How to Install a New Graphics Card in Vista

Video cards are installed in Windows Vista with the correct drivers.

Video cards allow a computer to process and display complex two-dimensional and three-dimensional graphics. Many game enthusiasts, graphic artists and other computer users install a new video card in their computers to increase its performance. Once the card is installed into the computer the user must set up the drivers and hardware settings in Vista. Installing a video card in Vista is done through installing the card and installing the correct drivers.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Power down the computer. Unplug the power cable and all other cables connected to the desktop.

2. Open the desktop case. Opening the case involves removing screws or releasing tabs. Consult the manufacturer documentation for more information specific to your computer.

3. Remove the existing video card if applicable. The video card is secured by a screw, a tab or both.

4. Secure the new video card into the appropriate slot. Consult the documentation for the video card for more information.

5. Close the computer case. Reinsert the case screws.

6. Plug the power and other cables into the computer. Power the computer on and allow it to load into Windows Vista. Vista loads with a generic graphic driver and may appear in very low resolution.

7. Open an Internet browser. Navigate to the website for the video card manufacturer. Follow the on-screen directions to download the latest drivers for the video card. Make a note of the download location. The card generally ships with drivers but these may be outdated.

8. Navigate to the folder containing the video drivers. Double-click on the installation file and follow the on-screen directions to install the driver. At times the screen may go blank and the computer may require a restart after the installation.

9. Click on the "Start" button and select "Control Panel." Double-click on the "Display" icon in the Control Panel window. Follow the on-screen directions to change the color depth and resolution to fit your needs. Close the Display window.

Tips & Warnings

• Ground yourself with an anti-static wrist band before installing hardware inside a computer. Static shock resulting from not being grounded can damage or destroy computer hardware.

References

• Microsoft: Windows Vista
• Yale University: Video
• TechTarget: Installing Device Drivers in Windows Vista
• CNET: How to: Install a Graphics Card

Resources

• Nvidia: Video Drivers
• AMD: Video Drivers