Upgrading your own computer can be a lot of fun and a money saver. Installing PCI cards, especially video cards, is a fairly simple process. While you may face some challenges, if you follow these steps, it is likely to be a smooth process and the first step in learning install and upgrade other computer parts.
Instructions
1. Delete any other graphics card drivers. Go into the Control Panel and click on "System" and then select the "Hardware" tab. Select "Device Manager." Expand the list of Sound, Video and game controllers. Right click on the video card and select "Uninstall." Restart the computer and hit the "Delete" key or whatever key your computer uses to go into BIOS. Find the BIOS menu that lists integrated devices. Disable any integrated video devices.
2. Open up your computer case. Remove any graphics cards that are already in place. Make sure there is an available PCI slot. If there is not an available slot remove a PCI card that you can do without.
3. Prepare and install your card. Take the new video card out of the box and read all of the paperwork and fill out the warranty. Discharge any static electricity. Carefully insert the PCI card into an open slot making sure it is aligned with the opening in the back of the computer. Screw the card into the back of the computer. A screw should be provided on the case.
4. Install the drivers and software. Restart your computer. If you hear any beeping or your computer doesn't start, then turn off your computer and reseat the card in its slot and make sure nothing else got accidentally loosened. When your computer restarts it may look for the drivers automatically. If it does, put the CD that came with the video card in the CD-ROM and point Windows to the file that has the drivers. If your computer doesn't auto find the drivers, double click on the CD-ROM in the "My Computer" folder and find the setup.exe file and click it. This will take you through the process to install the drivers and any other software.
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