How to Set Up a Graphics Card in Windows XP
So you've purchased a new graphics card, but you're not sure how to put it in your machine and get it set up? You're tempted to pay someone else to do it, but don't. Installing and setting up a new video card is a simple task if you have the right tools and a little time.
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Things You'll Need
- Non-magnetized Phillips screwdriver
- Graphics card
- Antistatic wrist strap (optional)
Instructions
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1
Uninstall the old graphics drivers to prevent any conflicts with your new graphics card. Right-click on the "My Computer" icon and select properties. Under Hardware, click the button labeled "Device Manager." Look under the Display adapter heading for your current display card and double-click it. A new window will open with information about your current card. Click the "Uninstall" drivers button.
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2
Turn off your computer and disconnect the power supply from the tower. Disconnect your monitor from your current graphics card. You may wish to disconnect all the cables from your tower and move it to a convenient work location.
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Open the computer with a non-magnetized Phillips head screwdriver. It is very important to use non-magnetized tools when working on your computer because magnetized tools can erase hard drive data. As soon as you have opened your computer, and before you touch anything else, it is important to "ground" yourself to discharge any static electricity in your body. This can be done by wearing an antistatic wrist strap or by touching a metal part of the PC case's frame.
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Pull out the old card. You may need to unscrew it from the case. If your computer previously used a graphics adapter built directly into the motherboard, there may not be a video card to remove.
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Insert the card in the same position as the old one. Computer slots are designed that only cards of the correct size will fit--so as long as your card fits, it will work. Screw the card back into place and close up the system.
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Connect the monitor, power and any other cables you may have disconnected.
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Install the drivers. If you purchased the graphics card new, you will have a CD containing an install program. Otherwise, after your computer has booted with a generic VGA adapter, go to the video card manufacturer's website and download the drivers.
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Set a resolution, frequency and color depth after your drivers are installed. Resolution is the level of detail displayed on your monitor, such as 1024x768. Frequency is the number of frames-per-second that the monitor refreshes. Color depth determines the number of colors you can display and is usually set to either 16 or 32 bits. In general, the highest values supported by your card and monitor are best--and Windows does a good job of detecting these values for you.
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