special edition information and any damage to the console.

Used Game Store Sale

16. Bring your PSP and the power cable to an electronics or gaming store that accepts used consoles. The clerk will test your console to make sure that it works.

17.Ask the clerk for the price he is willing to give you for the console. Often the price will be one value for store credit, and a lesser value if you request cash.

18. Inquire about trade-in deals, such as additional money for games or accessories for the PSP.

19. Accept the offer if it is in line with what you could sell the console for online.

Tags: model number, power cable, sell your, side console, special edition

Install A Digital Video Monitor

Connect a digital monitor to your computer system.

A digital video monitor connects to your computer system through a digital cable connection (or DVI). This is a cable connection updated from the older VGA option. DVI provides higher image resolution and is desirable if you are looking to view high definition video on your computer monitor. However, to use the digital video monitor on your computer you must have a DVI connection port on the system itself.

Instructions

1. Look on the rear of your computer for a DVI cable connection port. This port is roughly an inch wide and is made up of a series of square pegs. To the side of the square pegs is a cross-like shaped image.

2. Connect the DVI cable to the DVI port on your computer. If you don't have a DVI port installed it is possible to purchase an upgraded video card for the system and internally install it.

3. Hand tighten the screws along each side of the DVI cable. This secures the cable connection and ensures it does not fall out of place while in use.

4. Insert the opposite end of the cable into the DVI port on the rear of the monitor. As with the opposite end, hand tighten the screws along the sides of the cable.

5. Power on both the computer and the monitor. The monitor now receives the digital video feed through the DVI cable

Tags: your computer, cable connection, your computer system, computer monitor, computer system, connection port

Troubleshoot The A7n8x

If your computer is experiencing problems, the root cause may lie with your motherboard. Generally, problems occur with the Asus A7N8X motherboard when the BIOS file is corrupted due to a virus or user error. Fortunately, to fix any problem that is occurring, all you need to do is update the BIOS file -- this process will replace and repair any missing files.

Instructions

1. Go to support.asus.com and type in A7N8X in the search box. Click the "Search" button, indicated by a magnifying glass icon.

2. Click "Download" beneath "A7N8X."

3. Select your operating system from the drop-down menu.

4. Click the "+" icon next to "BIOS." A new list will appear of all the BIOSs available for you A7N8X. Click "Global DLM" to download it to your computer.

5. Right-click the downloaded file and select "Extract." Wait for the file to be completely extracted -- this should only take a few seconds. Note the name of the BIN file (including extension).

6. Copy the BIN file to either a CD or a floppy disk.

7. Restart your computer with the CD or floppy disk still in the proper drive. Hold down "F2" and "Alt" to bring up the BIOS screen.

8. Type in the name of your BIN file. Press "Enter." A prompt will ask you if you want to save the previous BIOS file. Press "Y" to save the file.

9. Name the old BIOS file, then press "Y" again. Press "Y" at the next prompt, then press "Enter" to begin updating your A7N8X BIOS.

10. Restart your computer when the BIOS is finished updating.

Tags: BIOS file, your computer, file Press, floppy disk, Restart your

Install A Different Operating System On My Computer

In order to use the programs and applications stored on your computer, even to just boot up your computer, you must have an operating system installed. If you would like to install a different operating system on your computer, you must do so while the original operating system is still installed, so that you have access to all of the components necessary for the new system's installation. You can install the operating system as a secondary system and run the new operating system alongside the old system.

Instructions

1. Create a backup of all the files and programs on the computer's hard drive. To backup the files and programs, plug in an external hard drive, open the drive window and drag and drop the files and programs that you want to copy onto the drive, or burn the files and program to DVD-R using any standard disc-burning application.

2. Switch the order in which the drives of your computer boot. To do this, click the key listed on the boot screen (usually "Enter" or "Delete") during the boot process to be taken to the BIOS screen.

3. Click on the "Boot Order" option in the menu and click "Boot Device Priority." Follow the instructions provided in the window to move the "CDROM" drive to the top of the boot list.

4. Place the installation disc for the operating system that is already installed on the computer into the CD drive. Go to the "Start" menu and click "Restart." When the computer asks whether you want to boot to the "CDROM," click "Yes."

5. Return to the "Start" menu and right-click "My Computer" or "Computer." Click "Manage." Select the "Disk Management" option in the left pane.

6. Right-click the unnamed drive that appears in the right pane along with the other drives on the computer. Click "New Partition" and enter 4GB or more when prompted to enter a size for the partition. Follow the screens to finish adding the partition to the drive.

7. Replace the CD for the original operating system with the installation disc for the operating system that you want to install. Go to "Start" and choose "Restart" to reboot the computer. Once again, click "Yes" when asked if you want to boot to the "CDROM."

8. Follow the installation screen to install the operating system onto your computer. When given the option to select a partition to store the operating system on, choose the partition that you created. Restart the computer when prompted at the end of the installation process.

Tags: operating system, your computer, files programs, backup files, backup files programs