 Many do-it-yourselfers take pride in the projects they undertake around the house, whether it's replacing a faulty wall outlet or building a deck in the back yard. Even those who don't consider themselves handy with tools will at least occasionally pull out a hammer or screwdriver to tackle something that needs to be fixed. You can (and should) take a great deal of satisfaction in fixing something yourself, even if it's a relatively simple project. Yet many people shy away from installing new hardware in their PCs, even though installing a new piece of hardware in a PC is not much more difficult than changing a light bulb.
If you follow our installation guides, you'll be able to swap out a hard drive, install a new memory module, and replace an old video card without breaking a sweat. We're not going to cover a specific hardware installation in this article, but we will discuss several general things you should remember whenever you replace or add any new hardware to your PC.
 Preparation
You can't install new hardware on your PC until you buy it, of course, and this is where your preparation begins. Not all PC hardware is compatible with every PC. For example, some types of memory modules or processors will not work with certain types of motherboards. Some products use specific interfaces that you may or may not have in your computer, such as a SCSI (Small Computer Systems Interface) connection for a SCSI optical drive or a SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) connection for a SATA hard drive. Whenever you shop for new hardware for your PC, make sure the product you buy is compatible with your computer. Check your PC's or motherboard's documentation for specific information about what kinds of products it can or cannot use.
Before you install or remove any hardware to or from your computer, you should always back up your data. If you want to keep the backup simple, you can just copy your most critical data and files to a CD, DVD, flash drive, or external hard drive.
Another way Windows XP and Vista users can protect their PCs before installing new hardware is to set a restore point. A restore point is a sort of snapshot of your computer's settings. When you create a restore point, your PC will remember the system's settings at the time the restore point was created. If something goes wrong with your PC, you can use the restore point to return your PC to the state it was in when you created the restore point.
To create a restore point, click Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and finally System Restore, which will open the System Restore wizard. Click the Create A Restore Point radio button and then click Next. Type in a description for the restore point to help you remember when you created it and then click Create. To use the restore point, access the System Restore wizard as before and simply follow the instructions to restore your settings.
You're just about ready to pop open your PC, but there are a couple of last-minute things you should do first. Read through the product's instruction manual so you'll be familiar with how to install the product before you open your PC. You can also read our installation guide for the type of product you're installing. Also, many PC products require software drivers (instructions that tell the computer how to use your hardware). Make sure your product includes a driver disc. Note that some products, such as memory and power supplies, don't require drivers. |
The Add New Hardware wizard will help you install the right drivers for your new hardware.
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Finally, round up whatever tools you'll need for the installation. Usually, you'll need nothing more than a Phillips screwdriver and perhaps an antistatic wrist strap, which will prevent static electricity from damaging your PC's hardware. You can find a wrist strap at many computer stores or order one online.
Installation
With tools in hand and installation guide nearby, it's time to begin the installation process. No matter what product you're installing in your PC, your first step should be to shut down the computer and unplug anything that's attached to it, such as the power supply cord and monitor.
If you're installing an external device, such as an external hard drive or optical drive, the installation will be a breeze. All you have to do is connect the device to the correct port on your PC, which will most likely be a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or FireWire port on the back of the system. It's no more complicated than plugging a lamp into a wall socket.
If you're installing an internal device, the process is a bit more involved, so let's get to it. You'll begin by opening your PC's case, and this is where anxiety sets in for many users. The morass of wires and intricate circuitry inside a PC looks intimidating. But once you learn to identify the ports and connectors you'll use for the hardware you're installing, you'll see that the insides of a PC aren't that difficult to navigate.
Most PC cases have a set of thumbscrews on the back that hold the PC's side panels in place, although some may use Phillips screws. Unscrew the thumbscrews or Phillips screws that secure the left panel (when viewing the PC from the front). Grab the panel toward the back of the case and pull it out. Note that some cases have a lever built into the panel that you have to pull to release the panel. Set the panel and screws aside for now.
Take a look inside your case and find the ports and/or connectors you'll use when you install the new hardware. You should ground yourself by touching a metal part of the case before you touch any of your PC's internal components, or you can wear an antistatic wrist strap.
Now it's time to install the hardware. Refer to our "How To Install" articles for specific instructions on how to install your particular piece of hardware. After you install the hardware, make sure there aren't any spare screws or other loose metal parts inside the case. Then, replace the case panel and secure it using the thumbscrews or Phillips screws you removed earlier. Plug in the power supply, monitor, and anything else you unplugged and fire up your system. You're ready for the final stage of the hardware installation.
Finishing Touches
If you're a WinXP/Vista user, your PC will usually notice when a new piece of hardware has been installed and will start up the Add New Hardware wizard automatically. The Add New Hardware wizard helps your PC locate the appropriate drivers for your device. The drivers should be on a CD-ROM that came with your hardware. Insert the CD-ROM into your PC's optical drive and follow the wizard's instructions. The wizard will install the drivers from the disc to your PC. You may have to reboot your system once the wizard is finished, after which your new hardware will be ready to use.
Note that some PC hardware, such as a power supply, memory module, or processor, doesn't require drivers from the manufacturer, so you won't see the Add New Hardware wizard for these devices. Also, WinXP is loaded with an extensive set of drivers from many manufacturers for various kinds of hardware, so it's possible that your OS already has the drivers it needs for the hardware you installed. If this is the case, the Add New Hardware wizard will not appear. You will see a pop-up note in the lower-right corner of the screen, saying that your PC has detected the new hardware and it's ready to use.
Technically, you're done installing your new hardware at this point, but it's a good idea to go to the manufacturer's Web site to see if you have the latest drivers for your device. This is especially true of video cards, as manufacturers release new video card drivers frequently. Check the Web's site support area for a section marked Downloads, Drivers, Driver Downloads, or something similar. If you spot any patches, updates, or fixes for your product, download them and install them. You should also check for driver updates for your hardware every few weeks. That way, you'll make sure your hardware is always running at its best.
Installing new hardware on your PC is not rocket science. It's not brain surgery. It's not even as involved as installing a new garage door opener. Almost everyone who can wield a screwdriver can install new hardware in a PC. Just prepare yourself ahead of time and follow our installation guides, and you won't go wrong. 
by Michael Sweet
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Many do-it-yourselfers take pride in the projects they undertake around the house, whether it's replacing a faulty wall outlet or building a deck in the back yard. Even those who don't consider themselves handy with tools will at least occasionally pull out a hammer or screwdriver to tackle something that needs to be fixed. You can (and should) take a great deal of satisfaction in fixing something yourself, even if it's a relatively simple project. Yet many people shy away from installing new hardware in their PCs, even though installing a new piece of hardware in a PC is not much more difficult than changing a light bulb. 
