How to Install a Sound Card for Windows XP

Getting a sound card for your Windows XP computer increases sound quality over onboard sound. It allows you to take advantage of the advanced signal processing that games and movies use. Many games have environmental audio extensions, and movies have Dolby Digital and DTS. Few onboard audio applications can take full advantage of this processing. Another benefit is your computer's processor will no longer need to process sound. This can provide an increase in overall computer performance.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips-head screwdriver

Instructions

1. Turn off your XP computer and all devices that connect to it.

2. Touch any non-painted metal on your case to ground yourself and to discharge any electrical static.

3. Unplug the power cord from the outlet.

4. 

   Locate the PCI slots on your motherboard.

   Take the case cover off of your computer and locate the PCI slots you will be installing the card to. The PCI slots are usually white and should be the only slots in your computer that have that color.

5. Remove the screw from the metal plate cover in front of the PCI slot you have chosen.

6. Align your sound card with the PCI slot and gently press the card in the slot. Using the same screw that you had already removed, screw the card's metal bracket into place.

7. Replace the computer cover and plug the power cord back in.

8. Turn the computer on. Once Windows XP has loaded, it will automatically detect the audio card. When prompted for the audio drivers, click on the "Cancel" button.

9. Insert the CD that came with your sound card and follow the onscreen installation instructions.

10. Restart your computer once you have completed the installation.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not have the CD for your card, you can either try downloading it from the manufacturer's website or use the Windows XP default drivers.

• Always ground yourself by touching an unpainted part of the computer before touching any internal computer parts. Usually the case of your computer will be metal. If it is not, you can touch the screws that hold on your power supply.

References

• Microsoft: Install or Remove a Sound Card