How to Change a Video Card
If your video card malfunctions or you just want an upgrade to improve the resolution or other features of your monitor, changing the video card is the solution. For those who have never removed the cover from their desktop computer, this task may seem a bit daunting. In actuality, it is a simple process that only takes less than 1/2 hour to accomplish.
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Instructions
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1
Turn off your computer and remove the power plug from the power source.
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2
Remove the cover from your computer housing. This is generally accomplished by removing several screws from the back of the computer, or the cover may simply slide away from the housing.
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3
Locate the current video card by tracing the cable from the back of the computer monitor to the computer. If the video card is built into the mainframe of the computer, simply unplug the monitor cable from the card.
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4
Unscrew and remove the monitor cable from the card if the card is installed in a PCI expansion slot on your computer.
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5
Use the screwdriver to remove the small screw that attaches the card to the frame of the computer.
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6
Tug on the card gently until it pulls free of the expansion slot.
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7
Insert the new card in the slot by pressing it in gently until full contact is made. If the video card is built into the motherboard, simply insert the new card into any of the available expansion slots. Use the screwdriver to replace the screw to hold the card to the mainframe of the computer.
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8
Replace the computer cover and plug the monitor cable into the new video card. Plug the computer back into the power source and boot your computer.
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9
Insert the install disk that came with your video card into the drive after the operating system locates the new hardware.
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10
Follow the on-screen prompts to install the new drivers and reboot if prompted.
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Right-click on an empty area of your desktop to go to the "Display Properties" window to make any necessary changes.
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Tips & Warnings
In most cases you do not have to disable or remove the drivers for the previous video card. But if you decide that this is needed, it can be accomplished by going to your "Control Panel," clicking on the "System" icon and clicking the "Hardware" tab. From there, choose "Device Manager" and right-click on the old video card to remove or disable the drivers.
