PC Repair Tools

Eleven Steps to Success in PC Upgrade

1.  Prepare for a catastrophic disaster. Before upgrading your PC, you should back up your important files and create an emergency disc. Remember, anything that isn’t saved can easily be lost. Also you need to have a user manual that describes your PC’s configuration settings, which will be important for upgrading your PC.

2.  Read steps and instructions that came with the new components. Those documentations actually might give you some useful information. If it suggests you to check out a PDF file on the enclosed CD, do it. There may be also an updated documentation online, which describe the solutions of known problems or bugs.

3.  Turn off your computer and unplug it. Just turning the darn thing off isn’t enough as small amount of electricity may still flow inside your computer. Unplugging the computer from the electrical outlet ensures that there’s virtually no possible way that you can get electrocuted and damage some expensive components. And trust me: You don’t want that to happen. Also remove other cables, for example, modem, printer, scanner and monitor cables.

4.  Clear the work area. Remove all likely causes of disaster from your workspace, such as cans of soda, cups of coffee, any feline, canine, and small kids who may happen to have a water balloon fight nearby. Your loose computer components have to go somewhere, so it is necessary to find a safe place for them. Use all the ingenuity at your disposal to eliminate excess electricity from your environment: stand on a linoleum floor or static-free tile, touch metal objects to remove static in your body, and others. Work on surfaces that doesn’t generate static electricity, such as Formica, wood, concrete, linoleum, or plastic. Don’t work on a thick carpet!

5.  Unscrew the case cover. Check for any bezels (plastic panels) that need to be removed before unscrewing the screws; generally found in the back but maybe in the front.  If you find anything that requires serious force, then probably it wasn’t meant to be removed in the first place. When prying something off, you might need a flathead screwdriver but try to be gentle. However, if you want to upgrade a branded computer, made by Dell, HP and others, the case may not have any screws or panels at all; all you have to do is to twist a screw along the side to open the door, it’s easy to do and may take only 5 seconds. However, in many cases you will need a nuthead or Philips screwdriver to remove some screws. Make sure you only undo screws that hold the cover. Don’t accidentally remove the power supply screws; just stick to those found at the cover.

6.  Open the case. To pull off a tower unit cover, you need to slide it backwards; then lift the cover straight up. In other cases you might need to do the exact opposite. You also might need to tug a little; but do not pull any cables or cords loose. A hatch release may secure your cover; you have to press it. Put the cover someplace so you will not trip over it.

7. Remove static. Touch a metal object, a file cabinet, a friend, or whatever and if your case is made from metal, it will also discharge static electricity. Don’t work with anything inside the computer until you’re sure you’re free from static. After you are completely discharged, no matter how tense you get, don’t shuffle your feet or scratch your head. It takes a small amount of static to fry just about any component in your computer case.

8.  Remove dust. Big clumps of dust in your case vents can short your new components and permanently damage your motherboard when pushed deep into the slots. Don’t use furniture polish to clean the vent. Don’t use any disinfectants, detergents, and a rag, either. Instead, get a compressed air can in a computer store. It has a thin straw but instead of squirting lubricant, it lets out a powerful jet of air that literally removes dust without touching it.

9.  Add the component. The procedure for replacing and removing is generally quite straightforward. To remove your expansion cards, remove any cables attaching them to any of your peripherals or to the motherboard. Loosen the retaining screw and put it to the bottle. (Nuthead screwdrivers can take off retaining screws quickly.) Grip the card at the top with both hands and pull straight up. Watch for the metal leads at the back of your expansion card; they can be quite sharp.

To install a new expansion card, find an appropriate open slot. Unscrew any retaining screws that hold the slot cover in place and put them in the bottle. Don’t throw the slot cover away; you’ll need it when installing the new card. Gently align the card connectors to the slot and rock until the component firmly slips into place, you may need to apply some downward pressure.

10. With the case cover still off, plug all the cables, turn the computer on. Yes, with the case cover off, you can easily fix things if there’s something wrong with your PC. You will know something is wrong, if you hear a strange pattern of beeps. Most computers beep only once if everything is alright.

11. Configure the new components. After assign the component, you may need to run a setup program from the enclosed CD. The setup usually installs a device driver or utility software, for example, if you add a new graphics card, you may get a driver and utility software for configuring useful settings and overclocking. Sometimes, you need an original Windows installation DVD, in case Windows needs to copy some files to support the new component.

Some hardware manufacturers suggest you to register the product online, which allow you to get updates and patches quickly. Also keep the user manuals and warranty cards in a place. Keep the box, in case you need to return them due to some defects. Manufacturers will not accept returned products without the original box, setup CD, user manual and warranty card.

If you haven’t yet, you can read our “What to do before upgrading PC” article, otherwise click here to go back to PC Repair Tools website’s homepage.