Chapter 20, Upgrading a computer, covers the basic tools and techniques used to perform common upgrades to a computer, including upgrading memory, expansion card operations, and computer disassembly and reassembly.
Chapter Overview Computer Disassembly and Reassembly Upgrading a Computer Preparing to Work on a Computer Documentation is key to preparation Collect the following before starting a job: Computer configuration sheet Computer and motherboard documentation List of all installed expansion cards Operating system (OS) documentation A plan of action that includes a checklist of tasks, tools, and parts Questions to Ask Before Starting a Job Is this the right computer? Why am I taking it apart? Do I have everything necessary to do the job? Do I need more information before starting the job? Are there any proprietary hardware components in this machine? Do any of these tasks require the assistance of a thirdparty technician? Tools and Components Assemble a toolkit that contains standard tools and a DOS boot floppy disk During planning, ensure that you have all items required. Have on hand: The original OS disks A rescue disk for the version of Microsoft Windows you are working with The correct utilities for the OS version Viruschecking utilities, with uptodate signature files Disassembling a Computer Removing the computer case gives you access to memory, expansion slots and cards, and the CPU Each computer brand has some custom components or layout Use the manual and other documentation that came with the computer The extent to which you have to disassemble a computer depends on the specific problem or repair. Procedure for Disassembling a Computer Make a complete backup of necessary OS and working files. Document the system (hardware and software). Create a clean work area with plenty of room and light. Gather all the necessary tools for the job. Implement all proper safety procedures. Turn off the computer. Procedure for Disassembling a Computer (Cont.) Disconnect the power cables. Wear an antistatic wristgrounding strap. Locate the screws for the cover. 10 Remove the screws. 11 Remove the cover from the computer. 12 Document the location of expansion cards and drives. Procedure for Disassembling a Computer (Cont.) 13 Remove all the cards and place them in antistatic bags. 14 Document the location and connections for each drive. 15 Remove the interface and power connection cables. 16 Remove the drives from their bays 17 Remove the motherboard. Reassembling a Computer Follow the disassembly procedure in reverse order Do not force connectors into place. Do not force expansion cards into the slots. When removing cables, remember the pin 1 locations Connect the cables to the drives before installing the drives in the bays Test the system before replacing the cover. Preparing to Upgrade: the Configuration Sheet 10 Installing a Plug and Play Expansion Card Plug and Play allows for changes to computer configuration with minimal intervention Plug and Play devices allow the system to configure the card To allow Plug and Play devices to work immediately, the computer hardware, OS, and card must all be Plug and Play compliant Some systems require enabling Plug and Play in the system BIOS. 28 Considerations for Installing Hard Disk Drives Ensure that the drive fits. If not, use a SCSI, USB, or parallel port interface drive Ensure that the system BIOS supports the size of the new drive Ensure that the drive controller supports the new drive Ensure that you have enough cables to install the drive. 29 Preparing to Install an Integrated Device Electronics (IDE) Drive Hardware preparation consists of ensuring that You have the correct drive The drive fits into the computer You have the proper cables to connect the drive Software preparation consists of having a floppy boot disk with the format and fdisk utilities. 30 Installing an IDE Drive Collect all necessary documentation for the drive and computer Back up any data you want to keep Turn off the computer and unplug the power cord Follow the appropriate ESD precautions Open the computer case. 31 Installing an IDE Drive (Cont.) Check the documentation and set the jumpers for the drive, if required Connect the cable to the drives 32 Installing an IDE Drive (Cont.) Connect the power connection cable Install the drive in its bay 10 Reconnect the computer power and boot up the system. Run the CMOS setup program if necessary. 33 Additional IDE Drive Installation Considerations Set up and test a drive before final installation in the bay. Avoid ESD and protect the drive from overheating Use disk management software in older systems that require it. 34 Additional Steps After the Physical Installation Boot the computer from the bootable floppy disk, and run fdisk to create and set the partitions Format the drive. If it is the only drive, format it with system files Replace the cover on the computer. 35 Operating System Driver Installation Device driver setup is no longer a complex task Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows Me, and Microsoft Windows 2000 have reduced the need for manual intervention Windows recognizes and configures Plug and Play devices automatically A wizard installs the appropriate drivers and resolves any device issues. 36 Using the Add/Remove Hardware Wizard 37 Motherboard Installation Considerations Replacing the motherboard may be the most inexpensive way to completely overhaul a computer Some motherboards are proprietary and can be replaced only with one made by the same manufacturer The motherboard must fit into the existing case. The motherboard must have the same builtin COM and LPT ports as the old one You should determine if the new motherboard has a builtin video card. 38 Motherboard Installation Considerations (Cont.) The new motherboard must accommodate the existing expansion cards The power supply connector should be as close to the power supply as possible. The existing drives must work with controllers on the new motherboard The memory on the old motherboard must work with the new one The upgrade should meet your current and future requirements. 39 Replacing a Motherboard Replacing a motherboard is similar to building a computer The procedure is as follows: Complete an installation checklist Follow the steps for disassembling a computer Check the settings on the new motherboard. 40 Replacing a Motherboard (Cont.) Install the new motherboard. Reconnect the case switches. Follow the steps for computer reassembly (outlined in Slide 9). Test the computer to ensure that it boots Complete the final testing and close the case. 41 Chapter Summary Preparation is key to a successful upgrade or repair. Document everything. Have a complete toolkit and take safety and ESD precautions Memory is probably the simplest upgrade performed by a technician Installing a new CPU and installing an expansion card are common ways to upgrade older computers Installing a new drive is not difficult when you follow the procedure carefully Installing a new motherboard completely overhauls the computer. 42 ... modules (DIMMs). 11 SIMM Formats 30-Pin SIMM Contains memory in 8-bit chunks A 32-bit processor requires four SIMMs 72-Pin SIMM Contains memory in 32-bit chunks A 32-bit processor requires one SIMM... Remove the cover of the computer Locate the socket for the CPU on the motherboard. Remove the old processor. 20 General Procedure for Installing a CPU (Cont.) Install the new processor by aligning the