How to: Replace a plug-and-play video card.
Solution:
Observe ESD considerations, turn off power, disconnect power cords, and remove base unit cover. Remove the existing video card, insert new video card, replace base unit cover, connect power, and restart the computer. Start Windows 95 in safe mode, and install the video drivers.
WARNING: Electrical shock hazard! Always turn off the power to the computer and all external components, and disconnect the power cord from the computer before removing the computer cover to prevent damage to yourself and the computer.
CAUTION 1: This task should be performed by a qualified computer technician.
CAUTION 2: Please observe steps to reduce the potential damage to computer components from electrostatic discharge.
CAUTION 3: Turn off and unplug the computer before removing the computer cover.
NOTE: If the computer display is working , use the Device Manager to view resources already assigned to a device. Print the device report or record assigned resources by device for later use. If the display is not working, skip, steps 1) through 6).
1) Open the 'Control Panel'.
2) Double-click on the 'System' icon, then select the 'View devices by type' radio button.
3) To print a report of all installed devices and assigned resources, click 'Print...', select 'All devices and system summary' in the 'Report Type' group, and click 'OK'.
4) To view assigned resources, select 'Computer' from the 'Hardware' list, and click 'Properties'.
5) Select the appropriate resources (i.e. IRQ, DMA, and I/O addresses) for the device driver and click 'Next'.
6) After reviewing assigned hardware resources, shut-down Windows 95.
7) Remove the computer cover.
8) Locate the video card by tracing the monitor cable connected to the video card.
9) Unfasten and disconnect the monitor cable from the video card.
10) Remove the screw that attaches the video card to the computer, and then using both hands, gently pull the video card by its base from the expansion slot.
11) Compare the external connector on the video card to the new video card and make sure the connectors are the same.
VGA/SVGA Video Adapter
NOTE: VGA and SVGA video adapter cards use the same type of external connector. CGA and EGA video cards have a different type of external connector. A VGA monitor cannot be connected to a CGA or EGA video card.
12) Compare the card edge connector on the video card to the new video card, and do the following:
a) If the card edge connectors of both cards are the same, the new video card can be inserted into the same slot that was used by the old video card.
b) If the new video card uses a different type of card edge connector, determine the type of expansion slot that matches the edge connector of the new video card.
NOTE: If the new video card is designed for an expansion slot type that is not found on the motherboard in your computer, the video card cannot be used in your computer.
c) After locating an empty expansion slot that matches the card edge connector of the new video card, align the video card with the expansion slot and press down firmly until the card seats level in the expansion slot.
NOTE: To insert the card into the expansion slot, it may be necessary to insert the card into the slot at a low angle starting at the end of the slot in toward the middle of the motherboard, then gently pressing down until the card is seating level in the slot.
13) Screw the card to the base, unit and replace the computer cover.
14) Reconnect the power cord to the computer and the monitor cable to the video card.
15) Turn on the power to the computer, and when 'Starting Windows 95' appears on the monitor press F8.
16) Type the number that corresponds to 'Safe Mode', and press ENTER.
NOTE 1: Safe mode starts Windows 95 in VGA mode (16 colors in 640 by 480 pixel resolution) and loads only the device drivers needed to run Windows.
NOTE 2: Windows may inform you that new hardware device has been detected. If Windows has detected the new video card, skip steps 20), 21), and 22).
17) Open the 'Add New Hardware' icon.
18) Click 'Next', select the 'No' radio button, and click 'Next'.
19) Select 'Display adapters' from the 'Hardware type' list box, and click 'Next'.
20) Select the manufacturer of the video card from the 'Manufacturers' list box, select the video card model from the 'Model' list box, and then do one of the following:
NOTE: It is recommended that you install the video card with the drivers supplied by the manufacturer. If Windows cannot properly install the video card with the drivers from the manufacturer, try installing the video card with drivers from the Windows 95 CD-ROM or get updated drivers from the manufacturer.
a) If you are installing the video card with drivers supplied from the manufacturer, click 'Have Disk...', and then follow the instructions shown.
b) If you are installing the video card with drivers from the Windows 95 CD-ROM, click 'Next', and do the following:
1] Click 'Next'.
2] Click 'Finish'.
21) Restart Windows 95.
22) Refer to your video card and monitor manuals to determine the maximum color and size resolutions supported, and then open the 'Display' icon and change the video resolution.
