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How to Add or Replace a Graphics Card

By Troy Gates

Note, always make sure you are grounded, and watch where your hands are when you are inside of your computer.

These instructions assume you have Windows XP. If you don't have this system, don't worry, it still should be similar, especially for Vista or Windows 2000.

I like to uninstall the old graphics card before I install the new one. The process for this is simple. Left click on the "Start" menu. Right click on "My computer," then from the drop down menu, choose properties. Click on the "hardware" tab from the small window that is now opened. Now, choose the "Device Manager" button. You will now have a "Device Manager" window. Click on the "+" next to "Display adapters."

This will now list the adapters. Normally you will have just one. Sometimes you will see two or more listed, so you may have to repeat the next step twice or more. It depends on the card you have, or if you have multiple cards. Now you will right click on the adapter(s) listed, choose "uninstall." Click "ok." It should ask you to restart. Click "cancel." You will be inserting a new card, so you don't want to restart, you want to fully power down the machine. Do that now. Make sure you choose "shut down."

Once your machine is off, make sure you at least unplug power to the computer for your own safety, and the safety of the machine. It may be to your advantage to just unplug everything so you can take your computer to a convenient place to perform the operation.

NVidia GeForce 6600 512MB PCI Express Video Card

It's time to open the computer case. Use your observation skills and observe the case. In many instances there will be screws on the back that hold the side panel on. Some DELLs will have buttons on the top and bottom to release the case. If you are confused, try to look up your model number on the website of your computer manufacturer, and you may be able to find instructions there. Open the computer case.

Once you are inside, locate the PCI, PCIe, or AGP slots. Or you are going to locate the old graphics card. Touch a piece of metal of the computer case to release any static charge, so you don't damage anything inside. You can purchase a static releasing wrist band that connects to the case if you want to be extra careful. Using this wrist band would be the recommended and safest approach. PCI slots are usually identical and arranged side by side. Many motherboards have two or more. The old graphics card will likely be the card that the computer monitor was connected to.