Adding Hardware to a PC Montana

The best way to add new hardware to your PC is to follow the instructions offered with the hardware. The instructions tell you what to do, and in which order, and perhaps offer helpful suggestions. Read through the instructions once before installing or adding the new hardware. Then, read through them a second time as you go through the steps.

Windows instantly recognizes most new PC hardware that you shove into or attach behind the console. Read the instructions anyway.

When you plug in new USB or IEEE devices, you may hear the computer beep and see a pop-up message where the PC tells you how excited it is about the new device.

Hardware requires software in order to run. In some cases, the software can just be Windows itself, but, many times, additional software is required in order to power the new hardware, and it must be installed. You must follow the software installation instructions properly; sometimes, the new hardware must be installed before the software, and sometimes it works the other way.

Before adding internal components, such as an expansion card or more memory, be sure to turn off and unplug the computer's console. Never open the PC's case with the power on!

After adding some new hardware devices, you often must restart Windows. How can you tell? The computer says so.

If Windows fails to recognize the new hardware, use the Add Hardware icon in the Control Panel.

Adding new hardware may force Windows to require reactivation. Microsoft does this to ensure that all the new hardware is compatible with Windows, and to thwart sneaky software pirates. You must contact Microsoft, either by phone or by using the Internet, to reactivate your copy of Windows. Obey the instructions on the screen, if any.