Reset An Ati Radeon

Graphics cards are extremely configurable devices, allowing you to tweak your system so you get the best performance and quality ratio in your games. ATI Radeon graphics cards provide the Catalyst Control Center that allows you to change settings for your graphics cards, including advanced settings such as clock and memory speeds if you also have the ATI Overdrive feature available. While modifying settings can greatly improve performance, quality and compatibility in some video games, toying with settings with which you are not familiar can lead to system instability. If your computer is behaving erratically, you should try resetting your ATI Radeon to factory default settings. This is a simple process which will only take a few clicks.

Instructions

1. Start your computer and log into Windows.

2. Right-click anywhere on your desktop to make the context menu appear.

3. Click "Catalyst Control Center" to open your ATI Radeon configuration settings control panel.

4. Click the "Defaults" button at the bottom-right of the window to restore all of the settings to the default factory configurations. Click "OK" to exit the Catalyst Control Center.

5. Reinstall the drivers for your ATI Radeon if resetting the card to factory defaults did not work. Download the latest drivers from AMD's website. The drivers will also include the latest version of the Catalyst Control Center. Installing the latest drivers can alleviate most problems with graphics cards. After reinstalling the drivers, restart the computer.

Tags: Catalyst Control, Catalyst Control Center, Control Center, your Radeon, graphics cards

Update The Bios In An Asus P5b

Update the BIOS in an ASUS P5B

ASUS P5B is a socket 775 motherboard that supports the Core 2 Duo family of Intel processors. The basic input/output system, or BIOS, is a program code integrated into the motherboard chip. BIOS initializes all hardware when the computer starts. Older BIOS versions may not properly recognize a CPU model, reducing the functionality of your computer as a result. The ASUS P5B motherboard has a special utility, EZ Flash, that greatly simplifies BIOS updating, also known as flashing.

Instructions

Formatting the USB Flash Drive

1. Insert a USB flash drive into the USB port on your computer.

2. Click "Start" in Windows, and then click "Computer" to start Windows Explorer.

3. Right-click the USB drive icon and choose "Format."

4. Select the option "FAT32" from the "File System" drop-down menu and click "Format." Then click "Yes" to start USB drive formatting.

5. Wait for a message that indicates formatting is complete.

Copying the Latest BIOS File to the USB Flash Drive

6. Use a web browser to navigate to the ASUS download page (see Resources).

7. Select "Motherboard" in the "Product" drop-down list, select "Socket 775" in the "Series" drop-down list and select "P5B" in the "Model" drop-down list. Click "Search."

8. Expand the "BIOS" category by clicking the plus sign to display the list of available BIOS versions for the P5B motherboard.

9. Find the latest BIOS version, which should be at the top of the list, and then click the "Download" link to save it on your computer. The BIOS file has the extension ".rom."

10. Insert the formatted flash drive into a USB drive on your computer.

11. Click "Start" in Windows, and then click "Computer" to open Windows Explorer.

12. Use Windows Explorer to copy the BIOS file to the USB flash drive.

Updating BIOS

13. Insert the USB drive with the BIOS file into a USB port on the computer.

14. Restart your computer.

15. Press the keys "Alt" and "F2" simultaneously when the message "Press DEL to enter SETUP, Alt-F2 to enter EZ Flash utility " appears on the bottom of the screen to bring up the ASUS EZ Flash window.

16. Use the "Tab" key on the keyboard to select the USB flash drive.

17.Select the BIOS file on the USB drive and press "Enter" to start flashing the BIOS. After the process is complete, your computer will automatically restart.

Tags: your computer, flash drive, drop-down list, Windows Explorer, BIOS file

Flash The Asus Bios When The Motherboard Will Not Post

CPU cooler

POST stands for "Power-On Self-Test," which is a built-in utility that scans your hardware and system configuration to confirm that all components are in proper working order. After performing the POST, the computer prepares itself to boot to the operating system. If your ASUS computer fails to run POST at start-up, a loose connection or defective component could be to blame. Alternatively, although it may seem as if the computer won't boot, the system may be attempting to communicate start-up problems via the ASUS Post Reporter, a utility that converts beep codes into voice messages. To enable POST and update your BIOS to the most recent version, perform a few troubleshooting steps to determine the source of the problem.

Instructions

Use the ASUS POST Reporter

1. Sign on to a different computer and go to the ASUS website (see Resources.) Select your region from the options.

2. Point to "Services," then click "Support." Click "Download." Select your product information from the drop-down menus.

3. Click "Search." Select your ASUS computer's operating system from the drop-down menu, and then click "Search" again.

4. Expand "Manual." Download your computer's documentation from the website. The download usually takes less than a minute on a high-speed Internet connection, but may take several minutes using a dial-up connection. Double-click the file to open it.

5. Review the table of contents to locate the chapter on "Vocal POST Messages" or "ASUS POST Reporter." Print the pages included in the chapter.

6. Connect speakers to the appropriate audio jack located on the rear of the computer. Power on the system to listen for any POST messages. If your ASUS reports a problem, read the instructions in the chapter's "Action" field to resolve the issue.

Troubleshoot the Computer

7. Turn off the computer. Loosen the screws securing the cover to the case, and pop the cover off the case. Touch the chassis to ground yourself.

8. CPU cooler

Locate the CPU fan. The CPU fan is square and is approximately 80 mm to 120 mm in size. A black case houses the fan blades. Power on the computer. If the fan fails to spin, turn off the computer and confirm that the CPU fan cable is connected securely to the motherboard.

9. Disconnect the power cable from the rear of the computer. Confirm that the cable or cables connecting the power supply to the motherboard are secure.

10. Confirm that all of the connections on the motherboard are secure. Check that the CPU, heat sink, expansion cards and memory modules are properly seated and installed.

11. Release the lever securing the coin-shaped CMOS battery in place. Use your fingers to extract the CMOS battery from its slot.

12. Insert the battery into an anti-static bag, and leave it in a safe place overnight to reset the computer's CMOS settings.

13. Reinsert the CMOS battery into its slot. If the computer still fails to POST, the motherboard or power supply may need to be replaced.

Flash the ASUS BIOS

14. Go to the ASUS Support Page (see Resources) and enter your product information. Select your operating system from the drop-down menu.

15. Left-click the "+" next to the "BIOS" category. Click "Global (DLM)." Select a folder to save the file to, and then press "Enter" to download the latest update for your BIOS from the list.

16. Click "Exit" followed by "Start," "Computer" and "Windows Explorer." Go to the folder you saved the file to, and double-click the file to open it. Left-click the first item in the file. Hold down "Shift," and then press "PGDN" to select all of the files shown.

17.Minimize all of the windows except "Windows Explorer." Double-click the title bar to make the application smaller. Drag-and-drop the highlighted files to the portion of the desktop displayed on the screen.

18. Click the "+" next to "BIOS-Utilities." Click "Global (DLM)" and select a location to save the "Windows BIOS Flash Utility" to. Press "Enter" to download the file.

19. Return to "Windows Explorer" and locate the "Windows BIOS Flash Utility." Double-click the file, and minimize all of the windows except "Windows Explorer." Left-click the file in the folder, and then drag-and-drop the file onto the desktop.

20. Launch the Windows BIOS Flash Utility. Follow the on-screen instructions to update your BIOS. The computer will restart automatically once the update is complete.

Tags: Select your, Windows Explorer, BIOS Flash, BIOS Flash Utility, CMOS battery, Flash Utility, from drop-down

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Information

Since the beginning of computers, the primary aim was to make them smaller and more powerful, capable of dealing with multiple tasks at once. We now have a piece of hardware that can finally stand up to every demand. Please welcome the Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600.

History

Intel introduced its first processor, the Intel 4004, back in 1971. The numbers for that CPU are an outstanding clock speed of 740 KHz, being able to execute up to 92.000 word instruction/second. It could access 4 KB of memory and use 640 bytes of random access memory (RAM)--not quite a winner for today's demands, but surely a road opener.

Another important breakthrough was the introduction of the MMX instructions set that contained 67 instructions in January 1997 with the unveiling of the Pentium MMX chip. Since then, the only way for processor performance was up.

Evolution

The Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 is the first quad core chip for the masses--the first one was the QX6700. The Extreme Edition of the Q6600, which also came with an "extreme" price making it pretty much unreachable. It was released in January 2007, not long after the release of the very powerful Core 2 family, but tests pointed out the Q6600 to be much faster than its predecessors.

Technology

Coming with a clock speed of 2.4 GHz, 1066 MHz bus speed and 8 Mb level 2 cache, the Q6600 is lightning fast. Built on Intel's 65 nanometer technologies, the Q6600 counts 582 million transistors and uses the LGA775 socket.

Hyper Threading Vs. Multi-Core

What's the benefit of multiple cores over hyper threading? If you think of it logically, you'll figure out that a processor that manages tasks in an efficient way but only has one core will always be slower than a processor with multiple cores and which can deal with multiple tasks at the same time. And here we're talking about a quad core CPU.

Advantages Aand Disadvantages

Since it's a quad core CPU, the increased speed and ability to handle multiple tasks at once represents a major plus for it. However, a pretty big minus appears when it comes to its price, which at the point of its release ranged from $550 to $1,000, not quite the cheapest choice.

Tags: Core Quad, Core Quad Q6600, Intel Core, Intel Core Quad, multiple tasks

Repair Dell Laptop Motherboards

Motherboard repair may require multiple attempts at disassembly and re-assembly.

Laptop motherboard repair is difficult because of the components that lie in the way of accessing the motherboard on your Dell laptop. Components must be removed and potential problems checked for, then the components must all be replaced before you can test the results of your repair attempts. If a repair fails, disassembly must occur again to attempt further fixes. Fortunately, as long as you have time on your hands, all you will need for Dell laptop motherboard repair is a Phillips head screwdriver.

Instructions

1. Turn off the Dell laptop. Disconnect it from any power source, then flip the unit over and locate the battery outline at the top center of the laptop's bottom. Below this is the battery release, which when activated will pop out the battery. Remove it.

2. Notice the two plastic compartments below the battery. The hard drive compartment is at the right, while the RAM compartment is just to the left of this. Both are covered with plastic hatches and held in place with screws. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the screws, then remove the plastic compartments to reveal the components.

3. Use your fingers to remove the RAM modules. They will simply pop out. This is the first of several components that must be removed to access the motherboard for repair.

4. Grab the right side of the hard drive and pull up to remove it.

5. Take note of the revealed wireless card now that the hard drive and RAM are gone. Two black antenna cables run from the wireless card into two connectors. Set the connectors into their upright orientation by flipping them up. This will "unlock" them and allow for the disconnection of the cables. Remove the wireless card.

6. Take out all the remaining screws on the bottom of the Dell laptop using your Phillips head screwdriver. All visible screws on the bottom casing must be removed.

7. Turn the Dell laptop over again and remove the keyboard, which will be loose. As you lift it out, you will see the keyboard cable running down to the connector at the base of the laptop. Lift the connector into the upright position and remove the cable, then finish removing the Dell's keyboard.

8. Check to see if the video cable connector that runs to the motherboard has accidentally become disconnected. With the keyboard out, you will see this cable connector under the lift display hinge. If it is disconnected, reconnect it. This should alleviate your motherboard problems. If this does not result in the motherboard operating, you will need to disconnect the video cable again and proceed further into the computer.

9. Take out both the screws directly below each monitor display hinge. Lift up and carefully remove the monitor assembly.

10. Pull out the top housing of the Dell laptop. With the keyboard and screen out of the way, you will be able to pry it off.

11. Take stock of the exposed motherboard and remove the large screw at its bottom right. This will free the motherboard.

12. Begin to lift up the Dell laptop's motherboard. Two cables run from the bottom of the motherboard to connectors below. Ensure these are connected to the connectors and are not loose. If they are, plug them back in.

13. Test your laptop after reassembly. If the Dell still does not work, you will need to remove the motherboard altogether for replacement. Repeat the disassembly and disconnect the motherboard from the two connectors with a gentle tug. Pull out the motherboard and set it aside for replacement.

Tags: Dell laptop, hard drive, motherboard repair, must removed, will need, wireless card

Kill Moss With Vinegar

Vinegar can be used as an herbicide and pesticide. It is an inexpensive, and environmentally safe, alternative to chemical products. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, vinegar in five to 10 percent concentrations is effective in killing weeds within the first two weeks of their life cycle. Average household vinegar is available in a five percent concentration. Vinegar in higher concentrations is effective at killing older plants. Moss is a rootless, non-flowering plant that grows predominantly in moist environments. It can be invasive and many homeowners seek natural methods to kill moss. Both apple cider vinegar and white vinegar can be used to kill and prevent future growth of moss. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Option 1

1. Pour full strength vinegar directly onto moss. For newer moss growth household vinegar can be used. Older growth requires an industrial strength vinegar.

2. Allow the vinegar to sit for five to 10 minutes.

3. Scrape off the moss. If the surface allows, use a putty knife to remove the moss.

4. Scrub the surface. Rinse off the vinegar and any remaining moss. Reapply if necessary.

Option 2

5. Mix together 4 cups of vinegar, a 1/4 cup of salt and 2 tsp. dish soap.

6. Pour mixture into a plant sprayer or spray bottle.

7. Saturate the moss with the mixture. Let the mixture sit and then remove the moss.

Tags: concentrations effective, concentrations effective killing, effective killing, five percent, household vinegar, remove moss, strength vinegar

Install A Hard Drive In A Hp Computer

Install a SATA or IDE hard drive to your HP computer.

Replacing a hard drive installed in your HP computer is inevitable as it may get damaged over time. Hardware devices are fragile, especially the hard drive, that can become damaged with a single drop. This makes it necessary to install a new hard drive to your HP computer. Note that there are two types of hard drive: IDE and SATA. Both require different steps for installation.

Instructions

SATA Hard Drive Installation

1. Turn off the computer and remove all cables and external peripherals that are attached to the computer. Remove the screws at the back of the computer. Slide away the side panel to remove.

2. Locate the "SATA slot" on your motherboard. Read the labels on the motherboard to look for slot, which should read "SATA1" or "SATA2." Use the SATA interface connector that comes with your hard drive to connect from the SATA slot on the motherboard into the connector port at the back of the hard drive. Also attach the power cables from the power supply into the power port of the hard drive.

3. Use a Philips screwdriver to secure the drive into the "drive cage." Do not tighten the screws too much as this may damage the hard disk. Close the computer casing.

IDE Hard Drive Installation

4. Unplug wires and cables attached to the computer. Ensure that the computer is turned off while you do this. Open the computer casing.

5. Read the labels on the motherboard to locate the "IDE port," which should read "IDE1" or "IDE2." Connect the IDE cable (a thin, flat cable with two connectors) from the IDE port of the motherboard into the hard disk. If there is only one hard drive in your HP computer, use the last connector (at the end of the the IDE cable) to make it the "master" hard drive. If there are two hard drives, connect the first connector on the cable into the first hard drive, and the second connector into the second hard drive. Also connect the power cable from the power supply to the power port of the hard disk.

6. Fasten the screws to secure the hard drive to the "drive cage." Close the computer casing and plug the cables and devices that you removed earlier.

Tags: hard drive, hard drive, your computer, computer casing, drive your, drive your computer, hard disk

Repair A Motherboard With A Shorted Reset

In most cases, the only time you really need to use the reset switch on your computer is if it freezes or perhaps fails to boot into Windows. If your PC has a shorted reset switch, the machine may start and restart continuously even if you do not press any buttons on the front of the case. Often, simply shutting off the PC and removing the power cord for a couple of minutes will fix continuous reset problems. However, if the problem persists, the most likely culprit is a defective or shorted reset cable or jumper leading from the switch button on the case to the motherboard.

Instructions

1. Power off the computer and remove the power cord. Disconnect all other cables and devices attached to the PC. Move the computer to a table or other flat work surface.

2. Use the Phillips screwdriver to remove the side or top panel access cover from the computer case. Remove the case panel and set it aside. Slide the antistatic wrist strap on to your arm and clip the other end to a bare metal surface inside the computer case.

3. Locate the wiring harness or group of wires that runs from the front panel on the case to the motherboard. Locate the jumper block on the motherboard where the wire harness or group of wires terminates. Locate the small black jumper pin with the "Reset" label. Disconnect the Reset jumper from the jumper block on the motherboard.

4. Move the computer back to its original location, but do not replace the access panel. Plug in the power cord, keyboard and monitor only. Turn on the computer and attempt to boot into Windows. If the computer boots successfully, the problem is a shorted reset-switch wire or motherboard jumper.

5. Power off the computer and disconnect all cables. Move the computer back to the worktable.

6. Remove the two to four screws securing the power and reset button assembly to the front panel of the case. Remove all wiring jumpers that lead to the front panel of the case from the jumper block on the motherboard. Note the locations where jumpers connect on the jumper block so that you can reconnect them easily after you fix the shorted reset-switch wire.

7. Inspect the entire length of the wire attached to the jumper labeled "Reset." If the wire has any nicks or fraying, this is probably the cause of the shorted reset switch.

8. Use the scissors to cut the wire at a point just before the first nick or fray in the Reset wire. Alternatively, use a desoldering tool to remove the entire length of wire from the reset button assembly.

9. Cut or desolder a like piece of wiring with a jumper from an unused computer. Ideally, you should use a wire and jumper labeled "Reset." However, if the label is not the same, it does not really matter - a wire labeled "HDD LED" or "Power" works as well. If you do use a wire and jumper with a different label, ensure that you remember it in case you need to remove it later.

10. Use the wire strippers to strip the end of the wire you removed from the old PC and the wiring that leads to the reset button assembly. Splice the colored pieces of wire together and use electrical tape to secure the connection. Likewise, splice together the two white wires and secure them with electrical tape. Alternatively, solder the wire from the old PC to the reset button assembly on the machine you want to repair.

11. Align the power and reset button assembly back into its slot on the front panel of the computer. Secure it with the screws you removed earlier. Reconnect all of the wires from the front panel to the jumper block on the motherboard.

12. Replace the side or top panel cover and secure with the retaining screws. Move the computer back to its original location.

13. Connect the power cord and all peripherals. Start the computer and use as you normally would.

Tags: button assembly, front panel, jumper block, reset button, reset button assembly, block motherboard

The Motherboard Specifications For The Hp Pavilion 7960

Get motherboard specifications for the HP Pavilion 7960.

Introduced on June 1, 2001, the HP Pavilion 7960 desktop computer--which has since been discontinued--featured an ASUS motherboard with an Intel processor and chipset, and a front side bus.

Processor and Cache

The base processor used on the HP Pavilion 7960's motherboard was a 1.3-GHz Intel Pentium 4. The Level 1 cache totaled 128 KB while the Level 2 had 256 KB.

Chipset and Bus

The HP Pavilion 7960's chipset was an Intel 850 running on a 400 MHz front side bus.

Memory Supported

The HP Pavilion 7960's motherboard came with a standard 128 MB of PC600 RDRAM. It was expandable to 2 GB. A minimum of two chips were required, and the RAM ran at 400 MHz.

Power Requirements

The HP Pavilion 7960 motherboard required a 12-volt adapter at 4.0 amperes to power the computer.

Other Integrated Features

Also integrated into the HP Pavilion 7960 motherboard were a 10/100 BaseT networking interface and an IEEE 1394 interface.

Tags: Pavilion 7960, 7960 motherboard, Pavilion 7960 motherboard, front side

Overclock An Acer Laptop With A Centrino

Older Acer laptops may start to slip in performance or may not match the ability of newer computers to run various programs. Overclocking the Acer computer will speed it up. A computer's processing "clock" speed is based on a bus frequency and a frequency or voltage "multiplier." These two figures multiplied give your computer's speed. If you increase one of these figures, you will be overclocking.

Instructions

1. Restart your Acer laptop.

2. Wait for a message "Press DEL to enter setup" to appear. Press the corresponding button to enter the setup.

3. Scroll to the right to find the advanced options. Locate in the BIOS the "CPU Frequency/BUS Frequency/Front Side Bus" (wording will vary depending on BIOS revision).

4. Raise the frequency by a small increment such as 5 Mhz. Press "F10" to save and exit from the BIOS.

5. Make sure that your computer still works effectively. If it is still stable, you can attempt to increase the figure more.

Tags: enter setup, your computer

Replace The Power Supply On Compaq Presario 5000

Replace the Power Supply on Compaq Presario 5000

A computer's power supply converts the electricity coming from a standard wall outlet into a lower wattage so that the machine only uses as much power as it needs. When a power supply fails, your computer will either stop working or may shut down if used for an extended period. If the 250-watt power supply on your Compaq Presario 5000 has stopped working, it's possible to replace it with a new one on your own, instead of taking the machine to a computer repair shop.

Instructions

1. Close down the Compaq Presario 5000's operating system and then unplug the power cable from the back of the case. Remove the cables for the keyboard, mouse, monitor, and printer.

2. Set the entire Compare Presario 5000 case gently on its side so that the left panel is facing upwards. Take out the two screws on the back edge of the case that hold down the side panel.

3. Slide the panel to the left until it unlocks from the case. Lift the panel off the computer and set it aside.

4. Locate the power supply at the upper-left end of the Compaq Presario 5000's case. Disconnect the cables running from the power supply to the hard drive, CD drive, and motherboard.

5. Remove each of the screws holding the power supply to the case. Pull the power supply out of the metal drive bay and set it aside.

6. Slide the replacement power supply into the metal drive bay. Reattach each of the screws to hold it in place. Reconnect the cables to the motherboard, hard drive, and CD drive.

7. Put the side panel back onto the case and slide it to the right to lock it in place. Reconnect the two case screws.

8. Plug all of the computer's cables back into place. Power on the Compaq Presario 5000 and wait for the operating system to load to make sure the power supply is working correctly.

Tags: Presario 5000, Compaq Presario, Compaq Presario 5000, power supply, power supply, 5000 case, drive drive

Replace The Video Card In A Dell Inspiron 1720 Laptop

The video card replacement procedure on the Dell Inspiron 1720 is a momentous task that requires a near-complete disassembly of the computer. The video card is part of an assembly that is attached to the motherboard, so you'll have to strip the computer down to gain access to it. The manual labor isn't difficult (you don't have to wrestle with the computer), but there are so many screws to remove and cables to disconnect that you may lose count.

Instructions

External Disassembly and Keyboard Removal

1. Ensure that the optical drive is empty.

2. Shut down the computer and disconnect the power cable.

3. Remove the cables and peripheral devices from the computer.

4. Turn over the computer, press the battery release latch, and slide the battery out of its bay.

5. Locate the optical drive screw to the right of the memory module compartment (the square-shaped compartment in the middle of the computer base). Extract the screw.

6. Insert a screwdriver into the hole where the optical drive screw was and push the tab inside to the right to release the optical drive. Slide the optical drive out of the computer.

7. Wear a wrist grounding strap or periodically touch an unpainted metal object from this point on to keep from transferring static electricity to the internal components of the computer.

8. Locate the hard drive compartment at the top-left corner of the base. Extract the two screws on the cover and remove it to expose the hard drive.

9. Extract the three screws that secure the hard drive to the compartment and lift the hard drive out of the compartment.

10. Turn the computer over and open the display as far as it will go.

11. Insert a flat-head screwdriver into the indentation at the far-right side of the hinge cover (also called the keyboard bezel or center control cover). Pry the hinge cover up and remove it from the computer by lifting from right to left.

12. Extract the four screws at the top of the keyboard.

13. Lift the keyboard toward the display and then raise it to disengage it from the keyboard connector. Remove the keyboard from the computer.

Display Removal and Video Card Replacement

14. Close the display, turn the computer over, and locate the Mini Card compartment at the bottom-right corner of the base.

15. Extract the two screws on the Mini Card compartment cover and remove the cover.

16. Disconnect the antenna cables from the Mini Card, if there is one installed.

17.Extract the two hinge screws outside of the battery bay.

18. Turn over the computer and turn it so that the back faces you. Extract the two hinge screws on the back of the computer.

19. Turn the computer around and open the display.

20. Locate the display cable beneath the right corner of the display and extract the screw on it. Disconnect the display cable.

21. Disconnect the camera/microphone cable from its port beneath the middle of the display.

22. Remove the antenna cables from their channels under the palm rest and lift the display off the computer.

23. Locate the Bluetooth card compartment at the top-right corner of the computer (to the right of the display cable connector) and, if there is a card installed, disconnect the cables on it, and remove it from the computer.

24. Turn the computer over and extract 16 screws from the base. Hint: two screws are located inside the hard drive compartment--one on each side of the compartment divider.

25. Turn the computer over and extract the six palm rest screws at the top of the computer. Two are located between the hinges and the other four are situated in a straight line where the camera/microphone connector is located.

26

Disconnect the touchpad cable from the middle of the computer and remove the palm rest.

27

Locate the video card assembly in the middle of the motherboard. The assembly has a long, copper conduit extending from it toward the left. Extract the three screws that secure the assembly to the motherboard.

28

Lift the video card assembly out of the computer.

29

Follow the procedure in reverse order to install a new video card and assemble the computer.

Tags: hard drive, optical drive, computer over, from computer, base Extract, cover remove, display cable

Disable The Asus Acpi Center

Disable the ASUS ACPI Center

The ASUS ACPI Center is a program on your computer with the file name of "aacenter.exe." ACPI is an acronym for Advanced Configuration and Power Interface. The program controls communication for the power needs of your computer's hardware and software. But this process has been known to consume a lot of processing power or central processing unit cycles when it is operating, making your system run slow.

Instructions

Prevent Loading at Start-up

1. Click the "Start" menu and select "All Programs." Go to the "Accessories" program groups and then to "System Tools."

2. Click the option for "Task Scheduler." A new window will open.

3. Double-click the ASUS folder on the left panel to view the tasks that are related to ASUS.

4. Right-click the task for "ASUS ACPI Service Provider" and select "Disable" from the context menu.

5. Right-click the task for "ASUS RegRun Loader" and select "Disable" from the context menu.

6. Click the "File" drop-down menu and select the option for "Exit" to close the Task Scheduler.

Rename the File

7. Click the "Start" menu and select the option for "Computer." Double-click "(C:)" that is under Hard Disk Drives. Double-click the "Program Files" folder.

8. Navigate to the "ASUS" folder and then double-click the "AASP" folder. The "aacenter.exe" file is in the "1.00.32" folder.

9. Right-click the "aacenter.exe" file and select "Rename" from the context menu. Change the extension at the end of the file from ".exe" to ".bak" and press the "Enter" key.

10. Restart the computer, and the ASUS ACPI Center will not load.

Tags: ACPI Center, ASUS ACPI, ASUS ACPI Center, context menu, from context, from context menu

Upgrade An Amd 64 Athlon X2 Video Card From Analog To Digital

The AMD 64 Athlon X2 CPU is designed for use in the Socket 939 motherboard. There are many variations of the Socket 939 board. Some have an integrated graphics chip, built into the motherboard; some don't. Another major variation, which is crucial to upgrading the graphics capability of the system, is what video card slot it has. Socket 939 boards come in "AGP," or accelerated graphics port versions, and "PCIe" versions, which stands for PCI Express. Video cards are available for both versions with the "DVI" connection, which stands for digital video interface. AGP and PCIe cards are not interchangeable, but it is easy to tell which kind you need.

Instructions

1. Turn off the computer. Remove the power cord from the back of the computer. Unplug all the devices that are connected to the computer, such as the monitor, printer and network cable. Note where your monitor connects to the computer, because you need to know if you are using integrated video or an add-in video card.

2. Remove the left side cover. Covers are usually held on with two Phillips head screws at the back of the cover. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws, then slide the cover back and remove it.

3. Lay the computer on its right side. Look inside computer, at the spot where the monitor cable connects to the back of the computer. If the plug it connects to is part of the motherboard, you're using integrated video. If the plug connects to a card, mounted in a slot on the motherboard, you have an add-in card. If you have an add-in card, use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw from the card's mounting plate, where it attaches to the computer case. Look at the other end of the card, where it plugs into the slot on the motherboard. You will see a button at the rear of the slot. Use one hand to pull out on the button -- it's spring-loaded -- and use the other hand to lift out the card.

4. Determine whether you have an AGP or PCIe card slot. An AGP slot will be red in color and the PCIe will be blue in color. Be sure to purchase the right type of card. Also, when purchasing the video card, be sure that it has a DVI connector. This connector provides digital video output.

5. Lower the video card into the slot, lining up the mounting plate the opening in the rear of the computer case. You will hear the spring-loaded button snap into place. Install the Phillips head screw in the top of the mounting plate and computer case.

6. Stand the computer back up. Replace the side cover and screws. Plug back in all devices that were disconnected: Connect the monitor to the new video card. Plug the power cord back into the computer. (Note: your monitor must also have a DVI connection, or you will have to use the digital to analog adapter that should come with a new video card.)

7. Turn on the computer. Load the driver installation disk that came with the video card into your DVD drive, and follow the prompts.

Tags: video card, computer case, mounting plate, add-in card, back computer, card into

Flash An 8800gt Bios

The 8800GT

Hardware devices installed on your computer--such as the NVIDIA GeForce 8800GT graphics card--use a set of instructions called the Basic Input Output System, or BIOS. The BIOS performs tests to make sure the device is working properly when you boot up your system and then tells your computer use the hardware. The original BIOS for the 8800GT has a flaw that causes the card to operate at a much higher temperature than it should. You can replace the card's BIOS with a new version to lower its operating temperature and make its fan work more quietly.

Instructions

1. Check the manual that came with your 8800GT to see if it is listed as the Standard, SC, KO or SSC version and download the BIOS flashing tool.

2. Click on the download link that corresponds to the version of the 8800GT card you have. Right-click the file when it is finished downloading and choose "Extract here."

3. Open the Windows Start menu and click "Control Panel." Double-click "Programs and Features" in Vista or "Add/Remove Programs" in XP.

4. Find and select "NVIDIA Display," and then click "Remove Program."

5. Close the window and restart the computer. After the computer has restarted, navigate to the folder you extracted earlier. Double-click the icon labeled "Update.exe."

6. Press the "Y" key to begin the BIOS flashing process. Restart the computer again when the flashing process is finished.

7. Insert the installation disc that came with the 8800GT graphics card into your computer's disk drive. Follow the installation instructions to re-install the card's driver software.

Tags: 8800GT graphics, BIOS flashing, came with, flashing process, that came, that came with

Replace The Motherboard On Windows Xp

Motherboards typically have circuits, chips and sockets.

Replacing a motherboard on a computer that runs Windows XP requires reconfiguring the Windows XP operating system. With Windows XP, replacing an existing motherboard with an upgrade or replacing a failed motherboard require different procedures. In upgrades, Windows XP is reconfigured with the existing motherboard on the hard drive. In replacements, the existing motherboard has failed, and Windows XP is configured after the new motherboard is installed.

Instructions

Replacing with an Upgraded Motherboard

1. Backup the system and file data on a blank CD. Backup the data in a format that works with the Microsoft XP operating system.

2. Log on to Windows XP as an administrator.

3. Insert the Windows CD into the CD-ROM drive. Auto-run starts. Choose Install Windows XP. In the Windows Setup window, Choose Upgrade (Recommended) in the list of Installation Type, and then Next. Follow the instructions until the computer begins to restart, then turn off the computer.

4. Turn off the power and unplug the cables from the CPU to outlets and equipment. Remove the back cover of your CPU. Remove the memory cards and plug-ins in front of the old motherboard, and then unplug the cable ends attached to the motherboard. Install the new motherboard. Re-attach the motherboard cables, and replace the cards, plug-ins and back cover. Plug-in the CPU cables.

5. Turn on the power and computer. The upgrade continues and installs any new drivers that are required for the new motherboard. Install the saved file and system data from the CD.

Replacing a Failed Motherboard

6. With the power and computer off, unplug the cables from the CPU to outlets and equipment. Remove the back cover of your CPU. Remove the memory cards and plug-ins in front of the old motherboard, and then unplug the cable ends attached to the motherboard. Install the new motherboard. Re-attach the motherboard cables, and replace the cards, plug-ins and back cover. Plug-in the CPU cables.

7. Turn on the computer. Insert the Windows CD into the CD-ROM drive. Enter the BIOS screen by repeatedly hitting the DELETE key. Choose the CD-ROM/C/A option to tell the computer to first check the CD-ROM. Exit the Bios screen. The system restarts. Press any key at the message of "Press any key to boot CD." A blue screen with "Welcome to Setup" appears. Press ENTER to set up Windows XP. Use the keyboard arrows to choose a Windows XP installation. Press the R key to repair.

8. Enter the Product Key from the installation CD for Microsoft XP. Setup continues and the system reboots and installs drivers for the new motherboard.

9. Install the saved system and file data from the CD.

Tags: back cover, cards plug-ins, motherboard Install, existing motherboard, your Remove memory

Remove Bios Updates

Updating your computer's BIOS settings gives you an opportunity to alter different hardware settings associated with your computer's performance. This includes overclocking the CPU and RAM chips to help your computer run faster. If for some reason your settings updates prevent the computer from booting up, you need to revert the BIOS to the factory defaults.

Instructions

1. Hold the "Power" button on the computer until the computer shuts down. Remove any cords or cables that are connected to the computer, including the power cable.

2. Remove the screws from the rear of the computer that holds the computer tower case on. Pull the case off and you will see the motherboard.

3. Remove the small lithium ion battery that is connected to the motherboard. This is the battery that powers the BIOS and what saves the settings after you update them.

4. Hold the computer's power button in to pull out any remaining power from the BIOS chip and leave the computer off for another 30 minutes with the BIOS battery still removed from the motherboard.

5. Put the battery back in and reattach the case with the screws. Connect the wires that you removed previously and turn the computer back on. The BIOS settings will revert to the defaults, erasing any settings updates that you may have made.

Tags: your computer, battery that, BIOS settings, settings updates, that connected

Install A Chipset Driver For An Emachines El1200

Emachines utilize an Nvidia chipset.

It is the silicon chips in your computer which make the RAM, CPU and all other components work together. The most important is the motherboard chipset. The driver of the chipset affects the speed and the stability of the various devices built into the motherboard. Typically, computers run with old chipset drivers or use the basic default drivers which are built into Windows. In case of stability problems with the motherboard, you may wish to install a new chipset driver into your eMachine EL1200.

Instructions

1. Find the right eMachine chipset driver from the eMachine website. A link is provided in the Resources section.

2. Click on the appropriate drop-down menu for your operating system. The eMachine EL1200 runs on either Windows Vista or Windows XP.

3. Select "Nvidia Chipset MCP61P" if you are running Windows Vista; select "CHIPSETVGA" if you are running Windows XP. The download will start automatically.

4. Uninstall the old drivers before installing the new ones. Go to the Windows Control Panel, open the "Add/Remove Programs" window and uninstall the "NVIDIA Windows nForce Drivers." Reboot the computer.

5. Click on the executable file from the downloaded files and reboot again.

Tags: chipset driver, built into, eMachine EL1200, running Windows, Windows Vista

Solder The Dc Jack Onto The Motherboard

A broken laptop DC power jack is common, but it can be fixed.

A broken DC jack on a computer will prevent the machine from receiving power. The power jack may have been damaged when someone stepped on the cord and the jack was broken as a result. If a professional replaces the jack, it may cost more than the laptop itself. If you have a soldering iron, you can replace the jack on the motherboard yourself but you have to dismantle most of your laptop.

Instructions

1. Turn off your laptop, if it is on, and unplug the power cord from the wall and from the damaged jack on the computer. Unplug any peripheral devices from your computer. Put on your antistatic wrist strap.

2. Set the laptop upside down on a flat work surface. Remove the screws securing the laptop's battery cover with a screwdriver and pull it off. Slide out the battery from the bottom of the computer. Remove any discs from the drive and any peripheral devices.

3. Loosen the screws that secure the plastic covers that hold the hard drive, wireless card, memory and optical drive from the laptop. Pull off the covers. Remove the memory sticks by sliding the retaining latches over and pulling the sticks out of the sockets. Remove the wireless card in the same manner. Slide out the hard drive and optical drive and lift them out. Unscrew any screws from the bottom of the laptop.

4. Flip the laptop over and lift open the cover. Remove the securing strip from the top of the keyboard. Pry the strip up with the tip of a flat head screwdriver. Loosen any screws attaching the keyboard with a screwdriver. Pull out the keyboard and disconnect the ribbon that connects it to the motherboard.

5. Pull out the display panel cable that connects to the motherboard and remove any other cables that attach to the motherboard such as wireless antenna cables. Remove any cables still connected to the motherboard. Loosen the screws securing the display panel with a screwdriver and lift the panel out. Unscrew the screws securing the top cover and pull it out.

6. Disconnect the CPU from the cooling unit by removing the screws with a screwdriver. Turn the locking screw or turn the locking lever over to unlock the CPU. Lift it out. Loosen the screws securing the motherboard and pull it out of the laptop.

7. Dislodge the old power jack, which is typically located in the left corner of the motherboard. Flip the motherboard over after you locate the jack. Unsolder the jack from the board using your soldering iron by melting the solder on the power jack contact points. Remove the melted solder with a desoldering pump. Pull off the power jack, being careful not to cause damage to the motherboard.

8. Add a light coat of solder around the power jack contact points on the motherboard. Insert the new power jack into the openings on the board. Flip the motherboard over and add solder to the contact points. After the solder dries, reassemble the laptop in the reverse steps you took it apart.

Tags: power jack, Loosen screws, screws securing, with screwdriver, contact points

Slow Down Agp Port

The Accelerated Graphics Port standard was first released in 1997 as a method of dedicating bandwidth on the computer's motherboard, exclusively for graphics purposes. As the development of AGP advanced, the speed of the bus increased as well. AGP video cards only support the top speed available upon their release. While a 2x AGP card fits in an 8x slot, it still operates at 2x speed. You can slow down an AGP port in the computer's BIOS setup to make it compatible with older, slower cards.

Instructions

1. Power on, or restart the computer.

2. Press the hot key to enter the BIOS setup. The most common keys are "F1," "F2" and "Del." Refer to the motherboard owner's manual for details.

3. Navigate to the AGP settings with the arrow keys. This is usually located under "Advanced."

4. Toggle the AGP Speed setting to a slower value, such as 1x, 2x or 4x. Common toggle keys are "Enter" and the space bar.

5. Exit the BIOS, and save the settings. Most BIOS screens perform this function by pressing the "F10" key.

Tags: BIOS setup

Replace The Power Button For A Presario R3000

An accidental drop or even a pet that thinks your laptop is a great place to nap may break the power button on your Compaq Presario R3000, which makes it difficult to turn the computer on or off. A broken power button doesn't need to mean it's time for a different laptop, however. The power button is housed on the plastic strip cover above your laptop's keyboard. By replacing the strip cover you also get a new, working power button.

Instructions

1. Shut down the R3000's operating system and unplug any cords or devices attached to the laptop, including the power cable. Close the computer's lid and rotate the laptop entirely upside down.

2. Find the rectangle-shaped battery pack at the lower-left corner of the R3000. Push over the slide bar directly above the battery and lift the component out of the laptop's case.

3. Locate the three Phillips screws located along the top edge of the laptop that hold the strip cover in place. Remove all three screws with a Phillips screwdriver and turn over the laptop. Open the laptop's lid so the keyboard and strip cover are visible.

4. Insert the end of a flat head screwdriver underneath the far-right edge of the strip cover. Lift the screwdriver gently upward until the strip cover pops upward. Pull the cover entirely off the laptop.

5. Set the replacement strip cover onto the laptop and push it down until it snaps into place. Close the lid and turn the laptop over again. Replace the three screws you removed earlier and push the battery pack into the laptop's case.

Tags: strip cover, power button, battery pack, laptop case, laptop keyboard, Presario R3000, three screws

Install Drivers In Ubuntu

You can install drivers in Ubuntu.

Installing drivers in Windows can be difficult. You've got to hunt them down, install them and make sure they work. Knowing this, and believing that Linux is harder to use than Windows, many people think installing drivers in Ubuntu is extremely difficult. Happily, that's entirely untrue.

Instructions

1. Install the latest version of Ubuntu. Simply installing Ubuntu is enough - most drivers your computer needs are included with Ubuntu.

2. Run the Restricted Drivers Manager. Click "System," then "Administration," then "Hardware Drivers." If a driver you need is available, you can install it by clicking "Enable Driver."

3. Download any other needed drivers. If there's something you know you don't have and you need after these two steps, check your hardware manufacturer's website for an Ubuntu driver. If they don't have one, you may need to wait until Ubuntu's next release to use Ubuntu with your hardware. New Ubuntu releases happen every six months.

Tags: drivers Ubuntu, have need, your hardware

Install A Sata Hard Drive

An inexpensive and useful upgrade to your computer can be a secondary hard drive or upgrading the one you already have. A new hard drive provides a welcome upgrade to the storage space on your computer. SATA hard drives have a different installation process than IDE but the steps below should make it easy.

Instructions

Installing Your Hardware

1. Open up your case after backing up any important files and locating and installing any software that came with the hard drive. Check to make sure that your computer supports SATA or that you have a SATA PCI card installed.

2. Look for the smaller connector on the SATA cable and connect it to the SATA connector located on the motherboard or controller card. If you already have another SATA drive, simply follow its cable to the motherboard or card to see where this one will attach.

3. Grab the larger end of the SATA cable and connect it to the back of the SATA drive itself. You will also need to attach the legacy 4-pin connector or SATA power cable to power your drive. At this point, check to see that both the smaller and larger end of the SATA cable and the power cable are securely connected and proceed.

4. Choose an available drive bay and insert the hard drive into it, mounting it in place with the four screws provided. Make sure to follow the directions that came with your drive and place the screws in the designated holes to secure proper grounding.

5. Ensure that all cables are properly attached and replace the tower or desktop case cover. After doing this, you're all set to reconnect the power cord and turn on your computer.

Formatting and Partitioning

6. Boot from your Windows CD. If this is the only hard drive present, you'll be shown a series of instructions and should simply follow along.

7. Select "Control Panel" then "Performance and Maintenance" and finally "Administrative Tools" for an additional hard drive. Then click the "Computer Management option and choose "Disk Management." Simply right-click the drive to partition and format it.

8. Follow the steps displayed. Windows will guide you through the rest of the process.

Tags: hard drive, your computer, SATA cable, already have, cable connect, cable power

Replace The Power Switch On A Dell Gx280 Tower

Replace a damaged power switch on the Dell OptiPlex GX280 tower.

The Dell OptiPlex GX280 Mini-Tower computer has a power switch mounted on the front of the tower. If the switch becomes damaged or inoperable, you may need to replace it. The switch is located below the input/output panel, which you may need to remove to gain access to the screws holding the switch in place.

Instructions

1. Power off your computer and disconnect the cables from the back of the tower. Note, if you cannot press the "Power" switch, you may still be able to power off the computer through the Windows interface. Locate the release catch on the side of the computer; lay the computer on its side so the release catch is toward the top. Press the release catch and lift the side of the computer to open the case.

2. Locate the mounting brackets for the power switch on the inside surface of the front panel of the computer. Unscrew the mounting screws. Note, if you cannot reach the screws with your driver, you may need to remove the input/output (I/O) card. To remove the I/O card, first remove the mounting screws for the hard drive with the screwdriver, and then pull out the hard drive. Then remove the mounting screw for the I/O panel and lift out the I/O card.

3. Examine the switch to determine if it's loose or broken. Hold the back and press the front several times. If it's broken, it will not click when you press it. If it clicks when you press it, it may have worked loose and need to be re-mounted securely. Unplug the wires attached to the switch casing to disconnect the broken switch from the wiring harness. Attach the replacement switch to the wires with the plug.

4. Remount the switch and tighten the screws so that you can press the switch and hear it click. Reinstall the I/O card and tighten the mounting screw. Reinstall the hard drive; tighten the screws. Reconnect any cables that you disconnected. Close the cover to the case and re-attach the cables to the back of the computer. Press the power switch to turn on the computer.

Tags: hard drive, power switch, release catch, Dell OptiPlex, Dell OptiPlex GX280, input output

Replace The Motherboard On The Toshiba M35x

Replacing the motherboard requires complete disassembly of the laptop.

Replacing the motherboard on a Toshiba M35X will require complete disassembly of the laptop. This will expose sensitive areas of the computer, and the task should not be attempted without prior experience or knowledge. Because the motherboard is such an integral part of the computer, and one of the most complex components, even a small fault can create complete system failure. Replacing the motherboard of a computer should always be one of the last steps in the troubleshooting process, as it is the most expensive component.

Instructions

1. Unplug the laptop and remove the battery. Flip the laptop over so you are looking at its underside.

2. Remove the memory module door. Remove the memory modules by sliding the clips away from the center of the modules.

3. Remove the hard drive door. Slide the hard drive away from the port to disconnect it. Remove the hard drive.

4. Remove the screw securing the optical drive. Slide out the optical drive.

5. Remove all remaining screws from the underside of the laptop.

6. Flip the laptop over and open it. Slide a small flat-head screwdriver between the keyboard and the keyboard bezel. Gently pry it up and remove it.

7. Remove the two screws securing the keyboard. Release the keyboard lock located in the center.

8. Lift the keyboard so that the keyboard cable connector becomes visible. Disconnect the keyboard cable and remove the keyboard.

9. Remove the screw securing the modem cover and lift it off.

10. Remove the screw securing the wireless card cover. Unplug the wires from the card and remove the card.

11. Remove the screws from the back of the laptop that secure the screen assembly.

12. Unplug the video cable from the left side of the computer.

13. Remove the two screws securing the hinges to the base of the laptop.

14. Pull the wireless card wires free from the plastic guides, and remove the screen assembly.

15. Separate the top cover from the base of the laptop by gently prying apart the seam. Slide slowly across the entire seam to ensure that all plastic clips have been unsnapped. Remove the top half of the casing.

16. Remove the video card cover.

17.Remove the two screws securing the modem and unplug the cable. Remove the card.

18. Remove the four screws from the hard drive cover and remove it.

19. Unplug any wires that are still connected to the motherboard. Check the modem, wireless, sound, and fan.

20. Remove the four screws securing the heat sink and gently lift it off of the CPU.

21. Remove the two hex screws that straddle the video port on the back of the computer.

22. Lift the motherboard and pull away from the place where the hex screws were fastened. Gently guide the motherboard free of the casing.

23. Release the lock on the CPU socket using a flat-head screwdriver. Gently remove the CPU so that it may be immediately placed into the new motherboard.

Tags: Remove screws, hard drive, screws securing, away from, Remove screw, Remove screw securing

Replace The Motherboard On The Gateway Mt3707

The circumstances in which you'd need to replace your system board yourself are rare, but it is sometimes a necessary -- and last -- step in troubleshooting. If your system is out of warranty and you've troubleshot your issues to determine that your motherboard is causing your problem, then you will need to replace it. To save the cost of having a technician do the maintenance, you can order and install the part yourself.

Instructions

Ordering a Replacement Motherboard

1. Check your original system order sheet to verify the part number for the motherboard. Gateway lists three part numbers: 4001189R, 40GAB1200-C310 and 40GAB1200-C510. The system boards are interchangeable and ship based on availability.

2. Purchase the new part. If your system was still under warranty, Gateway will do the replacement for you. If your warranty has expired, or a non-warranty event took place (spilling liquid on the system, etc.), you will have to purchase the part. Gateway uses third-party distributors for replacement parts, and motherboards are available from Skyline Engineering.

3. Go to the Skyline Engineering site (see References) and enter your system information. You can type your serial number directly in to find an exact replacement, or enter the model and series to find parts.

Replacing the Motherboard

4. Turn off your system and unplug it. Remove the battery, then press and hold the power button for 10 seconds. This will clear any static electrical charge from the system, and avoid damaging the new parts. It's also recommended that you keep the new motherboard in its anti-static wrapping until you are ready to install it.

5. Turn the laptop upside down and remove the two screws in the battery compartment. Turn the laptop back over, open the screen, and use the flat-head screwdriver to release the tabs behind the F1, F11 and "Insert" keys. Gently pull the screen upward to remove. Insert the screwdriver under the keyboard on the back edge and gently pry upward, then slide back toward the screen to remove.

6. Disconnect all ribbons on the motherboard. Try to remember where they connected and how the ribbons were oriented. Flip the laptop over again and remove all the screws in the bottom plate. Then remove all of the internal devices: hard drive, memory, network connector and the fan and CPU assembly. Also remove the optical drives at this stage.

7. Unscrew the 16 screws that have been revealed by removing the peripherals. Close and latch the screen, then pull the motherboard from the rear of the system gently. If it doesn't come out easily, check for screws still attached.

8. Remove the new motherboard from its anti-static plastic and insert it into the system exactly as you removed the old motherboard. Reattach all of the screws where they came from, then begin re-installing the peripherals and connecting the cables.

Tags: your system, motherboard from, need replace, remove screws, Skyline Engineering, Turn laptop

What Is An Intel Pentium

Intel Pentium

The Intel Pentium is a series of microprocessors first developed by the Intel Corporation. These types of processors have been found in many personal computers since 1993. The P5 microarchitecture-based chip was the first of the series of x86 processors implemented.

Time Frame

The original Intel Pentium processor was produced from 1993 to 1999. Its successor was the Intel Pentium II. As of 2010, the most prominent Pentium processor is the Pentium Dual-Core.

Function

The Intel Pentium microprocessor works as a computer's central processing unit in operating software. The Intel Pentium has been redeveloped several times allowing for more operating speed.

Types

The first version of the Intel Pentium was the P5, followed by the P54C, the P54CQS, the P54CS, the Pentium Overdrive and the P55C.

Significance

Intel continues to make microprocessors and other computer hardware. The company reported more than $35 billion in revenue in 2009 and is listed as one of the world's most popular brands.

Fun Fact

After being hired by Intel in 1990, electrical engineer Vinod Dham is credited with developing the first Intel Pentium Processor.

Tags: Intel Pentium, Pentium processor

Replace The Motherboard In An Xps One

Replace your Dell XPS One computer's motherboard.

The XPS One is Dell's all-in-one desktop computer. It does not have a separate computer tower and LCD screen, but rather the LCD screen and motherboard are built into the same casing. Additionally, the XPS One ships with a wireless keyboard and mouse. It also comes in both 20- and 24-inch LCD monitor sizes. As with any computer, replacing the motherboard requires that you completely dismantle the computer, and remove all internal hardware components.

Instructions

1. Power down the computer. Disconnect all cables, and devices from the computer. Place the computer with the screen facing downward on a flat surface. Remove the two Phillips head screws fastening the computer's back panel in place. Slide the entire back panel upward to disengage from the rest of the computer's casing. Remove the back panel from the computer to reveal its internal components.

2. Remove the seven Phillips head screws fastening the base stand to the computer. Lift the stand from the computer casing. Set it aside. Locate the metal shield along the top edge of the motherboard. Remove the four Phillips head screws fastening the metal shield in place. Remove the shield from the computer.

3. Locate the memory modules near the upper right corner of the motherboard. Release each module from its memory slot by spreading the spring-loaded retention clips on each side of each module. Lift each module out of its individual memory slot. Store the removed modules in static-free plastic bags.

4. Remove the four Phillips head screws fastening the hard drive to the center of the motherboard. Disconnect the power and data cables from the rear of the drive. Lift the drive out of its compartment, and set it aside.

5. Locate the wireless module above the empty memory slots on the motherboard. Disconnect the two antenna cables from the card. Remove the two Phillips head retention screws from the card, tilt the card upwards and pull the wireless module from its motherboard slot. Store the removed wireless module in a static-free plastic bag.

6. Locate the processor fan near the center of the motherboard. Disconnect the fan's power cable from the motherboard. Remove the Phillips head screws from the fan assembly. Lift the fan off of the processor, and set it aside.

7. Lift up on the lever securing the processor's metal cover in place. Tilt the metal cover away from the processor so it is in the upright position. Lift up on the secondary lever locking the processor chip to its motherboard socket. Lift the processor chip out of its socket, and set it aside.

8. Disconnect all remaining cables, and remove all remaining devices from the motherboard. Remove all remaining Phillips head screws fastening the motherboard to the computer's casing. Lift the motherboard out of the computer, and set it aside.

9. Repeat this procedure in reverse. Keep in mind that all hardware devices you remove from the old motherboard must be transferred to the new motherboard as it is installed.

Tags: Phillips head, head screws, Phillips head screws, head screws fastening, screws fastening, from computer, from motherboard

Replace The Cmos Battery In A Toshiba Laptop L305s5895

Replace the CMOS battery in a Toshiba Laptop when the system no longer keeps track of the date and time or to reset the BIOS password. The clock battery is located inside the Toshiba laptop and remains connected even when the main battery and power cord are removed. The laptop must be taken apart to replace the battery, which maintains the date and time as well as other system information such as the hard drive and memory configuration, and the system setup and boot passwords.

Instructions

1. Back up any important files and power down the computer using the "Start" and "Shut Down" procedure as opposed to letting the Toshiba Laptop go into sleep or hibernation mode. If unsure of the current mode, power the computer back on and shut it down this way.

2. Connect the alligator clip end of the anti-static wrist strap to a good ground, such as the ground screw on an outlet or a grounding terminal on a work bench, and strap the other end around one wrist before taking the Toshiba L305-S5895 apart.

3. Disconnect all cables and accessories from the laptop and close the lid. Flip the laptop over onto its lid and remove the main battery.

4. Remove the RAM and hard drive compartment covers. Remove the screws that hold the hard drive bracket in place and slide the hard drive out of the laptop. Press outward on the RAM retaining clips and allow the RAM to swivel upward and then pull it straight out of the slot.

5. Remove all of the screws from the bottom of the laptop.

6. Flip the Toshiba Satellite right side up and open the lid. Pry the small plastic trim ring from around the top edge of the keyboard and remove the screws that are holding the keyboard in place.

7. Lift the keyboard up an inch and move it to gain access to the keyboard and touch pad cables. Lift up on the small retaining tabs on the edge of the ribbon cables where they connect to the motherboard to release the friction connector, and remove the cables from the motherboard to release the keyboard and touch pad.

8. Remove the screw that holds the optical drive in place and slide it out the side of the laptop.

9. Disconnect the small wires that lead to the external jacks from the motherboard. Remove the screws that hold the top case cover and keyboard tray onto the base and remove the cover.

10. Remove the screws that hold the motherboard in place. Disconnect the power and accessory cables from the motherboard. Disconnect the video cable from the motherboard. Remove the motherboard from the system.

11. Remove the tape holding the CMOS battery pack in place and disconnect the battery pack. Install the new battery pack and reassemble the computer.

Tags: from motherboard, hard drive, screws that, battery pack, Remove screws

Fix A Laptop Power Adapter

Fix a Laptop Power Adapter

You plug in your laptop power adapter, and suddenly your laptop isn't powering up. There may be an issue with your laptop power supply. Wires and connectors can sometimes become loose in power supplies and can lose the ability to charge your laptop. They can also become a fire hazard if any of these wires become exposed. You will need to unplug the power adapter and assess what's wrong before you can fix it.

Instructions

Instructions

1. Check the LED light where your power supply plugs in. Most power supplies have a small light on them to show if they are getting power from a functioning outlet. Try several different outlets. If the cord is firmly plugged in and the LED is not lit, then it's possible that the AC adapter has failed. Troubleshooting AC adapter problems takes much more technical expertise, and in most cases it would be more economical to purchase a new power adapter. If the LED blinks on and off if you wiggle the cord, there is probably a problem with the power cord itself or the laptop connector.

2. Cut off the laptop connector end. Use a wire stripper to strip back about an inch of the wire sheath on the end that connects to the laptop. Twist the wire braid and the shield surrounding it together. Use the soldering iron to coat the end of the braid with solder.

3. Find a replacement connector at your local electronics store. The connector needs to match the size exactly. Remember to slide the shell off the new connector onto the wire, so that it can be connected when the connector is attached.

4. Solder the inner wire to the center tab of the barrel connector. Solder the braid to the outer tab. Place small strips of electrical tape around each tab so that the wires are not able to touch and short out. Screw the connector shell onto the connector.

Tags: your laptop, power adapter, laptop connector, laptop power, power supplies, power supply

Install A Core 2 Duo Heatsink

The Intel Core 2 Duo is a powerful computer processing unit that needs a heatsink to keep it cool and functioning properly. The heatsink is a large, aluminum assembly that has many heat dissipating fins along with a fan to keep the CPU at proper operating temperatures. The Intel Core 2 Duo has two processing cores in one chip. The chip generates more heat than a single core unit so properly installing the heatsink is vital to the health of the CPU.

Instructions

1. Turn off your computer and disconnect the power cable from the back of the case. Remove your computer's case cover by unscrewing the retaining screws off the back of the computer or sliding open a panel, depending on the type of computer case you are using.

2. Disconnect the heatsink assembly fan's power cable from the motherboard. This is a small cable running off the side of the fan on top of the heatsink. It disconnects from a 4-pin power connector on the motherboard. Make a note of the pin position.

3. Locate the fastener caps on all four corners of the bottom of the heatsink. Use a flatheat screwdriver to turn the fastener cap a quarter of a turn counter clockwise. Repeat this process with the other three caps. Pull all four fastener caps up towards you to release the heatsink from the motherboard. Twist the heatsink assembly slowly until it releases completely.

4. Put a pea-sized dab of thermal paste on top of the CPU.

5. Align the heatsink assembly so the fan cable is on the same side as the power pins you removed the original fan's power cable from. Press the heatsink assembly down on top of the CPU and the thermal paste.

6. Check for the small holes on the motherboard surrounding the CPU socket. Align the fasteners with these holes and check that the heatsink fasteners are flush against the motherboard. Press down on the fastener tops one at a time to connect them to the motherboard. Plug the fan cable into the power pins and put the case cover on.

Tags: heatsink assembly, cable from, power cable, power cable from, case cover, computer case

Install Nvidia & Ati Cards On The Same Pc

Using two video cards makes it easy to use two monitors at once.

In world of video cards, there are two big names: NVIDIA and ATI. These two powerhouses have been on the forefront of graphics for many years. Adding more than one graphics card to your system lets you use different monitors for different applications: for example, you could use one monitor for graphics editing and another to play video games.

Instructions

1. Power down the computer and remove all plugs from the PC. Open the case.

2. Install the first card into a graphics card slot (AGP or PCI) on the motherboard. Line up the card with the slot and gently slide it into place. Start from the back of the card gently push it in at an angle until the card fits snugly into place. Anchor it in place with the video card's screws.

3. Reconnect all the wires and turn the system on. Insert the CD that came with the card; follow the on-screen prompts to install the drivers. If the CD does not auto-run, open "My Computer," select the CD-ROM drive and run the setup program. Restart the computer after the installation is complete.

4. Power down the computer, remove all the plugs from the PC, and open the case.

5. Install the second video card into the system as before.

6. Power up the system and install the drivers for the second video card.

7. Right-click on the desktop, then click "Properties." This will open the display properties; make sure Windows recognizes both cards. You should see both cards listed by name in the "Settings" tab. Alternatively, right-click "My Computer," choose "Properties," then "Device Manager," and click on the plus sign (+) next to "Display Adapters." You should see both cards listed there.

Tags: both cards, video card, both cards listed, card into, cards listed, case Install, computer remove

Install Sis Files On A Nokia 6133

SIS stands for Software Installation Script. SIS is an archive for Symbian Operating System, a widely-used platform on Nokia phones. This file type contains a number of compressed files, which are responsible for installing and running the application software on the Symbian platform. Depending on the type of SIS file, you can successfully install and run it on a Nokia 6133.

Instructions

1. Go to the website that hosts the SIS application file using the phone's built-in web browser.

2. Select, and download the file onto your phone's memory or memory card. When download completes, follow the on-screen instructions to finish the installation process on the phone.

3. Install the Nokia PC Suite software on your PC if you haven't done so already to install the software via a PC.

4. Go to the website you wish to download the SIS file from on your computer. Download and save the file in a convenient location on the PC.

5. Run the Nokia PC Suite software. Connect your Nokia 6133 phone to the PC using the Nokia USB cable. You may connect the phone to the PC via Bluetooth if the computer supports it.

6. Locate the downloaded SIS file on your computer and double-click it. The Nokia PC Suite will automatically begin the installation process and transfer the file onto your phone. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the SIS file installation process on your Nokia phone.

Tags: installation process, Nokia 6133, Nokia Suite, download file, file onto, file onto your, Nokia Suite software

Find A Compatible Graphics Card

Your motherboard will determine which graphics cards are compatible.

Finding a compatible graphics cards may be a daunting task if you know little about your computer's components and technical specifications. To find a video card that is compatible with your system, you'll need to uncover information about your motherboard and power supply by opening your case and peeking inside. From there, you can perform additional research and make an informed determination of the types of graphics cards compatible with your computer. If your warranty is still in place, consult your computer manufacturer or builder to obtain the information you need.

Instructions

1. Physically open your case and examine the number and types of slots on your motherboard. Unplug any cables connected to your computer prior to removing the side panel, but make a note of where your monitor connects. Remove your case's left side panel (when facing the front of the case). You may need to remove screws or to adjust latches. Please see your case or computer manual if you are unsure remove the side panel.

2. Locate the current graphics card. By matching the port your monitor plugs into with the graphics card, you should be able to easily locate your video card. If you have an on-board graphics chip, the monitor will not connect with a card but with ports directly on the motherboard.

3. Measure your case interior and the card slot. Make a note of how long the current card is. You must also measure for prospective maximum expansion card length. For example, if you measure 7.5 inches from the slot cover to the nearest obstruction (obstructions may include other slots, chips, or the processor), you will not be able to buy a card that measures 8.5 inches in length. The card you install must not affect any other components on the motherboard. Write down any brand name or model number so that you can verify the measurements by researching the card's specifications.

4. Locate a serial number, brand name or product number for your motherboard and write it down so that you can research the motherboard and its specifications.

5. Locate your power supply. Generally, the power supply will be in the upper-left corner of the case. Power cables connected to your drives, your motherboard and possibly your video card will run to the power cable. Make a note of the wattage, the brand name, and any model number. Perform research to verify the power supply's specs. Replace the side panel, and plug in all cables.

6. Find a graphics card that will work with your motherboard and power supply and fit the motherboard's measurements. The card should both fit into the slot physically and be designed for the type of slot on your computer. Ensure that the card has drivers for your operating system.

Tags: power supply, your case, your computer, side panel, your motherboard, brand name

Find Out Which Mainboard You Have

Determining the make and model of a motherboard is not as hard as it sounds.

When looking to upgrade a PC, one of the most important things to know is what kind of mainboard---or "motherboard" as it is more commonly referred to---your machine has. Knowing this will help you determine what kind of RAM and what kind of CPU you can use when upgrading your hardware. Determining what kind of mainboard you have is relatively simple, as it requires little more than a pair of eyes to look over your board.

Instructions

Examine the Hardware

1. Look for obvious branding. Some enthusiast boards, like those manufactured by XFX, have their board clearly labeled with custom branding on or near the center of the board.

2. Find the sticker. The majority of motherboard manufacturers place a sticker somewhere on the board, usually on a clear area away from expansion slots or, alternatively, on the underside of the bottom-most expansion slot, that lists the motherboard name, chipset and serial number.

3. Examine the area between the RAM slots on your board. Your RAM slots are long, vertical expansion slots located to the right of your CPU socket, which is the big squared space on your motherboard. Some mainboard manufacturers place the board's identification number in laser etching between the RAM slots.

Looking in the BIOS

4. Restart your PC and enter your BIOS by pressing the proper function key. Depending on the board manufacturer, the key in question can be either "F2", "F6" or "F10."

5. Use the directional arrows on your keyboard to navigate to the "Advanced Chipset Features" option and press the "Enter" key to go in to the submenu.

6. Look through the info on the screen to find the motherboard name, model number and serial number. When you have the information you need, press "ESC" as necessary until you exit your BIOS and your computer restarts.

Identifying via Software

7. Download and install the proper hardware identification software, which includes programs like CPU-Z, PC Wizard and PC-Config. While these programs are all different from each other, they all operate in a similar manner. For the sake of this guide, the software used is PC Wizard.

8. Double-click the icon for your software and allow up to one minute for the program to scan through your hardware to properly identify your PC components.

9. Click the "Mainboard" button and look for the "Manufacturer" and "Mainboard" listings to learn the motherboard make and model.

Tags: what kind, between slots, expansion slots, make model, manufacturers place, motherboard name

Install Dual Pcie Video Cards

Multiple video cards in a system can be an improvement for almost anyone; whether you're looking to boost the performance of your games, expand the number of monitors you can support or specifically allocate resources, multiple video cards can assist in this endeavor. Just make sure your motherboard supports the features you want (reference the manual) and that your power supply can handle the demands placed on it from multiple video cards. (The video card manual will state its requirements from the power supply). Regardless of your intentions, it's highly recommended you use identical video cards to avoid driver complications.

Instructions

1. Shut down your computer.

2. Turn off the power switch (if you have one it will be located on the back of your power supply) and unplug the power cord. Wait a minute or so before unplugging the rest of the cords to make sure no electrical current is still in the circuitry.

3. Remove the screws securing the panels of your computer's case and remove the panel that faces the motherboard and its peripherals. This varies widely by case, so if you've never opened your case before (and are experiencing difficulties) please consult the case manufacturer's instructions. In addition,

4. Ground yourself by wearing an anti-static bracelet or by touching something metallic. If you cause static discharge you'll permanently damage the internals of your system.

5. Remove your old video card(s) if you have any installed. You'll need to remove the screw securing each to the case first.

6. Insert each of your new video cards into a PCI-E slot. Make sure each sits firmly in its respective slot, then secure each card to the case with a screw.

If you're planning on using SLI or Crossfire, make sure you connect the bridge cable to each card. (It should have come with your motherboard.) Reference your motherboard manual for any steps needed to enable Crossfire/SLI on your specific model.

7. Check for anything that may have potentially fallen into the case while you were working. A rogue screw will short-circuit your entire system the moment it touches a powered electrical component.

8. Replace the side panel on your case and secure it with screws.

9. Plug in all the necessary cords to the back of your computer with the power cord being the last one.

10. Flip on the power switch and start your computer as you would normally.

Tags: your computer, power supply, video cards, your motherboard, back your, each card, make sure

Replace The Power Button On A Toshiba M45s265

Replacing the power button is occasionally a last-ditch effort some computer users take when troubleshooting power issues. Sometimes, however, the problem is obvious: if you have to exert firm pressure on the power button to turn the computer on, then the component should be replaced. The power button on the TOSHIBA M45-S265 is built into the palm rest.

Instructions

1. Turn off the TOSHIBA M45-S265 and remove the AC adapter. Confirm that the power light on the front of the computer is off before proceeding.

2. Close the notebook and turn the TOSHIBA M45 over. Release the lock securing the battery in place, then slide the tab to eject the battery from the notebook. Set the battery aside.

3. Put on an antistatic wrist band to protect the hardware installed inside the TOSHIBA M45-S265.

4. Remove the two screws securing the hard drive cover to the notebook, then remove the screw found on the wireless card cover.

5. Remove the screws located next to each vent. Lift the covers off the hard drive, RAM, wireless card and heat sink compartments. Remove the three screws securing the heat sink to the TOSHIBA M45.

6. Slide the hard drive to the side, then pull it out of the notebook. Detach the antenna cables clipped to the wireless card.

7. Lift the heat sink out of the notebook. Remove the screw found next to the memory compartment. Insert the tip of a paper clip into the top edge of the optical drive. Pull the paperclip forward to slide the optical drive out of the notebook.

8. Remove all of the screws from the bottom of the notebook. Turn over the TOSHIBA M45-S265 and open the computer as far as possible.

9. Insert the tip of a small flat head screwdriver between the bezel and the base of the notebook. Pry the left side of the bezel off the notebook base.

10. Pull the bezel up the rest way, releasing the latches securing the component to the notebook. Set the bezel aside.

11. Remove the two screws -- located above the F1 and Windows keys -- that secure the keyboard to the computer. Lift up the top of the keyboard, then slide it forward and lean it against the monitor.

12. Release the lock securing the keyboard cable to the motherboard. Disconnect the cable. Set the keyboard aside.

13. Close the computer and turn over the TOSHIBA so that the back of the computer is facing you. Remove the four screws from the back of the PC.

14. Place the computer upright, then open the lid. Disconnect the video cable, found just below the left side of the notebook. Pull the antenna cables out of their routing guides.

15. Remove the two screws found beneath the monitor. Lift up the monitor and set it aside.

16. Disconnect the touch pad and switchboard cables. Unplug the USB cable lining the palm rest. Remove the cable from the palm rest.

17.Turn the computer around. Insert the tip of a flat head screwdriver between the palm rest and the base of the computer. Work the tool around the TOSHIBA to pry the palm rest off of the notebook.

18. Set the old palm rest aside and insert the notches on the new palm rest into the latches on the base of the notebook. Press down on each edge of the palm rest until the component snaps into place to replace the power button on the TOSHIBA M45-S265.

19. Follow the above directions in reverse to reassemble the TOSHIBA M45.

Tags: palm rest, Remove screws, TOSHIBA M45-S265, hard drive, heat sink, wireless card

Replace The Hdd In A Sony Vaio

Replace the HDD in a Sony Vaio

After you've downloaded enough music files or installed enough software programs, the HDD (hard disk drive) on your Sony Vaio will become full. You don't have to delete your important data to make room for new programs. Instead of cleaning house in your Vaio, you can replace the current HDD with a new drive that has a larger storage capacity. Swapping out the hard drive is a quick process, but you also need to take into account that the new drive won't already have an operating system installed.

Instructions

1. Transfer any programs or documents you need from the current hard drive to an external storage device. Shut down the Sony Vaio laptop and close the LCD lid.

2. Unplug the Vaio's power cord and any other cables connected to the laptop. Turn the laptop upside-down.

3. Push the battery latch towards the unlock position and lift the battery unit out of the Sony Vaio. Remove the screws at the lower-right end of the Vaio's case with a Phillips-head screwdriver.

4. Lift the HDD cover off the Sony Vaio. Remove the two screws holding the hard drive mounting bracket to the motherboard.

5. Pull the HDD and its mounting bracket off the motherboard port. Remove the screws holding the hard drive to the mounting bracket. Pull the drive out of the bracket.

6. Set the new hard drive into the mounting bracket and reconnect the screws. Set the HDD and bracket into the Sony Vaio, and connect it to the motherboard port.

7. Place the HDD cover back onto the Vaio and reattach the screws. Pop the battery back into the laptop. Turn the Vaio over and open the LCD lid.

8. Power on the Sony Vaio. Insert the recovery CD into the disk drive. Follow the prompts to install the operating system on the new hard drive.

Tags: Sony Vaio, hard drive, mounting bracket, Remove screws, bracket motherboard, disk drive, drive mounting

Replace The Motherboard On A Dell 4100

Replacing the motherboard upgrades your desktop's capabilities.

Your desktop computer's motherboard contains all of the various ports used to connect devices such as a graphics card. The Dell Dimension 4100 motherboard includes five standard PCI slots and an AGP slot for expansion cards. If you want to use advanced cards, such as PCI-Express cards, you will need to first replace the motherboard. Swapping out the 4100's motherboard requires removing all the current components connected to the board and reattaching them to the new component.

Instructions

1. Turn off the Dimension 4100 and unplug every cable attached to the computer. Position the 4100 on its side with the left side access panel visible.

2. Turn the thumbscrew at the back end of the case counterclockwise. Push in the latches at the top and bottom of the panel, slide the panel to the left and then pull off the panel.

3. Locate the series of six rectangular and horizontal expansion card slots at the bottom left end of the 4100's motherboard. Starting with the top expansion card, use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw securing the card to the case.

4. Grip the front and back ends of the card and pull the card directly up and off the expansion port. Repeat the process with the remaining expansion cards.

5. Locate the two rectangular and vertical memory module ports at the upper-right end of the motherboard. Press down the plastic securing tabs on the top and bottom ends of both green memory modules.

6. Grip the top and bottom ends of the memory modules and pull them off the module ports. Locate the plastic processor shroud, which is positioned to the left of the memory ports.

7. Press in the tabs on either side of the shroud and pull the shroud off the motherboard. Disconnect the cable running from the square cooling fan to the motherboard. Push in the tabs on the fan and remove the fan from the computer.

8. Pull off the retaining clip holding the square metal heat sink to the processor. Remove the heat sink from the processor and set it aside. Pull up the plastic socket connector bar at the left end of the square processor.

9. Pull the processor off its motherboard socket. Hold onto two opposite ends of the processor while pulling it up to avoid bending any of its pins.

10. Locate the metal power supply unit mounted to the top-left end of the case. Disconnect all of the cables running from the end of the power supply to the motherboard.

11. Remove the motherboard mounting screw, which is positioned at the bottom-right end of the motherboard to the left of the expansion card slots. Pull the motherboard to the right and remove it from the computer's case.

12. Position the new motherboard into the case. Ensure that the expansion card slots and monitor port line up with the holes on the back end of the case. Replace the motherboard mounting screw.

13. Reassemble the processor, heat sink, fan, shroud, memory modules, expansion cards and power supply cables on the new motherboard. Replace the side panel and plug in all of the cables.

Tags: expansion card, 4100 motherboard, card slots, expansion card slots, expansion cards, heat sink, memory modules

Repair A Power Supply Fitting For A Pc

A standard PC power supply unit has at least five power connection wire sets.

For those who have never had to open up their own desktop computer, having to replace and fit a new power supply may see a bit daunting at first. In fact, the task is fairly simple. The main challenge is making sure you obtain the correct replacement power supply unit that fits your computer. With that part taken care of, the actual installation process involves basic tools and some patience. Once you've performed it a first time, a power supply replacement will be a simple task in the future. Fortunately, the need does not occur often.

Instructions

1. Unplug your computer's power supply. Disconnect the monitor and external peripheral equipment (the keyboard, mouse, printer, modem, etc.). Remove your desktop processor unit (the main computer part) from its sitting place to table top where you work freely. Turn the unit around so the backside is facing you. Use a Phillips screwdriver to unscrew all the chassis bolts keeping the cover on the unit.

2. Remove the cover and set it aside. Use the compressed air can to clean off the area you are going to work on. Locate the existing power supply unit by the cooling fan on the back of it. Use the screwdriver to remove the power supply's securing frame screws. Carefully pull the old unit free after disconnecting its wires to various computer units. Place the old unit aside or throw it away.

3. Unpackage your new power supply unit. Remove all the packaging material and unwrap the wires connected to it. Carefully position the new unit in its holding frame in the processor unit. Use the screwdriver again to insert the securing screws holding the supply unit to the processor unit framework.

4. Separate the wiring coming out of the power supply unit. Find the motherboard wire and connect it first. Connect the drive power supply wires second as they match to your hard drives and your CD or DVD drive. Connect your floppy drive wire last if you have a floppy drive. Check that every wire is carefully but firmly connected. Rewrap the unused wires with a small zip-tie and tuck them out of the way.

5. Reconnect your keyboard and monitor to the back of the processor. Plug the processor into a wall plug and turn it on to test the power supply. Confirm your computer starts up correctly and all the drives work properly. Turn the computer off and disconnect the power again. Replace the chassis cover and secure the chassis screws. Place your processor back in its resting place. Reconnect the power and all your peripherals.

Tags: power supply, supply unit, power supply unit, processor unit, your computer, floppy drive, unit Remove