Topic: Adding/Removing Hardware/Software

[lobo]

After reading posts on this and other forums it is obvious to me that some newer computer users may not understand the process of installing hardware and software, this guide sets out to provide information on this subject.

I have based this article on the Operating System Windows XP but it also applies to other Operating Systems

The backup files should be saved to another drive/partition other than C:\, to a floppy disk, to a CD-R, or another PC on a Network

Before installing hardware /software
Every time hardware or software is installed/uninstalled an entry is made in the Windows Register. So the first thing is to backup the Register

Start. Run. Type in regedit and then OK, in the Registry Editor select File and then Export, select the folder to save the file in and then save, (to reload the Registry select Import and click on the saved file).

Next you need to create a System Restore Point, this will enable you to restart your computer if the new hardware or software creates a problem, by selecting a previous restore point the PC can be restarted and the new installation will be ignored. (It is not always possible to do this)

Create a Restore Point
Start. Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Information, System Restore, and Select Create a Restore Point and follow the instructions from there

Save all important Data
It is important to save any data on your PC (NOT programs, you can reinstall programs), the data I save is
E-mail address book
Favourites Folder
My Documents Folder
And any other data that can be lost if the PC goes legs up

Installing Software
Be aware that a lot of software downloaded from the internet contains programs that can harm your PC or can pass your information back to the person who designed the program

Check out the software, what does it do?, do you need it, is it suitable for your Operating System, software written for Windows 95/98 may not work on XP (you can run some software in compatibility mode in XP but not all), run a Anti-Virus/Trojan scan first before you install it, if possible try the software on a computer other than you main PC first

Some software encounters problems with the XP O/S because of the need to access I/O ports directly
UserPort is a simple kernel mode driver for Windows NT/2000/XP that will give programs access to I/O ports. This makes it possible to access the hardware I/O ports directly under Windows NT/2000/XP

http://www.embeddedtronics.com/design&ideas.html

Installing Hardware
Check that the hardware is compatible with your O/S, some older hardware will not function with XP because of driver problems i.e. some modems and scanners, it is possible that you may find updated drivers for older hardware on the internet but don?t bet on it, a good site to try is

http://beta.driverguide.com/beta/index.php?action=oldsitesearch

If possible download the drivers before installing the hardware (XP contains what are call Generic drivers that are installed if there are no other drivers available, these may work but the proper drivers are preferred) check out the hardware manufactures site for the latest drivers

I hope you find this article useful

Brian :good:

[Clive]

Thanks very much Brian.  These sort of things are so important for everyone to know.