| How to Install and Troubleshoot Hardware in Windows XP |
 |
Installing and troubleshooting hardware isn’t as difficult as it sounds. In fact, you don’t necessarily need to be handy with a screwdriver to install many components in Windows XP thanks to Plug and Play technology and USB ports. Internal hardware installations do require screwdriver skills but beyond that, there’s not too much involved.
Whenever you install an internal part, it’s vital that you turn of the computer and unplug it to avoid electrocution. Also remove all jewelry and work in a low-static room. Make sure never to touch the connectors.
Remove all connecting cables and unscrew the computer case’s screws and remove the cover. Insert the new hardware into the appropriate location. Some hardware goes into a PCI slot while other hardware such as memory goes directly on the motherboard in a designated slot just for memory. Always use a firm, yet gentle touch to make sure that the hardware is securely seated. If you are installing hardware such as CD-ROM drives, you will need to attach it to the power supply using the ribbon cable provided and attaching it to a free power supply connecter. Refer to your hardware user manual for specific installation details.
Once the hardware is firmly seated and properly connected, put the case back together, reattach any peripheral cables, plug in the PC, and turn it on. Insert the installation CD that came with the hardware into the CD-ROM drive. Windows will detect the new hardware and attempt to load the required device drivers. If you have a CD with the device drivers, it’s preferable to use that instead of preinstalled device drivers that may be out of date or less specific. Follow the prompts and continue to install the device drivers.
Troubleshooting Hardware Problems
Once installed, your hardware issues may not be over. Whether you’re trying to troubleshoot a new hardware install or hardware that is failing, these tips can help.
How do you know you have a hardware issue? Continuous errors and reboots are symptoms that deserve a look as is malfunctioning hardware. If you’ve recently installed new hardware, disconnect the hardware device and reboot XP. If XP now works as expected, you should contact the device manufacturer for updated drivers or to learn about known issues with the device.
Windows XP comes with a useful utility that you can use to restore its system settings and device drivers to a previous. This is particularly handy after installing new hardware and experiencing errors afterward. To run System Restore, go to the Start button, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Restore. Once launched, you can pick a restore point based on an earlier date. This option only works if you have existing System Restore points stored on your computer.
You can manually launch System Restore if Windows XP refuses to load properly on its own. Turn on your computer and press the F8 key while it attempts to load. This puts the computer into Safe Mode. Open a command prompt and type in:
%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe
Follow the prompts to restore your computer to a previously established System Restore point.
Another option is to use the Last Known Good Configuration. Do this by rebooting Windows and pressing the F8 key. The Windows Advanced Options menu should appear. Use your computer’s arrow keys to work your way up to Last Known Good Configuration. Press Enter. You may need to select Windows XP before getting to this point if you have multiple operating systems on the machine.
Top pick for the best Driver Update Software:
 |
 |
