Replace A Cpu Fan With A Case Fan

A replacement heatsink with a fan mounted on top.

The CPU fan sits on top of the heatsink to help dissipate heat from the CPU. On many CPUs the CPU fan and heatsink are combined into a single unit. In order to use a case fan in the place for a CPU fan, you need to install a replacement heatsink as well. Also, the replacement heatsink must be large enough to accommodate a case fan, which is often larger than a CPU fan.

Instructions

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

2. Disconnect the CPU fan from the motherboard. This is a small rectangular, white connector located near one of the corners of the CPU fan. Refer to the motherboard user manual for specific location.

3. Unclip or unscrew the CPU fan from the motherboard. The screws/clips are in the four corners of the CPU fan. Both the fan and heatsink will come off the motherboard together.

4. Screw or clip the new heatsink onto the motherboard. Some heatsinks require you to install retaining clips onto the motherboard first, which may require unscrewing the motherboard from the case. If this is the case, disconnect all the wires, then unscrew it from the case.

5. Place the case fan on top of the heatsink and clip it in. The heatsink will come with clips for the fan.

6. Connect the fan to the motherboard, then close the case.

Tags: replacement heatsink, clip heatsink, from case, from motherboard, heatsink will, heatsink will come, onto motherboard

Know If A Computer Is Compatible With A Graphics Card

Sometimes your computer has something besides PCI, allowing for faster graphics cards.

Before you start a graphics upgrade, you need to know what kind of slots your computer has. If you don't want to go through this process, you can choose a PCI card, since it's compatible with virtually any computer. Because of PCI's undesirable slow speed, you should really check if your computer has an AGP or PCI-E slot where you can install a much higher performing video card. First, you have to learn to identify those slots or look through your computer's manual.

Instructions

1. Remove all cables from your computer and turn it around so the back faces toward you.

2. Lay down the computer on its left side, leaving the right side facing up, and remove the screws attaching the right side panel to the case.

3. Remove the right side panel and have a look at the bottom rear area of your circuit board. Locate a group of slots that seem to be arranged a uniform distance from each other. If you see a larger slot above all the others, look around the slot to see the lettering written on your motherboard. Search for something along the lines of "AGP" or "PCI-E." If you find the lettering, you found what kind of graphics card your PC needs. If you can't find any lettering, you will have to look through your computer's manual or go the manufacturer's website for product specifications.

Tags: your computer, right side, computer manual, find lettering, have look

Mac Vs Pc Video Editing

Both Macs and PCs can accept input from standard digital video cameras.

In the world of digital video editing, the choice between an Apple Macintosh computer or a Windows-based PC is one that will determine many things about the user's experience. Each system offers different options in terms of hardware and software, making the choice both a matter of personal preference and technical necessity.

Software

One of the key factors in choosing between a Mac and a PC for video editing is the availability of software for each system. New Macintosh computers come with Apple's iLife software suite, which includes iMovie for editing video, iTunes for managing audio and iDVD for burning DVDs. In addition, Apple produces Final Cut Pro, which is an industry standard for professional digital video editing. Another popular program is AVID, which is available for both Mac and PC. Other PC programs include Adobe Premiere and other consumer-level editing programs such as those that come with certain digital video cameras.

Hardware

Another key difference between PC- and Mac-based video editing is the hardware. Apple computers generally feature a matching design scheme and use Intel processors, while PCs may include chips from Intel, AMD or other manufacturers. PC hardware also gives users more options, with many different companies producing the high-end computers and drives needed to manipulate and store digital video files. Many peripherals, including hard drives, monitors, keyboards and mice, will work with both types of computers. PCs are generally the first computers to incorporate new hardware such as high-speed ports and new microprocessors.

Operating Systems

Mac and PC operating systems are one of the biggest differences in terms of overall user experience. Apple computers come with the latest versions of Apple's OS X system, which is noted for its streamlined, efficient operation. The majority of PCs run a version of Microsoft's Windows operating system. Windows supports more software titles than OS X, but many versions of Windows are known for their complex internal databases and frequency of system crashes.

Security

Security is an important factor for any computer, especially those connected to the Internet. For video editors who work on a home computer that also goes online, system security is essential to keeping a video project safe and intact. Mac OS X is not vulnerable to the vast majority of viruses that plague Windows-based PCs. However, both types of systems are potentially vulnerable on some level. There are also more antivirus and security programs available for Windows than there are for OS X.

Cost

One final important issue in choosing between a Mac and PC for video editing is the cost of the system. Despite adopting new hardware later than some PCs, Macintosh computers generally cost more than comparable PC systems. In part, this is due to the competition among various PC makers, while Apple remains the only company producing hardware for its own OS X operating system. However, an editor's specific needs, in terms of storage space and processor speed, are more likely to dictate the final price than the decision of which type of computer to use.

Tags: digital video, video editing, come with, computers generally, Apple computers

Troubleshoot No Sound From Computer Speakers

Make sure your computer speakers are properly plugged in and turned on.

Invariably there can come a time when you no longer can hear sound come from your computer speakers. Check your computer hardware and operating system settings before calling a technician.

Instructions

1. Make sure that your computer and speakers are plugged in, have power and are turned on. If the speakers are plugged in but don't appear to have any power, plug them into a different outlet. Some speakers are self powered and use a USB cable to supply power. Make sure that the USB cable of your speakers is connected securely to the USB port of your computer.

2. Retest the sound. If you still don't have any sound, make sure the cable connecting the speakers to the computer (known as a 1/8-inch TRS cable) is plugged into the green audio output jack on the PC.

3. If you're using self-powered USB speakers, remove the USB cable and plug it into a different USB port. If you're using outlet-powered speakers and have a working set handy, replace the suspected non-working speakers with the working pair to test.

4. Navigate to the Microsoft Fix It troubleshooter (windows.Microsoft.com/en-US/windows/help/no-sound-in-windows) to automatically detect and fix sound playback or hardware problems. If that doesn't work, proceed with the next step.

5. If you have an add-on sound card and none of the hardware or software fixes helps, you may have to replace the sound card. If you use on-board sound, it will probably pay to purchase an inexpensive sound card rather than a new motherboard. Check the system BIOS to determine whether you have inadvertently disabled your on-board sound.

6. Navigate to the "Start" menu and select the "Control Panel" and "Sounds and Audio Devices." Then click the "Volume" tab. If everything is grayed out, proceed to Step 7. If the "Mute" box is checked, uncheck it. In "Device Volume," make sure that your volume level is set to a comfortable volume level for your speakers.

7. Click the "Sounds" tab. Under "Sound Scheme," determine whether "No Sounds" is selected. If it is, click "Sound Schemes." A drop-down list will appear. Select "Windows Default" as the scheme. To test your sound now, click on a sound listed below the "Program Events" window. The sounds will be indicated by a small "Speaker" icon located next to them. Left-click the sound once, then click the "Play" button. If you still don't hear sound, proceed with the next step.

8. Click the "Audio" tab. Under the "Sound Playback" option, make sure your sound card is selected as the default playback device. Usually, only one device appears here, unless you have multiple playback devices installed.

9. If everything is grayed out, you either do not have a playback device installed or your drivers are corrupted and need to be replaced. Drivers help hardware and software function together. Fix this by reinstalling the appropriate drivers. Do this by navigating to the "Start" menu and right-clicking "Computer." Then select "Properties" from the drop-down menu. Click the "Hardware" tab and then click the "Device Manager" button. The Device Manager will open.

10. Look for either a red X or a yellow question mark listed under "Sound, Video, and Game Controllers." If a red X appears, right-click the device with the X and select "Enable" from the pop-up menu. Test your sound at this point. If a yellow question mark appears, right-click the device, click "Properties" from the pop-up menu, and then click the "Driver" tab on the window that appears. Next, click the "Roll Back Driver" button to roll back to the previous drivers that were functioning correctly. Restart your computer when prompted.

11. As a last resort, you can uninstall and reinstall the device. To do this, right-click the device and select "Uninstall" from the pop-up menu. Restart your computer. Windows will automatically detect and install your audio device upon boot-up. If you still don't hear any sound from your computer speakers, contact a qualified computer technician.

Tags: your computer, sound card, your computer speakers, computer speakers, from pop-up, from pop-up menu, hear sound

Load Raid Drivers For Nvidia For Vista

RAID drivers for NVIDIA are device drivers for the NVIDIA brand devices in your computer, like graphics cards or video cards, that are connected to your motherboard via RAID technology. When you need to update your drivers for your NVIDIA products, you can find all of the latest RAID drivers designed for Windows Vista as well as other Windows operating systems on NVIDIA's website.

Instructions

1. Open your Web browser and visit NVIDIA's device driver download website.

2. Click the "Graphics Drivers" button under "Option 2" on the website. This will scan your computer for NVIDIA products and automatically display a list of drivers that need installed. This saves you the trouble of needing to manually select each driver yourself individually.

3. Click the "Download" link next to the device driver listings that were found for your computer. This will download the necessary RAID device drivers to your Windows Vista computer.

4. Double-click on the executable file(s) for the drivers that were found by the scanner. Click "Extract" to install the device drivers for your NVIDIA hardware onto your Windows Vista computer.

Tags: device drivers, drivers your, Windows Vista, your computer, device driver

The Types Of Pc Power Connectors

Modern power supplies focus on providing +12 volt rails.

The power supply provides electricity to the motherboard and its onboard components through two different primary power connectors. The power supply also provides electricity to other devices installed to the system, such as the hard disk and the graphics card. The ATX form factor -- the primary form factor designed for desktop computers -- requires different types of power connectors and voltage lines as the needs of computers change.

P1 Connector

The power supply's primary power cable, the P1 connector, supplies +3.3, +5, -5, +12 and -12 volts to the motherboard. The connector dedicates an independent +5 volt rail ("+5 V Standby" or "5SVB") to the supply standby power to the motherboard while the power supply is inactive. The 5SVB enables the computer to wake from sleep mode.

P1 connectors originally were 20 pins in size, but they expanded to 24 pins to supply additional power to PCI Express slots. P1 connectors are backward compatible, so you can plug a 24-pin power cable into a 20-pin slot, and a 20-pin power cable into a 24-pin slot.

P4 Connector

The P4 connector, or ATX12V four-pin power cable, provides two additional 12-volt rails to the motherboard. The P4 connector chiefly supplies power to the CPU (Central Processing Unit), or processor, although it occasionally supplies power to expansion cards as well. If a P4 interface connector resides on the motherboard, the processor will fail to receive power unless you insert the ATX12V four-pin power cable into the connector. High-end motherboards and processors receive power through an extra eight-pin EPS +12 volt power cable ("EPS12V"). One end of the EPS12V can fit into a P4 connector.

Device Cables

The power supply not only provides power to the motherboard and its onboard components, but to other devices installed to the computer as well. The hard disk, optical drive, graphics adapter and floppy disk drive all receive power from the power supply. SATA (Serial ATA) hard disk and optical drives receive power via a SATA power cable, whereas PATA (Parallel ATA) devices require a four-pin peripheral power cable (also referred to as a "Molex" cable). Floppy drives require their own four-pin floppy drive cable.

High-end graphics cards (as well as some other high-powered PCI Express expansion cards) require either six-pin or eight-pin PCI Express power cables.

Tags: power cable, power supply, receive power, cable into, hard disk

Replace The Cmos Battery In A Presario 1240

Your Compaq Presario 1240 laptop's CMOS battery is a small battery-operated chip built into your motherboard. It uses a battery not unlike a coin-cell battery in a pocket watch. The CMOS stores information instrumental to the operation of your computer and its software. This includes any boot-up passwords and--most importantly--your computer's date and time settings. If the battery dies, your Compaq laptop will reset your time and date settings each time you restart the laptop. Since the CMOS chip is built into the motherboard, replacing the battery requires completely dismantling your laptop.

Instructions

1. Turn off your computer through your operating system. Disconnect the AC power cable and close the LCD screen. Place the laptop face down and position it so the front opening is facing you.

2. Locate the battery in the bottom left corner of the laptop. Remove the battery's cover by pressing down and sliding it away from the battery compartment. Pull up on the battery pack's locking tab. Grasp the battery and slide it out of the battery compartment.

3. Remove the four Phillips-head screws from along the bottom edge of the laptop's bottom casing. Place the laptop face up, and then open the LCD screen as far as you can. Grasp the palm rest area, tilt it upward and place it face down over the keyboard. Disconnect the ribbon cable from the bottom side of the palm rest.

4. Grasp the keyboard, tilt it upward and place it face down over the laptop's surface. Disconnect the keyboard's ribbon cable from its connector on the motherboard. Remove the keyboard from the laptop and set it aside.

5. Locate the heatspreader plate revealed by the keyboard. The heatspreader is a thin metal plate covering the motherboard. Remove its two retaining Phillips-head screws, and then remove it from the laptop. This reveals the processor chip.

6. Locate the CMOS coin-cell battery next to the processor chip. Grasp the battery and remove it from its compartment.

7. Repeat this procedure in reverse to install the replacement CMOS battery and reassemble the laptop.

Tags: face down, battery compartment, built into, cable from, chip built, chip built into

Find My Laptop Jumper Pins

Find My Laptop Jumper Pins

Jumper pins allow for the control of a piece of computer hardware directly, without the aid of software. Jumper pins are frequently used to allow for the clearing of BIOS passwords and other critical computer functions. While motherboards designed for desktop computers typically have jumper pins, some laptop motherboards are not, due to the limited amount of space in the laptop case.

Instructions

1. Inspect the visible edges of the laptop's motherboard. Manufacturers frequently place the jumpers on the edges, so that they are easier to find. Examine the most accessible and visible areas of the motherboard.

2. Locate the CMOS battery and examine the area around it. Some manufacturers place the jumper pins in the area surround the CMOS battery, since they are used to clear the battery and reset the password.

3. Verify that the jumper pins are not located in the area around the processor or in the laptop's memory compartment. .

4. Check to see if there are any other user accessible compartments on the bottom of the laptop, as there is a chance that the jumper pins will be installed there

Tags: area around, CMOS battery, Find Laptop, Find Laptop Jumper, Jumper pins, jumper pins, Laptop Jumper

Specifications & Dimensions Of A 5c Collet

A collet is a metal insert for a machine's chuck. When tightened, the collet compresses around the work piece, holding it firmly in place for machining. A number of collet standards are made to fit different chucks. If your machine calls for a 5c collet, no other size will fit. Certain specifications apply to the 5c collet standard.

Length

A 5c collet measures exactly 3.27 inches from end to end. This measurement does not necessarily dictate the length of a part that can be machined with it. A part that does not require a stop for accurate machining to length can hang out the back of the collet. An extender tube can be screwed onto the inner threads of the collet, providing extra length for a part that requires a stop.

Back Bearing

A 5c collet back bearing must measure 2 inches from the top of the threads to the beginning of the taper. It also has a 1.250-inch outer diameter. A notch has been cut into this section of the collet. This notch aligns with a pin on the spindle of a machine to ensure the collet is inserted properly.

Taper

The outward taper of a 5c collet measures 10 degrees. It is an angled part that protrudes from the body of the collet. The angle has to measure perfectly in order to fit properly in the angled chuck of a machine.

External Threads

The external threads for this collet standard must be 1.238--20. This designation means that the threads have a 1.238-inch outer diameter and contain 20 threads per inch. The threads are right-handed, which is standard.

Capacities

A 5c collet has a limit on the size of part it can hold properly. Rated maximums apply to each of the opening shapes. Round openings have a maximum diameter of 1 1/16 inches. Hexagonal openings have a maximum diameter of 29/32 inch. Square openings have a maximum size of 3/4 inch.

Tags: part that, have maximum, openings have, openings have maximum, collet measures, collet standard, have maximum diameter

Install A Socket 478 Cpu Fan

Install a Socket 478 CPU Fan

Central processing units are installed into the CPU socket on the motherboard. The socket type that your motherboard uses determines the processors that you are able to install on that particular motherboard. The socket 478 is an older socket type used by Intel's Pentium 4 and Celeron processors. The cooling system used for this CPU type consists of a heatsink and fan assembly that is not difficult to install or replace.

Instructions

1. Switch off your computer and remove the power cable. Take off the cover of your computer case. Some computer cases do not have fastening screws and you can easily slide off the entire cover or one side. Other cases may require you to unscrew screws on the back of the computer case before sliding off the cover.

2. Find the fan on top of the socket 478 CPU. It should be fastened on top of the aluminum heatsink.

3. Disconnect the fan's power cable from the motherboard and make a note of the fan's power connection location. You will need to use this connection when installing the new fan and heatsink assembly.

4. Push the white plastic levers on the fan up, using your fingers or the flat-head screwdriver.

5. Locate the retention mechanism hooks. These hooks surround the CPU socket and hold the heatsink in place on top of the CPU. Insert the flat-head screwdriver into the small slot on the corners of the heatsink and press it down until it comes between the heatsink's clip frame latch. Start to turn the screwdriver towards the heatsink assembly to release the latch from the hook. Repeat this in every corner of the heatsink.

6. Twist the heatsink slowly to break any seal that the thermal paste may have between the CPU and the heatsink. Set the original heatsink assembly to one side.

7. Apply thermal paste, if needed, on top of the CPU. The heatsink may come with a thermal compound already applied to the bottom of the assembly. Remove the plastic film covering the already applied compound if this is the case.

8. Find the retention clips on each corner of the socket and align the heatsink and fan assembly's latches to the clips. Press the heatsink on top of the CPU to ensure the thermal compound is touching both heatsink and the CPU.

9. Press on the corners of the heatsink to latch it into the retaining assembly on the motherboard. Push the clip levers down one by one on each side of the heatsink. Plug the fan's power cable into the motherboard connector you noted earlier. Close the case and plug in the computer.

Tags: heatsink assembly, power cable, already applied, between heatsink, computer case, corners heatsink

Uninstall An Internal Modem That Will Not Work

Modems are typically installed in the PCI slot.

If the internal modem in your computer has stopped working, you may need to remove it from the computer in order to prevent hardware conflicts. Internal modems are typically installed in a PCI slot on the motherboard. There are usually a number of PCI slots on a mother board so that multiple cards can be added to increase the computer's functionality. To access the internal modem, you will need to remove part of your computer's casing.

Instructions

1. Turn off the computer and unplug it from the wall. Press down and hold the power button for about 10 seconds to drain the computer's capacitors. This can prevent possible shorting.

2. Remove the computer's casing to gain access to the motherboard. Most desktops will have a side of the casing that is secured by 2 or more screws. These screws can be removed and the casing's side can be slid off pulling backwards. Other desktops may require you to remove the faceplate or release a plastic latch or something similar. You can check with your computer's manual or manufacturer's support page for more information on dismantling the case.

3. Remove the screw that is securing the modem. Pull straight out on the modem to remove it. If it is stubborn and won't come out easily, you can try to rock the card gently parallel to the PCI slot. Never rock or wiggle the card perpendicularly to the PCI slot.

Tags: your computer, computer casing, installed slot, internal modem, need remove, typically installed

Learn To Build A Pc

Don't be intimidated by the inside of your computer; it's easier than it looks.

Building your own computer rather than purchasing a commercial, ready-made system is an exciting, challenging project. You don't need a degree in computer science to build your own system; in fact, you don't even need to take a single class to learn build a PC. There are a number of textbooks on the market and free online guides with all the information you need to build a computer. With a solid knowledge base, building a custom PC is easier than it sounds.

Instructions

1. Buy a computer building textbook. There is a wide variety of books with instructions on build computers on the market today. Some textbook authors may assume that you have a working knowledge of computer components, while some write as though their readers have never even a computer before. Visit your local bookstore and spend some time flipping through their selection of computer textbooks to find the right one for your skill level. If you'd rather not spend the money on a textbook, there are a number of free guides on building computers to be found online. (See Resources)

2. Learn the names of the components that make up a functioning computer system. This goes beyond the external components such as the monitor, keyboard and mouse. You should be familiar with all of the parts inside your computer case. If you happen to have a broken computer, take it apart and poke around inside. You'll find a motherboard, hard drive, optical drive, power source, central processing unit (CPU), RAM, heat sink, cooling fan and possibly a video card, sound card and/or modem. You should be able to identify all of these things as you'll need to buy most of them when you're prepared to start your build. See the link in Resources for an online dictionary of Internet and computer terms.

3. Practice putting your broken PC back together a couple of times. Take note of where everything goes; this will help you as you go through the process of building your own system. Once you feel confident about disassembling and reassembling a PC, try it with your working computer.

4. Determine your personal system requirements. All software has a list of the minimum system stats required for a computer to run the software smoothly. What are you going to be using the computer for? If you plan on using the computer for gaming, you'll need a powerful processor and video card. If you plan on using your system to store mass amounts of data, you'll need to buy one or more high-capacity hard drives. Once you've determined the types of software you'll be using, research their minimum system requirements so you can determine the most efficient and economic configuration for your computer.

5. Research the available components on the market. As you read through the PC building guides, you'll learn that not all components are compatible with each other. Fortunately, this is not as complex as it sounds and doesn't require an encyclopedic knowledge of all available components. In fact, you can even get around some incompatibilities by using a cable adapter. The biggest concern with compatibility is making sure your CPU is compatible with your motherboard, but this information will be available on your PC component dealer's website.

6. Buy the components and software required to build your computer. Keep your guide with you at all times during the build so you can refer back to it as needed. Work in a static-free environment to avoid damaging any of the components. If the air is fairly dry, you may want to use a humidifier. You can also spray the general area surrounding your workspace with a solution of water and fabric softener--15 parts water to 1 part fabric softener--before getting started.

Tags: your computer, your system, available components, build your, compatible with

Troubleshoot Hp Sound

There are multiple steps to fix the sound on an HP computer system.

Sound problems are common with Hewlett Packard (HP) computers, as with any system. The issue may lie with a hardware problem, corrupted or missing software files, or loose or incorrect cord connections. Fortunately, most HP computers come with an easy-to-follow troubleshoot tool. If not, the Hewlett Packard website provides users with a similar software tool to pinpoint the problem with their sound. The following steps provide several solutions to getting quality sound on your HP computer.

Instructions

Check All Speaker Connections

1. Thread all the cables on the back of your HP speakers through your hands to ensure there are no cuts, tears, or loose or broken wires. Replace any damaged speaker wires for safety purposes and to get the best sound quality on your HP system.

2. Check to see if all connections made between the speakers and the computer are secure. The speakers will contain one cable that will plug into an electrical outlet for power.

3. Examine your computer's sound card to ensure that it's properly inserted into your system. If needed, remove the sound card and install it into another computer to see if the problem is with the card itself.

Reinstall Sound Device Drivers

4. Click the "Start" button located on the bottom left of your computer's desktop. Select "All Programs" > "Hewlett Packard." Click "HP Pavilion PC Tools" from the sub-menu, then click "HP Application Recovery."

5. Select "Driver Installation" from the on-screen menu. Scroll through the list of available audio drivers and select the proper driver for your specific HP model. Click "Install" to restore the drivers back to their original factory settings. Check to see if the sound on your HP is now working. If not, continue on to step 3.

6. Navigate to the official Hewlett Packard website. Click the "Support & Drivers" link located on the top center of the welcome page. Select the first box on the page, titled "Drivers & Software." Enter the name of your specific HP model to locate the most current drivers for your sound device. Click "Download" to install the new driver(s) and to update your sound device. Check to see if the sound on your HP is now working. If not, continue on to step 4.

7. Click the "Support & Troubleshooting" link, which s located under the description of your current HP computer model. Select "Solve a Problem" and then "Sound and Microphone" from the list of available troubleshooting options. Follow the on-screen guide and select the problem you're having with your sound. For example, you may be hearing static sound from your HP speakers.

8. Play a sound file from your computer or insert a compact disk (CD) into the CD-Read Only Memory (ROM) drive to determine if the sound is working. Ensure that the volume is turned up and not muted. If problems persist, the sound card or speakers may need to be replaced.

Tags: Hewlett Packard, your computer, sound card, sound your, your sound, your working continue

Install Mobile Broadband To The Xps M1330

Mobile broadband is broadband connectivity "in the cellular environment," according to Virginia Tech University. Just as cellphones provided relief from wired telephones while still enabling high-quality communicability, mobile broadband offers much or less the same features in high-speed data. As opposed to other broadband connections, such as DSL and cable Internet, mobile broadband does not require you to rely on telephone line or cable for enjoying high speed Internet access. Mobile broadband is provided by cellular companies over their 3G phone networks. Small, portable modems are used for connecting to a mobile broadband connection. You can easily install your mobile broadband connection on your Dell XPS M1330 using a mobile broadband ExpressCard, which you can purchase with your connection from your cellular service provider or a computer store.

Instructions

Install the ExpressCard

1. Hold the mobile broadband ExpressCard with the top of the card facing up.

2. Insert the card into the ExpressCard slot at the side of the laptop.

3. Slide the card inside and gently push until it cannot go any farther. Do not apply too much force if the card doesn't slide in. Take the card out and try inserting it the other way around.

Connect to Broadband Connection

4. Activate your mobile broadband service through your cellular service provider.

5. Click the "Start" menu, go to "All Programs" and select "Dell Wireless." This will launch the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility program. If it did not come preinstalled on your laptop, you can install it through the CD that came with your ExpressCard.

6. Click "Dell Wireless Broadband" and follow the instructions on the screen to connect to the broadband connection.

Tags: mobile broadband, your mobile broadband, broadband connection, broadband ExpressCard, cellular service, cellular service provider

Flash A Bios With Gigabyte

Flash a BIOS With Gigabyte

Updating your motherboard's BIOS can improve system stability and increase hardware compatibility.

The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is used by motherboards to detect and configure all the connected hardware.

Instructions

Flashing through BIOS

1. Restart your computer.

2. Press the delete key as the computer is starting up to open BIOS.

3. Press F8 to open the built in BIOS flashing utility. A window asking for confirmation will pop up. Answer yes.

4. Select the "Load Main BIOS from Floppy" menu item and press enter. Depending on your BIOS version, this may alternatively read "Update BIOS from Floppy."

5. Select the BIOS file you want the system to update to and press enter. The system will ask for confirmation before performing the update.

6. Upon completion, the system will display a message confirming a successful flash. Press any key.

7. Press the Escape key and confirm you want to reset. The computer will reboot.

Flashing with @BIOS

8. Download the @BIOS program from GIGABYTE's website. (See "Resource" section for link.)

9. Disable all anti-virus programs and Intel hyper-threading technology.

Hyper-Threading can be disabled in your system's BIOS. Reference your GIGABYTE manual if you're not familiar with disabling Hyper-Threading.

If you have an Intel processor but are unsure if it supports this functionality, reference Intel's website to check your model's features. (See "Resource" section).

10. Install the @BIOS utility and start the program.

11. Click the "About this Program" button to ensure your motherboard supports being updated with @BIOS.

12. Click the "Save Current BIOS" button to save your current BIOS configuration in case a backup is needed.

13. Check off the "Internet Update" box.

14. Click the "Update New BIOS" button.

15. Select a server from the list that pops up and press OK.

16. Select the latest BIOS version in the next window. Be certain that your motherboard model is listed at the top; flashing the wrong BIOS will render your system unbootable. When you are sure, press OK.

17.Upon downloading the BIOS file, the program will ask "Do you want to Update the BIOS?" Press OK.

18. Once the BIOS is updated, a window will pop up confirming the process has finished. Press OK and exit the program.

19. Restart the computer.

Tags: Update BIOS, your motherboard, BIOS button, BIOS file, BIOS from, BIOS from Floppy

Install A Modem Driver In Windows Xp

A modem.

You've purchased a new modem and need to install the drivers to get Windows XP to recognize the modem so you can use it to surf the Internet or as a fax machine.

While XP has dozens of modem drivers included on the operating system installation disc, the best way to install the modem driver is using the disc that came from the manufacturer. Often, you can download the latest driver for the modem at the manufacturer's website.

Instructions

1. Attach the modem to your computer. For USB modems, this is a simple matter of connecting one end of the cable to the modem and the other end to a USB port on your computer. For an internal modem, follow the directions from the manufacturer for proper installation.

2. Place the driver disc in the appropriate drive. Most modern drivers come on CDs, although some may still be on floppy disk. Wait to see if the install program begins automatically. If so, follow the onscreen instructions to complete the setup. If not, proceed to Step 3.

3. Click on "Start" on your desktop and choose "Control Panel" from the options given.

4. Choose "Phone and Modem Options" from the Control Panel screen.

5. Click on the "Modems" tab at the top of the screen.

6. Click the "Add" button to take you to the next screen.

7. Click "Next" on the next screen to open the window. If Windows XP detects a Plug and Play modem, it will automatically install the drivers needed. If not, click on "Next" to move to the next screen.

8. Click on the "Have Disk" button on the screen. A new window will open asking you to point the wizard to the location where the drivers are located. Click "Next" after you have done this.

9. Allow the system to install the modem drivers. Reboot your system, if prompted. Your modem is now ready to use.

Tags: screen Click, next screen, Control Panel, from manufacturer, install drivers

Disable The Onboard Video Card On An Amd Sempron 3000+

Installation of a new video card requires disabling the on-board graphics.

Disable an on-board video card, also called an integrated video card, on your PC by accessing the BIOS. BIOS is an acronym for Basic Input/Output System, a program that boots the PC and loads Windows when you turn on your computer. Physically, the BIOS resides inside a chip attached to your computer's motherboard or large circuit board inside the computer's case. The on-board video card has that name since it is also part of a PC's motherboard. An integrated video card needs to be disabled before a peripheral video card can be used to render graphics and images.

Instructions

1. Restart your PC and watch for the "Set Up" or "BIOS" option to appear at the bottom of the screen during startup. Repeatedly press the "Function" key that your PC tells you to press. All BIOS are slightly different, but the "F1" key is the option on most PCs. The BIOS options screen will appear.

2. Using the arrow keys on your keyboard, select the "Advanced" tab. In the list that appears, use the down-arrow key to highlight the option that says "Primary Video Adapter." Press the "Enter" key on the keyboard. A list of video options will appear.

3. Select the choice that does not have the word "on-board" or "integrated" in its title, if you just want to disable on-board video. To enable a new video card, select the choice that corresponds to that card's slot type. Options include "PCI," "AGP," and "PCI-e." Typically, the slot type is marked clearly on the video card's original box.

4. Push the "F" key that corresponds to the "Save And Exit" action displayed at the bottom of the BIOS screen. Your changes will be made and Windows will start normally.

Tags: video card, on-board video, choice that, integrated video, integrated video card, on-board video card, slot type

Replace My Gigabyte Motherboard Gam57slis4

Motherboards are interchangeable in most computers.

Replace an MSI GA-M57SLI-S4 motherboard to solve problems or to gain various features such as additional SATA ports, USB 3.0 or newer processor support. Motherboards can be swapped out with minimal effort when they both support the processor, RAM and video cards that are installed. Upgrading these components at the same time that the motherboard is replaced can have the effect of buying a brand new computer without the high cost. Money is saved by using the existing hard drive, optical drive, case, power supply and operating system and replacing just the core components.

Instructions

Remove the Existing Motherboard

1. Back up any important files on the computer to an external device such as a USB hard drive or thumb drive, or burn the files to an optical disc.

2. Disconnect the power cord after shutting the computer down properly and connect an anti-static wrist strap to the case.

3. Remove the cover and ensure the power is off as indicated by the small LED located on the motherboard. The light indicates that there is power supplied and that the board is unsafe to work on when the light is on.

4. Disconnect the main power lead and auxiliary power leads that connect the power supply to the motherboard and the video cards, if present.

5. Remove the screw holding each expansion card in place and remove each card by pulling it straight up from the slot. Push the small plastic locking mechanism that holds the other end of the card in place to unlock the card if present.

6. Disconnect the drive data cables from the motherboard and disconnect the front panel connectors and any other cables connecting to the motherboard.

7. Remove each screw that is holding the motherboard onto the motherboard standoffs. Lift the edge of the motherboard farthest from the rear panel slightly and pull the motherboard away from the back panel to remove it from the case.

Installing the Replacement Motherboard

8. Disconnect the CPU fan power lead from the motherboard. Press the movable end of the heat sink retaining clip and slide the end of it off the plastic tab on the CPU socket. Slide the other end of the retaining clip off the other plastic tab and remove the heat sink and fan from the CPU. Clean the bottom of the heat sink and the top of the CPU carefully with cotton swabs or a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol to remove all traces of the existing heat sink compound.

9. Open the CPU locking lever on the new motherboard by pushing it down slightly and then away from the socket slightly, raising it to the vertical position. Repeat this for the old motherboard and grasp the CPU from the old board by the edges with a thumb and forefinger. Gently lift the CPU out of the old board and place it in the new board by matching the small triangular marking on one corner of the CPU with the same marking on the socket. Carefully align the CPU and lower it into the socket without forcing it to avoid bending pins. Close the locking lever.

10. Apply a thin layer of thermal heat sink compound to the top of the CPU. Place the heat sink and fan squarely onto the CPU and slide the fixed end of the heat sink retaining clip onto the small plastic tab on the CPU socket. Slide the movable end of the retaining clip onto the other plastic tab and secure it into place by latching the retaining clip. Connect the power lead for the fan to the port on the motherboard marked "CPU FAN."

11. Remove the RAM from the old motherboard by pressing outward and down on the plastic retaining clips on the end of each module and lifting the RAM straight out of the socket. Insert the RAM into the new motherboard by pressing it straight down into the socket as indicated by the small key notch in the RAM and small plastic key tab in the socket. Use firm pressure on each end of the module until it audibly clicks into place in the socket as the retaining clips snap into place.

12. Replace the rear panel face plate on the case with the new face plate included with the new motherboard. Compare the motherboards to determine if they have the same exact placement of screw holes and add or remove motherboard standoffs from the case if required so that there is one standoff for each hole and no extras.

13. Slide the rear ports of the motherboard into the rear panel face plate being sure to avoid bending the grounding tabs built into the face plate. Lower the front edge of the motherboard onto the motherboard standoffs and secure each hole with a screw.

14. Attach the front panel leads to the motherboard as indicated by matching the markings on the leads with the markings on the motherboard for the power switch, reset switch, HDD LED, power LED, front panel USB ports, HD Audio and the system speaker.

15. Connect the main power 20+4 pin connector to the motherboard and attach the auxiliary square 4-pin power connector to the matching port near the CPU. Connect the primary hard drive data cable to SATA Port 0 and attach the optical drive to SATA Port 1.

16. Install the expansion cards and video cards and secure each with a single screw to hold it in the case. Attach any necessary power connections to the video cards. Attach the case cooling fan lead to the motherboard as indicated by the marking "Case Fan 1" or equivalent.

Tags: heat sink, retaining clip, face plate, video cards, from motherboard, front panel

Mac Vs Pc Laptop

According to CNET in 2005, laptops make up about 55 percent of the computers sold in United States. Deciding which brand of computer to purchase is tough enough, but deciding which major operating system to buy is just as daunting.

Windows Laptop

Features

The Mac operating system and the Windows operating system are very different. A Windows-based laptop needs virus protection since it is more prone to viruses. A Mac laptop requires very little maintenance. Windows laptops require regular maintenance such as defragging.

Mac

Macbook

Mac notebooks, also known as Macbooks, come in different configurations. The higher the configuration, the more it will cost. The base model has a 13-inch screen, 2.13GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 1066MHz frontside bus and 2 GBs of memory.

PC

Windows laptop

Windows-based laptops come in many brands such as Dell, Gateway, Toshiba and Hewlett Packard. These also have base models. The more "bells and whistles," the higher the price.

Considerations

While a Mac costs more initially, if it will be used often, it may well be worth the price since a Mac laptop tends to last longer than a Windows laptop.

Warning

Some people prefer Macs and some PCs. Depending who is asked, there will be different opinions. It comes down to personal preference and what your budget allows.

Tags: operating system, Windows laptop

Replace The Motherboard In A Sony Vaio

Your motherboard is the main circuit board where all electrical components and hardware devices connect with your computer. If your motherboard stops working, your computer will not work at all. When this happens to your Sony VAIO desktop computer, you may be tempted to go out and buy a new computer. While this is not a terrible idea, you can replace your VAIO desktop's motherboard for a small fraction of what it would cost to buy a new PC.

Instructions

1. Power down your computer with its current operating system. Unplug the power cable, and any external devices from the computer. Touch an unpainted metal surface to discharge static electricity from your body. This will prevent electrical damage to your computer while you're taking apart the VAIO. You may also use an antistatic wrist strap.

2. Rotate the computer tower so the rear panel is facing toward you. Pull on the side release panel in the in the upper right corner on the back of the computer. Grasp the right side access panel, and remove it from the computer to reveal its inner contents. Lay the computer horizontally on its left side on a flat surface.

3. Remove all PCI cards attached to the back panel. PCI cards generally include your video card, sound card and USB and/or serial data ports. Each PCI card is fastened to the desktop by a single Phillips-head screws. Lift straight up on each card to disconnect from each card's motherboard connector. Store the PCI devices in static-free plastic bags, if possible.

4. Locate the two memory slots near the bottom-left corner of the motherboard. Remove the memory module from each memory slot. Each card is secured in place by two plastic retaining clips. Remove the small, coin-cell CMOS battery from its socket situated next to the memory slots.

5. Locate the large power supply attached to the rear panel of the computer. Disconnect all cables extending from the power supply to the motherboard. Remove the single Phillips-head screw fastening the power supply assembly to the desktop's frame. Pull on the retaining metal tab on the top side of the power supply, and then lift the entire unit out of the computer.

6. Locate the CPU cooling fan revealed by the power supply. Disconnect its power cable from the motherboard, and then remove the Phillips-head screws securing it in place. Remove the cooling fan from the computer.

7. Lift straight up on the CPU chip's retaining lever to disengage it from the motherboard's CPU socket. Or, turn its flat-head locking screw in the counterclockwise direction as far as possible. Lift the processor out of its socket, and set it aside.

8. Disconnect all remaining cables and/or devices from the motherboard. Remove the remaining screws fastening the motherboard to the desktop's casing. Carefully lift the motherboard out of the computer, and set it aside.

9. Reverse this procedure to install the new motherboard assembly. All hardware removed from the motherboard must be transferred to the new motherboard as you reassemble your computer.

Tags: power supply, your computer, from motherboard, from computer, motherboard Remove, devices from

Remove A Motherboard From Xbox 360

The Xbox 360 has a variety of games to play.

The Xbox 360 is a gaming console created by Microsoft. Inside the Xbox 360 is a motherboard that controls the system. When the motherboard breaks, it renders the console useless and you have to replace it with a new one. This requires taking the Xbox 360 console apart to remove the old motherboard.

Instructions

1. Place the Xbox 360 console on its side with the front facing you. Pry the bottom grill loose with an Xbox 360 console opening tool, sometimes called a spudger. Pull it off. Pry the top grill loose with the opening tool. Pull it off.

2. Pull the faceplate off the front of the console with your fingers. Release the two clips holding the casing together. Remove the top half of the casing and pull out the "Eject" button at the top of the console or on the right side with the console laying flat and facing you.

3. Unscrew the six torx screws on the top of the console. Flip the console over and pull off the other half of the casing.

4. Pull the control board off the front face of the console. This is next to the optical drive.

5. Lift the optical drive out of the console. Disconnect the white and black wires holding it in place. Remove the optical drive.

6. Pull the white casing covering the cooling fan unit off with your hands. Lift the metal flap off the top of the cooling fan unit. When there is enough room, pull out the cooling fan unit, and disconnect the wire holding it to the logic board. Remove the unit from the console.

7. Turn the console over and unscrew six of the eight screws from the center of the metal panel holding the motherboard in place with a Phillips screwdriver.

8. Stand the console up, and unscrew the two remaining screws with the Phillips head screwdriver. Do not let the motherboard fall out of the console. With the screws removed, place the console back on its side and pull out the motherboard.

Tags: cooling unit, optical drive, Xbox console, console over, grill loose, grill loose with

Specifications For The Hewlettpackard D760060004

The HP D7600-60004 is a Slot 1 motherboard with the Intel 440ZX chipset from the Hewlett-Packard Co. Although it is no longer in production, it can be purchased from online retail outlets specializing in selling computer hardware or semiconductors for prices from the high $100s to mid-$200s.

Slots

In addition to its peripheral component interconnect (PCI) slots, the HP D7600-60004 has an ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) bus for transmitting data and two SDRAM slots for sharing system memory.

Ports

There are three audio jacks for the HP D7600-60004. Two of them are for audio-in and audio-out/headphone functions; and the third is for plugging in an external microphone. Other ports include two USB ports, and two PS/2 connectors for the keyboard and mouse.

MicroATX

The HP D7600-60004 uses the MicroATX motherboard standard. This is why it has three adapter or PCI card slots instead of the usual seven for the larger ATX-compliant motherboards.

Tags:

Know A Bad Circuit Board

Know when a circuit board is bad.

A printed circuit board is a plastic board that contains a number of traces made out of copper or another conductor which are used to connect individual electronic components into complicated electronic circuits. A circuit board is generally a very reliable device, but after physical damage or exposure to electrical conditions it was not built for, a board can become damaged to the point of failure. Determining when a circuit board has a problem is a useful skill, though checking one to see if it is bad can seem like a daunting task to someone who is unfamiliar with electronic devices. There are a number of techniques to check for a bad circuit board.

Instructions

1. Inspect the circuit board for signs of visible physical damage. Watch for components that appear to be cracked or burned. Turn the board over and ensure that the conducting traces on the bottom of the board don't appear scratched or cracked. Check all silver solder blobs to ensure that none have been damaged or come off of the board.

2. Turn off the power supply to the circuit board. Use a multimeter set to the resistance or ohms setting to test the connection between the positive and negative connections from the power supply; if there is continuity between these two points the power supply may be shorted out.

3. Turn on the power supply. Use a multimeter set to the voltage setting to check the voltage across the power supply. Ensure that the meter reads the correct voltage for what the power supply is rated at; the voltage rating can be found in the manual for the circuit board or may be printed on the power supply itself.

4. Remove any chips or socketed components from the circuit board. Check their connections to ensure that they are not corroded or dirty. Clean them with a pencil eraser if they appear dirty. Seat the chips back into their sockets after thoroughly cleaning them.

5. Check the manual or schematic for the circuit; there may be other points with test voltages that you can measure with the multimeter. Testing points other than the power supply will vary from board to board, so ensure that you follow the troubleshooting steps in your user manual or schematic carefully.

Tags: circuit board, power supply, ensure that, board printed, circuit board printed

Turn Off Hd Audio On An Ati 4670 Video Card

Newer graphic cards that at are capable of high definition video can also provide HD audio. The ATI 4670 video card is no exception, with an integrated audio controller that takes advantage of the plug and play capabilities of the Windows operating system. However, the integrated audio provided by the graphics card is not needed if there is another audio device that is being used by the computer. Turning off the audio on the ATI 4670 graphics card can be done by using the software provided by ATI.

Instructions

1. Make sure that the ATI Catalyst Control Center has been installed. Look for the ATI icon on the desktop or click on Start, Programs, and select the Catalyst Control Center program group. Click on Catalyst Control Center to start the program.

2. Install the program if the ATI icon is not available on the desktop or the Catalyst Control Center program group is missing. The Catalyst Control Center program is located on the installation CD that came with the video card.

3. Insert the CD into the drive and the setup screen should appear. Make all of the necessary selections on each screen and the program will begin copying files to the system. When the program has finished there will be an icon for the Catalyst Control Center on the desktop.

4. Double click the ATI icon on the desktop to open the program. Click on the audio or HD settings tab near the top to access the audio options.

5. Find the option for HDMI audio and set it to disable. Click the Apply button at the bottom and then click the OK button to minimize the program to the taskbar. The HD audio on the sound card should now be turned off.

Tags: Catalyst Control, Catalyst Control Center, Control Center, Center program, Control Center program, audio 4670, Center program group

Install Sata & Ide On One Motherboard

Newer motherboards have both SATA and IDE controller connections.

Installing both SATA and IDE devices on the same motherboard requires either a motherboard with both types of controllers built into the card or a motherboard with one type of controller and an add-on controller card for the other type of controller. Setup of the drives is basic once you have both the SATA and IDE connectors are in place. Most modern motherboards accommodate multiple SATA and IDE devices.

Instructions

Dual SATA/IDE Motherboards

1. Disconnect the PC from the power and open the PC case. Mount the IDE and SATA devices you want to connect in the rack inside the PC Case. You can attach more than one IDE or SATA device or type of device to each connection depending on the controller. See your motherboard manual.

2. Locate the IDE and SATA connectors on the motherboard. The IDE connector fits the flat ribbon cable connection. The SATA connector connects the red two wire SATA connector to the motherboard interface and the drive. There are often two or more SATA connectors on the motherboard to connect SATA drives separately.

3. Connect the flat IDE ribbon cable to the motherboard and plug a power connector into the IDE device or devices. If using an IDE hard drive as the boot drive, plug the power connector into the far end of the IDE cable. Connect IDE hard drives or IDE CD or DVD drives to the middle connector. Set the jumpers on the back of the hard drive or drives depending on its function. If it's the boot drive, set the jumper to the primary setting. If it's secondary, set it to the secondary setting. If it's a combination of hard drive and a CD/DVD drive, set the jumper to "Cable Select."

4. Connect the red SATA cable to the back of the SATA drive from the connector on the motherboard. Plug in a power lead. If you plan to make the SATA drive the boot disk, set the drive as the primary boot from within the BIOS.

5. Close up the case and boot the computer, opening the BIOS menu. Follow your computer's instructions for opening the BIOS. Each computer BIOS uses different commands to set the settings. Find the SATA drive and set it as the first hard drive to read. Continue booting the computer and check the directories to make sure all drives are being read by the computer.

Single Controller Motherboard

6. Unplug the computer and open the case. Depending on the type of controller, IDE or SATA on the motherboard, install a SATA or IDE controller card in an empty PCI card slot on the motherboard. Mount the IDE and SATA devices in the drive racks inside the case.

7. Connect the IDE data cable, the flat ribbon cable, to the IDE connection on its controller card or motherboard. Connect the SATA data cable, the red two wire cable, to the SATA connection on the controller card or motherboard where it's located.

8. Plug the data cable into the IDE drive or drives and plug in a power lead. Connect and IDE used as the boot drive to the end of the ribbon cable. Set the jumpers on the back of IDE hard drives. If the drive is to be the boot drive, set the jumper to "Master." If it's a secondary drive, set the jumper to "Slave." If there are optical drives on the IDE cable with an IDE drive, set the jumpers to "Cable-Select."

9. Connect the SATA drive or drives to power leads. The data wire connects directly from one of the SATA connectors to the drive. If the SATA drive is the boot drive, reboot the computer and open the BIOS. Follow the motherboard's manual and set the BIOS-setup to read the SATA drive first. When you set the SATA drive as the boot drive, set the IDE hard drive jumpers to "Cable-Select."

10. Close up the computer case. Boot the computer the rest of the way, once you are finished setting the BIOS.

Tags: SATA drive, boot drive, drive boot, hard drive, controller card, drive boot drive, drive jumper

Install Kc Lights

A vintage truck suitable for KC light installation.

If you frequently use your truck at nighttime, the stock lighting may not meet your needs. Whether for work or play, many truck owners choose to install aftermarket light kits for nighttime use. KC lights provide extra light with a variety of different models and all with the classic rough-and-tough KC light look. Whatever the purpose for the installation or model of KC light, you can install KC lights on your truck in a few steps.

Instructions

1. Select a location for your KC lights on the front bumper of the truck. Place the lights an equal distance from the ends of the bumper and out of the way of the truck's stock headlights.

2. Hold the base of the KC lights against the truck bumper and mark the location of the screw holes against the bumper with a white grease pencil.

3. Drill pilot holes.

Drill pilot holes through the white grease pencil marks with a power drill and drill bit.

4. Insert the included nuts through the base of the KC lights and into the truck's bumper and tighten them by hand.

5. Select a location inside the passenger compartment of the truck for the lights' included power switch. Anywhere within reach of the driver's seat can work.

6. Hold the switch against the desired mounting location and mark the location of the switch's two screw holes with a white grease pencil.

7. Drill two pilot holes through the white grease pencil marks in the panel with a power drill and 1/8-inch drill bit.

8. Drill a hole between the two pilot holes in the panel with a power drill and drill bit. The holes should be large enough to accommodate the switch's three electrical wires.

9. Attach the black ground wires coming from the lights to the nuts, securing them to the bumper.

10. Splice each of the red wires coming from the lights to a length of black wire using the included splices.

11. Run a length of wire from the opposite side of one of the splices coming from a light through the engine compartment, through the panel and connect it to the "load" terminal of the switch.

12. Connect the black ground wire from the "ground" terminal of the switch to any bare metal on the truck.

13. Run a length of red wire from the "supply" terminal on the switch to the truck battery.

14. Splice the included in-line fuse carrier on the red wire running from the truck battery to the switch's "supply" terminal.

15. Adjust the tilt of the lights up or down and secure them in that position by tightening the screws at their hinges with a Phillips-head screwdriver.

16. Tighten the nuts at the base of the lights with a socket driver.

17.Secure the switch to the panel with two 1/8-inch screws using a power drill and driver bit.

Tags: grease pencil, pilot holes, power drill, white grease, white grease pencil, base lights

Install Msi K8t Neofsr

Micro-Star International (MSI) is a Taiwan-based company that is one of the largest manufacturers of motherboards and video cards. The K8T Neo-FSR motherboard with the VIA K8T800 chipset enables you to design a computer system to meet specific requirements. The motherboard supports one Athlon 64 processor and offers front bus speeds up to 800MHz. In addition, it provides up to 2GB of SDRAM. It also has 5 PCI slots. Installing MSI K8T Neo-FSR requires a few steps to set up.

Instructions

1. Download the MST K8T Neo-FSR.odt and unzip it.

2. Connect the MSI K8T Neo-FSR motherboard (ATX K8T800) to a computer.

3. Right-click "Computer" or "My Computer," depending on your version of Windows and click "Properties."

4. Click "Hardware" and "Device Manager."

5. Locate the new MST K8T New-FSR.odt file you downloaded. Double-click the device and select "Reinstall Driver."

6. Click "Install from a Specific Location." Check the box next to "Include this Location." Click the "Browse" button and select the "MSIdriver." Click "Next" and "Finish." You have now installed MSI K8T Neo-FSR.odt.

Tags: Neo-FSR motherboard

Stepbystep On Replace The Cmos Battery In The Optiplex Gx620

The Dell OptiPlex GX620 desktop computer comes in several types of cases ranging from a mini-tower computer to an ultra small form factor computer. All GX620 models use a small disk-type battery like those found in wristwatches to maintain system settings, time and date. While these batteries should last several years, they do wear out. A bad battery will cause incorrect time and date to be displayed and should be replaced. Replacing the battery is not too difficult, but care must be taken not to damage the motherboard.

Instructions

1. Power off the computer. Remove the power cable from the rear of the case. Unplug any components that are attached to the computer, such as the monitor, printers, networking cable, etc.

2. Remove the left side cover. The GX 620 side cover has a latch at the rear of the cover. Push the latch inwards and slide the cover back and away from the computer.

3. Locate the CMOS battery. It's silver, about the size of a nickel and is seated in a plastic socket. The battery is held in by a small metal tab. Use a pocket size slotted screwdriver to carefully push the tab away from the battery. Use a plastic toothpick to lift the battery out of the socket. Note which side of the battery is facing up.

4. Snap a new battery into the socket. Replace the side cover, plug in the components and the power cord and turn on the computer.

Tags: side cover, away from, time date

Identify A Phone Number For Free

Caller ID doesn't always tell you who's calling.

There are many reasons you might need to find the owner of a phone number, ranging from being harassed to being just plain curious. Plenty of companies offer this information for a fee, but whether you are looking for a landline, mobile or toll-free number, you can first try several routes to identify information about that number for free.

Instructions

1. Enter the phone number into a reverse phone number search website. The owner's name and address may be available for free in one of these directories (see Resources). A reverse search works for most phone landline numbers, unless the number is an unlisted number.

2. Enter the phone number into a call tracking website. These sites provide a database of information compiled from other people who report receiving calls from the same number. Two of the most used sites are Who Calls Me and 800notes.com (see Resources). The amount of information available for a phone number varies.

3. Find information on the number's area code and three-digit prefix. Even if you can't get information on the specific phone number, you can still find its general place of origin through the area code and prefix. Many phone companies, like Verizon, offer free area code lookup (see Resources) that will give you the caller's state. Next, use a search engine like Google to look up the area code and prefix together in order to narrow down the location even further. For example, if the number is (708) 555-1212, search for "708-555." The area code tells you that it's an Illinois number, and the prefix narrows down the exact city or town.

4. Call the number and ask the person who answers to give you the information. You may not even have to ask because if it's a business, the employee may answer the call with the business name. Use this direct method when you can't find the information through indirect means. For example, if you're getting repetitive calls or hang-ups, you are entitled to know who is harassing you.

Tags: phone number, area code, area code prefix, code prefix, Enter phone

Replace A Cpu Fan In A Hp N5470

Learn to replace your HP Pavilion n5470 laptop's CPU cooling fan.

Laptop CPU chips heat up when used for long periods of time. This is why all laptop's are designed with sophisticated cooling systems. Most CPU cooling systems are built with a dedicated cooling fan. If the cooling fan goes bad, your laptop may start to overheat. If your CPU overheats, it can cause irreversible damage to your motherboard and the surrounding hardware devices. In the event that your CPU's cooling fan malfunctions, you should replace it immediately to avoid serious damage to your laptop. Replacing the fan in your HP Pavilion n5470 requires complete disassembly.

Instructions

1. Shut down your laptop through the Windows Start menu, and then close the LCD panel. Disconnect all cables from your laptop, and then place the laptop face down with the front of the laptop facing towards you. Remove the battery pack from the bottom casing of the laptop.

2. Remove all visible screws from the bottom casing of the laptop. Place the laptop vertically with the back panel of the laptop facing upwards. Remove the two Phillips-head screws from the back panel. Place the laptop so it is sitting flat.

3. Flip the laptop over and open the LCD panel as far as it will go. Use a small, flat-head screwdriver to pry off the plastic keyboard bezel between the keyboard and the LCD panel. Remove the bezel and set it aside. Remove the four Phillips-head screws from behind the top row of keys on the keyboard.

4. Grasp the top edge of the keyboard, tilt it upward, and then place it face down over the palm rest. Locate the keyboard ribbon cable on the bottom side of the keyboard, and then disconnect it from the motherboard. Remove the keyboard from the laptop.

5. Locate the LCD video cable extending from the left side of the LCD screen. Follow it to where it connects to the motherboard and disconnect it. Grasp the LCD screen with one hand, and then with your free hand remove the Phillips-head screws from each LCD hinge. Lift the LCD panel off of the laptop's base and set it aside.

6. Remove the Phillips-head screws from along the outer edges of the laptop's upper casing. Insert a credit card, or guitar pick into the crease separating the top casing from the bottom casing. Begin to pry up the upper casing from the bottom casing. Work your way around the entire circumference of the laptop until the top casing is completely separated from the laptop's base. Remove the upper casing and set it aside.

7. Locate the CPU fan in the upper left corner of the motherboard. Disconnect the fan cable from the motherboard, and then remove the four Phillips-head screws from the cooling fan assembly. Lift the CPU fan out of the motherboard and set it aside.

8. Repeat this procedure in reverse to install the replacement CPU cooling fan.

Tags: screws from, Phillips-head screws, Phillips-head screws from, bottom casing, from bottom, from bottom casing, your laptop

Install A Msi K9a2 Platinum Motherboard

If you are building a desktop computer, install the motherboard first. Your motherboard connects to your computer case via a series of screws. Your computer case has holes pre-drilled for mounting your motherboard. Your motherboard contains all the screws and brass stands required for mounting when you purchase it. The motherboard is grounded to the case via the brass stands and screws.

Instructions

1. Turn your computer case on its right side.

2. Place your motherboard over your case. Note which holes on your motherboard align with the holes on your case. Your case will be compatible with many motherboard types, so noting the holes is essential. After you have noted the holes, set your motherboard aside.

3. Insert the brass stands into the holes you noted in step 2. The brass stands will be brass colored, and will be what your motherboard rests on. Tighten the brass stands with your fingers.

4. Place your motherboard on the brass stands. Align the holes in your motherboard with your brass stands.

5. Insert the screws that come with your motherboard into the brass stands. Do not fully tighten the screws until you have all of them in place.

6. Turn your case upright and make sure the motherboard is securely fastened.

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Identify A Motherboard Socket

Motherboards have a socket for the processor.

Sockets on a motherboard are typically used to indicate the type of CPU or processor that can be used with a particular computer system. The socket type can also help to identify the type of motherboard that is in your computer. You can identify a motherboard socket by using various software tools. Two software tools that you can use to identify a motherboard socket are PC Wizard 2010 and CPU-Z (see Resources).

Instructions

PC Wizard 2010

1. Download the PC Wizard 2010 setup file to your desktop. Double-click on the setup file to install the program on your system.

2. Double-click the PC Wizard 2010 icon on the desktop to open the program and wait for the program to load.

3. Click the Processor icon on the left side of the window to view information about the CPU socket on the motherboard. Locate "Support" under the Item column. The CPU socket type is displayed to the right.

CPU-Z

4. Download the CPU-Z setup file to your desktop. Double-click on the setup file to install the program on your system.

5. Double-click the CPUID CUP-Z icon on the desktop to open the program.

6. Select the CPU tab and locate "Package" under the Processor section to view the type of CPU socket that is on the motherboard.

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Load An Ide Hard Drive On A Sata Motherboard

Use an adapter to connect an IDE hard drive to a SATA motherboard.

Newer computer have transitioned away from the older IDE hard drives to SATA hard drives. These drives use a different interface, which means they are not directly interchangeable. Fortunately, adapters allow you to easily load an IDE hard drive on a motherboard with only SATA ports. Install your older IDE drive to get access to your files, use as a back up drive, or just have some extra storage space.

Instructions

1. Plug the IDE to SATA adapter into your IDE hard drive, where the data connector would normally go. Check that is firmly connected.

2. Slide the IDE hard drive into an open 3.5 inch bay and secure it with machine screws.

3. Connect one end the red SATA cable to the white square connector on the adapter. Connect the other end to the motherboard SATA port, which is a small, white square.

4. Plug an available four pin power connector into the IDE hard drive as per normal. The power connector will be on a ribbon connected to the power supply.

Tags: hard drive, hard drives, power connector, white square

Replace The Battery On A Sony Vaio Laptop

Replace the Battery on a Sony Vaio Laptop

Most laptop batteries are rechargeable. However, a battery is only rechargeable to a certain point and then it will fail to hold a charge, rendering your laptop non-functional. You must then remove the dead battery and replace it with a new one. Fortunately, Sony sells replacement batteries for the Sony VAIO that you can connect to your laptop in order to restore its functionality.

Instructions

1. Place the laptop upside-down on a flat surface.

2. Hold the switch near the battery in the "open" or "unlock" position, then slide and hold the "Release" switch on the battery. Lift the battery using the depressed tab on the pack.

3. Remove the battery by pulling it up from the laptop, then lifting up diagonally from it.

4. Insert the new battery inside the laptop, sliding it diagonally and aligning it with the projections at the edge of the battery compartment. Lower the battery until you hear the switch click, then slide the battery switch back to the "Lock" or "Close" position.

5. Plug the laptop into a power outlet with the AC adapter to allow the battery to fully charge.

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Remove A Celeron Heatsink

Remove a Celeron Heatsink

The heat sink is a critical computer component responsible for removing heat from the processor. Because it sits atop the CPU, it is necessary to take off the heat sink when installing a new processor. Sometimes it is also necessary to upgrade the heat sink with a better model that provides more cooling. Regardless of your reasons, removing a Celeron processor heat sink takes only a few minutes and minimal effort.

Instructions

1. Shut down the computer and unplug all cables from the unit. Grab the left side panel and pull it away to access the heat sink. You may need to trigger a latch or remove a screw with a Phillips screwdriver on some computers to release the side cover. If this is the case, you will see the screw or latch right next to or adjoining the panel.

2. Touch an unpainted metal portion of the computer enclosure to discharge static electricity from your body. CPUs are very sensitive to static charge, so this step is important.

3. Unplug the white three-pin CPU fan connector from the motherboard. The heat sink and fan connector are located near the middle of the motherboard.

Push in with your thumbs to remove the clips securing the heat sink to the Celeron processor. Some heat sinks may only use one clip.

4. Lift the heat sink away. Slowly wiggle the device free if it is stuck to the CPU. Avoid pulling with excessive force as this could damage the processor.

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Set A Refresh Rate For A Toshiba Regza

Your Toshiba Regza display has two different inputs available for connecting to your computer. The first option is through a standard VGA cable. This connection provides screen resolutions up to 1280 x 1024. The second option is through an HDMI cable. Using the HDMI cable provides resolutions up to 1920 x 1080, or 1080p. Unlike many similar displays, the Toshiba Regza can actually accept a large variety of refresh rate inputs. However, every input refresh rate is converted to 60Hz within the display. As a result, Toshiba recommends you set Windows to output at 60Hz to avoid this conversion process. Doing so ensures maximum image quality and smoothness while minimizing the risk of damage to the display device. Set the refresh rate from within the Windows display properties.

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button. Type "Display Refresh" in the "Search programs and files" box, and press "Enter." This opens a "Change the appearance..." window.

2. Click the "Advanced settings" link. This opens a properties dialog.

3. Click the "Monitor," then locate the "Monitor Settings" section.

4. Click the "Screen refresh rate" drop-down menu, then click to select "60 Hertz." While you can also select any other listed refresh rate, keep in mind a higher or lower refresh rate is going to convert back to 60Hz on the display.

5. Click the "Apply" button. The screen on the Toshiba Regza will briefly turn black, and return with the recommended refresh rate.

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Fix A Flash Bios Problem

BIOS chips look roughly like this, but smaller.

Flashing of the BIOS with a computer can be a tricky and risky proposition. On occasion, something can go terribly wrong and corrupt the entire computer. If this happens, you will not be able to boot your computer. There is a quick way to repair this, but it requires a bit of timing and a secondary BIOS chip from a motherboard identical to the one you're using.

Instructions

1. Open the computer tower. If necessary, use a screwdriver to remove the side panel and expose the motherboard.

2. Remove the corrupted BIOS chip from the motherboard. This is a small, rectangular chip that is usually located near the bottom of the motherboard.

3. Place the new BIOS chip in the BIOS socket.

4. Power on the computer and let it boot through its DOS protocols. This is represented by the long string of statistics and settings that one sees when the computer first boots.

5. Swap out the BIOS chips as the computer is booting. This will overwrite the corrputed BIOS on the old chip with the settings from the replacement. Once this is done, close the computer tower and, if necessary, shut the PC off.

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Install Intel Chipset Drivers

If you have an Intel motherboard on your computer, you will have to install its chipset drivers for your computer to function properly. Installing the motherboard chipset drivers resolve numerous hardware and software issues that you may otherwise face without having the appropriate chipset drivers installed. The Intel website has a tool that automatically detects the correct chipset drivers for your computer.

Instructions

1. Open your Web browser and go to Intel.com.

2. Point to "Support" and click "Drivers and Downloads."

3. Click "Run Intel Driver Utility" and then click "Check Your System for the Latest Updates."

4. Click the "Run" button when prompted to install a JavaScript plugin. The Intel Driver Utility will now automatically detect available drivers for your computer.

5. Expand the "Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility" option by clicking the "+" sign.

6. Click the "Download Now" button to download the Intel chipset drivers. After downloading, click "Open" to run the Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility.

7. Agree to the Intel license agreement and click "Next." The Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility will automatically install the chipset drivers for your computer.

8. Restart your computer after the installation.

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Install Realtek Sound Drivers

Realtek is a computer hardware manufacturer that specializes in designing audio and network chips for computer manufacturers to use in their products. If you have a notebook computer running Windows, there is a good chance that the sound chip is designed by Realtek. If you have reinstalled Windows on your computer and find that it is unable to produce audio, you may not have the drivers for the Realtek sound chip installed. Obtain the drivers from the computer manufacturer or Realtek's website.

Instructions

1. Open a Web browser and navigate to your computer manufacturer's website. Look for a link titled "Support," "Drivers" or "Downloads" to locate the driver download page.

2. Input the model of your computer to view the downloads available and look for a download titled "Realtek Audio Driver," "Realtek AC97 Driver" or "Realtek High Definition Driver," and click the link to download the software.

3. Download the file to your desktop.

4. Right-click on the file to open it if it is compressed with a zip program and extract it to a folder that you can find easily. If it is an executable file, skip this step and go to step 5.

5. Doubleclick the executable file to install the software.

6. Follow the instructions in the setup utility to finish installing the Realtek audio drivers for your computer. In most cases, this involves clicking "Next" when prompted, and clicking "Finish" when the driver installation is complete. You may also need to read and agree to a set of license terms to use the software.

7. Restart the computer to begin using its audio playback capability when the driver installation is complete.

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Install A Dell Motherboard

As your Dell computer gets older, you may want to upgrade its internal hardware components with newer replacements. If your motherboard does not have the expansion slots you need for a new graphics card or cannot handle any additional memory modules, you can install a new motherboard. Replacing the motherboard is an extensive process that will require removing several other components and you must also reinstall the operating system once the procedure is finished.

Instructions

1. Power off the Dell computer and unplug its power cable. Disconnect each remaining cable for the monitor, mouse, keyboard and printer. Place the Dell computer case on its side so that the left access panel is facing you.

2. Push down the release latch at the bottom of the case and lift the access panel off the computer. Release the static electricity held in your body by touching a metal object that is connected to the floor.

3. Find the memory modules above the processor. Snap back the plastic hinges at the left and right sides of the memory modules. Lift the modules off the motherboard and set them outside the case.

4. Check to see if your Dell computer model has any PCI or AGP expansion cards installed at the lower-left end of the motherboard. Lift the cards off the motherboard and set them aside.

5. Disconnect the black cable running from the processor's cooling fan to the port on the motherboard. Snap back the plastic clip holding the cooling fan to the processor.

6. Remove the cooling fan. Lift the heat sink beneath the cooling fan off the processor and set it aside. Lift up the plastic retention arm that holds the processor to the motherboard port.

7. Grab two edges of the processor and lift it off the motherboard port. Use the Phillips head screwdriver to take out the six screws located along the edges of the motherboard.

8. Push the motherboard slightly forward to disconnect the expansion slots from the back of the Dell computer case. Lift the motherboard out of the case.

9. Set the new motherboard in place and line up the expansion slots with the corresponding holes on the case. Reconnect the processor, heat sink, cooling fan, memory modules and expansion cards.

10. Push the side access panel back into place. Reattach the power cable. Insert the operating system recovery disk that came with your Dell computer into the disk drive. Power on the computer and follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall the operating system.

Tags: Dell computer, memory modules, access panel, expansion slots, operating system, your Dell

Reset An Asus Bios Password To Factory Settings

Desktop and server computers utilizing an ASUS motherboard have many different configuration options available in the BIOS. You can set options for peripheral connectivity and motherboard features, such as enabling and disabling various ports, or set a BIOS password with the option of requiring the password for changing BIOS settings or for booting the computer. Reset an ASUS BIOS password back to the factory settings by using the "Clear CMOS" jumper on the motherboard.

Instructions

1. Power off the computer and remove the power cord.

2. Remove the side cover of the computer case. Some cases use screws, while others have a lever on the back of the case.

3. Locate the "Clear CMOS" jumper. The jumper is usually located near the battery on the motherboard, and connects two out of a set of three pins.

4. Move the jumper to connect the other two out of the set of three pins together.

5. Move the jumper back to its original position.

6. Replace the computer's side cover.

7. Power on the computer.

8. Press the "Del" key to enter the BIOS and configure the appropriate settings for your particular computer.

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Know If A Motherboard Is Bad

Motherboard

In computer troubleshooting, determining if you have a bad motherboard takes time and cannot just be done with a simple check or test. To determine if you have a bad motherboard, you must take several steps that follow the classic computer troubleshooting model. You will be required to consider each piece of hardware and narrow down the problem. It's only through the process of elimination that you can be sure you have a bad motherboard.

Instructions

1. Remove everything you can. Pull out all the cards installed on the motherboard. Leave the video card if you have one. Test and see if the computer is powering on and working. Remove other add-on pieces and peripherals until you have nothing left but the basics, that includes the motherboard, memory, CPU, hard drive and video card. Take out the hard drive and even the video card if it is on a card. At some point, the motherboard should appear to work, if not proceed to the next step.

2. Reseat the video card and hard drive. If this does not help, take out and reset the CMOS battery. Usually there is a jumper marked on the motherboard that you will have to remove. After removing the jumper, take out the CMOS battery, restart the computer and then turn it off and reinstall the battery.

3. Put your CPU in a good computer. If everything else fails, it will come down to either the problem is the CPU or the motherboard. Test your processor in a good computer or try replacing the CPU with a good one.

4. Replace the motherboard. If you have gone through all the other stpes, than your motherboard is most likely bad and the final test is to replace the motherboard and see if this fixes your problem.

Tags: video card, hard drive, have motherboard, CMOS battery, computer troubleshooting, good computer

Replace A Computer Fan & Heatsink

A CPU heat sink and fan are used to create airflow and cool off the CPU.

The central processing unit constitutes the brain of the computer. The CPU carries out processes at an extremely fast rate, which causes it to heat up during use. The heat sink cools the computer processor inside the computer by drawing away heat while the fan cools the heat sink. If the heat sink is damaged or working improperly, the CPU will overheat, causing severe damage to itself and possibly other parts in the computer.

Instructions

Replace a Computer Fan and Heat Sink for an Intel Motherboard

1. Open the computer case.

2. Pull out the pins holding the CPU's heat sink. There are four pins located on the corners of the CPU socket. Turn each pin to remove it. Most older PC motherboards have screws instead of pins, so just unscrew them.

3. Remove the heat sink. Unplug the CPU fan power supply from the motherboard. Hold the heat sink by its edges and gently remove it. Remove any thermal compound residual on top of the CPU with rubbing alcohol.

4. Align the new heat sink with the CPU.

5. Push the heat sink pins into the holes located on the corners of the CPU socket. Push the pins until you hear a clicking sound. For older motherboards, attach the nuts to the other side of the PCs motherboard and screw in the heat-sink screws.

6. Examine the heat sink to make sure it sits firmly on top of the Intel CPU.

7. Close the computer case and restart the computer.

Replace a Computer Fan and Heat Sink for an AMD Motherboard

8. Open the computer case.

9. Push down gently on the heat sink and release the latch on the side of the heat sink. While still pushing down on the heat sink, unclamp the clamps located on the sides.

10. Remove the heat sink. Unplug the CPU fan power supply from the motherboard. Hold the heat sink by its edges and gently remove it. Remove any thermal compound residual on top of CPU with rubbing alcohol.

11. Align the new heat sink with the CPU.

12. Push down gently on the heat sink and clamp it to the AMD CPU socket on your motherboard. Examine the heat sink to make sure it sits firmly on top of the AMD CPU. Close the computer case and restart the computer.

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Remove A Cmos Battery From A Compaq V2000 Laptop

The Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) in a computer is responsible for storing hardware settings and time on your computer. The CMOS is powered by a small battery and is able to store information whether your computer is turned on or off. While the standard CMOS battery lasts for up to ten years, you may need to replace your CMOS sooner than that. If you password your BIOS and forget the password or need to reset your configuration back to the default, you can remove the CMOS and re-insert or replace it.

Instructions

1. Unplug the computer from the wall outlet and unplug the AC adapter from the computer.

2. Turn your Compaq Presario V2000 face down and slide the battery release latch to the left to disengage the battery from its position. Remove the battery.

3. Unscrew the screws over the hard drive cover, which is located in the lower right corner of the laptop if your laptop is placed with the battery away from you. Lift the hard drive tab, located on the left side of the hard drive, and slide the hard drive to the left to remove it from the computer.

4. Unscrew the single screw located directly under the optical CD/DVD drive. Insert a very thin item, such as a paper clip or pin, into the hole located on the optical drive to open it. Slide your optical drive out of its tray to remove it.

5. Remove the two screws located on the switch cover, which is directly under the battery. Turn the computer right-side up and open it as wide as it will go. Use a flat tipped screwdriver to lift up the switch cover that is directly above the "F1," "F5," "F11" and "Insert" keys.

6. Unscrew the four screws that hold the keyboard in place. These screws are are located in the upper right corner of the computer under the switch cover that you just removed. Lift the keyboard up and slide it forward until it rests on the palm rest. Unplug the zif connector, which is located directly above the palm rest, to disconnect the keyboard. Lift the keyboard up and out of the laptop.

7. Turn the computer upside down again and remove the memory modules by unscrewing the two screws over the memory compartment located directly below the battery slot. Unclip the two clips located on each side of the memory module to release it from its slot and slide it out of the computer.

8. Unscrew the two screws on the PCI cover directly beneath the memory module. Disconnect the two wireless antennas above the card. Spread the two clips securing the mini PCI card into place and lift the card up and out at a 45-degree angle away from you.

9. Flip the laptop back up on its right side and disconnect the display cable located in the upper left corner above the keyboard area underneath the switch cover you removed earlier. Then remove the two pieces of tape in the upper right corner that hold the wireless antenna in place. Remove the two clips located beneath the tape pieces. Unscrew the two screws on the upper left corner and the two in the upper right corner that hold the display into place. Remove the display assembly.

10. Turn the computer back upside down and remove the remaining 19 screws. Lift the base enclosure straight up out of its place.

11. Locate the CMOS battery, a small circular object, and lift it up out of its place. Leave it out for five minutes and reinsert it to reset your settings. Re-assemble the computer without the battery and plug it into the wall.

Tags: hard drive, right corner, switch cover, located directly, optical drive, that hold, Turn computer