COMPUTER MAINTENANCE; INSTALLATION,

CONFIGURATION AND MAINTENENCE (CSCT3103,

CSCT3110) COURSE NOTES
CHAPTER 1
COMPUTER HARDWARE INSTALLATION AND CONFIGURATION
Computer hardware is the collection of physical parts of a computer system. This includes the
computer case, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. It also includes all the parts inside the computer
case, such as the hard disk drive, motherboard, video card, and many others. Computer hardware
is what you can physically see and touch.

A peripheral device is generally defined as any auxiliary device such as a computer mouse or
keyboard that connects to and works with the computer in some way. Other examples of
peripherals are image scanners, tape drives, microphones, loudspeakers, webcams, printers,
digital cameras, and mobile phones.

Peripheral devices connect to computers through various types of Ports. A computer port is a
connection point or interface between a computer and an external or internal device. Internal
ports may connect such devices as hard drives and CD ROM or DVD drives; external ports may
connect modems, printers, mice and other devices.

SOME EXTERNAL COMPUTER PORTS

A port is a physical docking point through which an external device can be connected to the
computer. It can also be a programmatic docking point through which information flows from a
program to computer or over the internet.
Serial Port

• Used for external modems and older computer mouse

• Two versions : 9 pin, 25 pin model
• Data travels at 115 kilobits per second

Parallel Port

• Used for scanners and printers

• Also called printer port
• 25 pin model
• Also known as IEEE 1284-compliant Centronics port

PS/2 Port

• Used for old computer keyboard and mouse

• Also called mouse port
• Most of the old computers provide two PS/2 port, each for mouse and keyboard
• Also known as IEEE 1284-compliant Centronics port

Universal Serial Bus (or USB) Port

• It can connect all kinds of external USB devices such as external hard disk, printer,
scanner, mouse, keyboard etc.
• It was introduced in 1997.
• Most of the computers provide two USB ports as minimum.
• Data travels at 12 megabits per seconds
• USB compliant devices can get power from a USB port

VGA Port

• Connects monitor to a computer's video card.

• Has 15 holes.
• Similar to serial port connector but serial port connector has pins, it has holes.

Power Connector

• Three-pronged plug
• Connects to the computer's power cable that plugs into a power bar or wall socket

Firewire Port

• Transfers large amount of data at very fast speed.

• Connects camcorders and video equipments to the computer
• Data travels at 400 to 800 megabits per seconds
• Invented by Apple
• Three variants : 4-Pin FireWire 400 connector, 6-Pin FireWire 400 connector and 9-Pin
FireWire 800 connector

Modem Port

• Connects a PC's modem to the telephone network

Ethernet Port

• Connects to a network and high speed Internet.

• Connect network cable to a computer.
• This port resides on an Ethernet Card.
• Data travels at 10 megabits to 1000 megabits per seconds depending upon the network
bandwidth.

Game Port

• Connect a joystick to a PC
• Now replaced by USB.

Digital Video Interface, DVI port

• Connects Flat panel LCD monitor to the computer's high end video graphic cards.
• Very popular among video card manufacturers.

Sockets

• Connect microphone, speakers to sound card of the computer

Install, configure and test internal hardware components

Installing and configuring a component refers to the act of physically connecting the device to the
computer and then tuning it (selecting the settings) that will enable it to function as it is supposed
to. As a computer hardware technician, you will need to be able to install, configure and test a
variety of internal hardware components including memory, motherboards, processors, expansion
cards and drives (hard drives, floppy drive and optical drives). In this section, we will look at
installing components, such as RAM and hard drives, and any necessary software device drivers
so that the component is recognized by the operating system, and configuring the component.
After testing the component, all relevant documentation needs to be updated.

Learning outcomes
After completing this Section, you will be able to:

• Install and configure components according to plan, in accordance with installation

procedures and organizational requirements.
• Test components for error-free performance, utilizing available technology, identify any
problems.
• Resolve any problems.
• Document the installation and configuration process according to organizational
guidelines.

Check your understanding

Do you think you already have the knowledge covered in this Section? Try and do the following
activities to check your understanding of what is involved in installing, configuring and testing
internal hardware components.

Internal PC components

Here is a picture showing the inside of a typical PC.

Components inside the system unit

See if you can identify the components that are numbered in the photo above:

1 Signal/data cable (Bus) of the floppy disk drive

2 Signal/data cable of the CDROM drive
3 Signal/data cable of the hard disk drive
4 Power supply unit
5 CDROM
6 Floppy disk drive
7 Hard disk drive
8 Power cable for the motherboard
9 Motherboard
10 Memory chips (RAM)
11 Sound card
12 Network interface card
13 Video adapter card

Terms used in specification of components

See if you know the meanings of some terms you might come across when investigating
specifications of components by doing this matching exercise.

Check your understanding

Term Meaning

AGP interface that runs at speed of up to 33 MHz commonly used by

most expansion cards
BIOS self test performed by a computer system when it is first turned on
which tests devices such as CPU, RAM and various I/O devices
PCI the main memory available to programs when the computer is
powered on; this memory is volatile.
IDE interface specifically developed for use by the video sub-system
POST program that controls a device such as a printer or graphics card,
these programs are specific to an operating system
form factor software permanently stored in a chip on the motherboard that
controls most of a computer system’s input/output functions such
as the floppy drive, hard drive, RAM chips and the monitor
RAM the brains of the computer; it is here that most calculations take
place
CPU hard drive system whose disk controller is integrated into the
drive
driver the physical size and layout of the component and can also
describe features of a device such as voltages used and connector
types

Why would you install new hardware components?

Some reasons for installing new hardware components include:

• replacement of faulty parts
• need to upgrade hardware to meet software system specifications
• need to add additional functionality
• need to meet company benchmarks.

Electrostatic discharge

Have you ever touched a car door handle on a warm dry day and got an electric shock? What you
got was an electrostatic discharge (or ESD). ESD doesn’t hurt people, but it can destroy electronic
devices. This damage may not appear instantly; it can build up over time and cause the device to
fail. For the average person to notice a static discharge it must be at least 2000 volts, but an
electronic device can be damaged by a discharge as low as 200 volts. When you move, the clothes
you wear rub together and can produce charges in excess of 1000 volts. If the relative humidity is
low, static charges can accumulate easily. Walking on carpet also can build up static charges.
When working with electronic components, take these precautions:
• Wear an antistatic wrist strap (earthing strap). These straps are worn around the wrist and
are clipped to a metallic contact point on the computer case.
• Work on an antistatic mat. Both bench and floor mats are available. These mats also are
clipped to a metallic contact point on the computer case.
• Keep all hardware in the original anti-static packaging until ready for installation.
• When handling components, don’t touch any chips or contact point. Hold them by the edges

Earthing strap

Earthing straps should be used if you

need to touch components inside a
computer. The antistatic wrist strap
wraps around your wrist, and is then
connected to the outer casing of a PC
(which is, of course, switched off and
unplugged from the mains). If you need
to switch the PC back on you must first
detach the strap. The earthing strap also
protects the equipment because there is
enough charge in your body to damage
the sensitive electrical components in
the equipment.
Figure 1: Earthing strap

General installation procedures

Let’s review some vital points about performing an installation:

• Planning is the key to a successful installation.
• Read the manual. The user manual for the hardware component you are installing will
contain information on:
– minimum system requirements, hardware and software
– safety precautions
– list of accessories provided with the component such as screws and cables
 – hardware installation guide
– driver installation guide for various operating systems.
• When installing hardware components you may need to install drivers and configure the
device.
• After installation the hardware component must be tested.

Functions of some internal hardware components

Here is a brief overview of the main components found inside the system unit. Most components
here can be replaced or upgraded. In addition you can also replace the floppy drive, system case
and power supply.

Motherboard

Figure 2: ATX motherboard components

The motherboard or main system board is the central part of a PC, and contains circuitry that
determines the computing power and speed of the entire system. It contains a socket or slot for
the CPU and control devices, RAM, ROM, cache memory, expansion slot connectors, processor
support chips (collectively known as the chipset).
Before working on the motherboard, locate the motherboard manual and familiarise yourself with
the layout.
Increasingly, motherboards are integrating graphics, sound and networking controllers on the
motherboard. The following picture is an end view of the motherboard shown above and shows
the integrated connectors:

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

You will often hear that the CPU is the ‘brain’ of the computer. This is because the CPU
performs three basic tasks:
1 Reads data
2 Manipulates the data
3 Shows results of manipulated data.
The main suppliers for CPUs are Intel (http://www.intel.com/) and Advanced Micro Devices
(http://www.amd.com/us-en/). The Macintosh platform uses the IBM G series processors.
The following picture is of an Intel Pentium IV processor.

Figure 4: Central processing unit

For a Pentium IV processor installation, locate the CPU socket on the motherboard and raise the
CPU socket lever to a 90 degree angle. Locate Pin 1 on the socket and Pin 1 on the CPU (refer to
above picture). Then insert the CPU into the socket and lock the CPU by pulling and locking the
lever.
The next step is to install the heat sink and cooling fan according to the manufacturer’s installation
guide. Connect the CPU fan power cable to the CPU fan connector on the motherboard.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

RAM is called primary memory because it temporarily holds data and instructions as the CPU
processes them. The following picture is of a 168 pin DDR (Double Data Rate) SDRAM memory
module

Figure 5: RAM memory module

To install RAM modules, locate the memory module sockets on the motherboard. Pull the plastic
clips at both ends of the slot down towards the motherboard. Match the notch on the memory
module to the notch on the socket (note the notch is off-centre). Insert the memory module
vertically into the socket and push down. Close the plastic clip at both edges of the socket to lock
the memory module.

Graphics card

The primary function of the graphics card is to take information from the CPU and display it on
the monitor. Today graphics controllers have their own processor to boost performance and they
also have memory to handle the large volume of data generated by increased resolution and colour.
Newer motherboards use the AGP interface for the graphics card. The AGP interface is a dedicated
graphics connection used only by the graphics card. If you have an older PC which does not have
an AGP slot you need to purchase a PCI card.

Figure 6: AGP Graphics card

To install the graphics card, locate the graphics card slot on the motherboard. An AGP slot is
brown. Remove the slot bracket from the computer by removing the screw. Align the graphics
card to the slot and press the card firmly into the slot. Replace the screw to secure the card.
Expansion cards

Expansion cards, also known as interface cards or adapter cards, allow a wide variety of ‘add-on’
devices to communicate with the basic system.
Typical cards include modem card, network card and sound card. Some motherboards now
integrate some of these functions in the motherboard.
To install expansion cards, locate a suitable slot on the motherboard. PCI slots are white. Remove
the slot bracket from the computer by removing the screw. Align the expansion card to the slot
and press the card firmly into the slot. Replace the screw to secure the card. You may have to
install additional cables depending on the function of the expansion card. For example, if you are
installing a sound card you will also need to install a signal cable from the internal CD In connector
on the sound card to the CD reader.

Hard drives
Hard drives store information in a magnetic format on rigid platters that spin around a spindle.
The three main hard drive interfaces are:
1 Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE), also known as the ATA (Advanced Technology
Attachment) interface is the most common. The standard has evolved to a maximum data
transfer rate of 133MBps and is also referred to as Ultra-DMA (Ultra Direct Memory Access)
or EIDE (Enhanced IDE). It uses a flat 40 pin signal cable.
2 Small Systems Computer Interface (SCSI) is an interface usually used with high end PCs
such as servers
3 Serial ATA (SATA) is an emerging technology that replaces the parallel ATA format with a
serial-based format. It promises faster data transfer rates and uses smaller cabling.

Figure 7: Rear view of IDE (ATA) hard drive

The IDE interface supports four drives as listed below:

Drive Function

Primary Master Typically boot hard drive

(IDE 1) Slave
 Secondary Master Typically first optical drive
(IDE 2) Slave

You will need to set jumpers on your drive to be either the master or slave. Consult your user
manual.
To install an IDE drive, locate a suitable drive bay to house the drive. Optical drives require a 5
¼" drive bay accessible from the front of the PC whereas a hard drive will require a 3 ½" drive
bay which doesn’t require access from the front of the PC."
Set the drive jumper block to master or slave as appropriate. Mount the drive in the drive bay and
secure with a minimum of two screws on each side. Connect the IDE drive cable to the IDE
connector on the hard drive. Make sure you align Pin 1 of the cable (denoted by the red stripe) to
Pin 1 on the hard drive (adjacent to the jumper block). Connect the other end of the cable to either
the IDE connector on the motherboard or another IDE drive, depending on your configuration.
Locate a spare power connector and plug in to the power connector on the back of the hard drive.

To locate Pin 1 on the motherboard, you will need to

look very hard at the markings on the board. This
will indicate which is the primary (IDE1) channel
and which is the secondary (IDE2) channel.
It is usually easier to refer to your motherboard
layout in the manual and orientate yourself with the
diagram.

Optical drives

Drives that read and/or write to either a CD (compact disk) or DVD (digital video disk) are known
as optical drives because the information is stored in grooves or tracks running in a spiral around
the disk. They use laser beams to scan these grooves where the information is stored either as a
reflective bump (or land) or as a non-reflective hole (or pit).
Internal optical drives use the same interfaces described above for hard drives. Most common is
the IDE interface. Refer to the above section on hard drives for physical installation details. In
addition you will need to connect the audio signal cable form the drive audio connector to the
input connector on your sound card or motherboard.

Power supply connectors

In an AT system, there are two six-pin power supply connectors, usually labelled P8 and P9. Plug
these into the motherboard with the black wires next to each other in the centre.
 Figure 8: AT system power supply connector

Figure 9: ATX system power supply connector

In an ATX system, there is one 20-pin power supply connector that will only fit in one direction.
Later ATX systems also have a 4-pin connector, usually denoted as 12V ATX power connector,
which will be physically close to the CPU socket on the motherboard.

Recognizing the installed hardware

You have physically installed your internal hardware component. The next step is to double
check all your components and make sure that they are seated firmly. Double check all signal
connections and power connections and ensure that they are secure. Secure the system case and
turn on the PC.
Some internal components require no configuration or changes to the operating system. These
include components such as extra RAM or an upgraded processor. Other devices such as hard
drives, CD-ROMS or DVD-ROM drives that connect using EIDE or SCSI connections will be
recognised by the BIOS on start up and made available to the operating system.
If you have installed one of these components, go into CMOS Setup by pressing the appropriate
keyboard combination. Look for a message such as:
To enter Setup, press <key>
Make sure that your component has been recognised by the system.
For internal hardware components such as graphics card and expansion cards, you will need to
tell your operating system about the component.

Microsoft

If you are using a Microsoft operating system later than Windows 95, your operating system has
what is called Plug and Play capabilities (PnP). However, Plug and Play is not up to the
operating system alone. The device that is being installed must also be PnP compliant.
To install a Plug and Play device, all you have to do is:
1 Shutdown your computer.
2 Connect the peripheral according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3 Start the computer.
Usually the BIOS will recognise the device (if necessary) then the operating system will find the
new hardware and install the corresponding drivers automatically. (Windows will pop up a New
Hardware Found dialog box). If Windows does not have the device driver, you will have to
provide it from a disk/CD-ROM supplied by the manufacturer. If the device is not recognised,
you will need to use Add New Hardware Wizard (found in the Control Panel).

Linux

If you are using a Linux distributor, such as Ubuntu, Red Hat or Mandrake, for your operating
system, you need to determine if your card is supported by a Linux kernel driver. If it is, the
device will be automatically detected when Linux is loaded. If your component does not have
support from a kernel driver, you will need to configure and build the kernel for support and
create the device files.

Apple

If you are using an Apple Macintosh computer you will need to consult the documentation
which comes with the hardware component for installation instructions. The method of driver
installation varies with each individual piece of hardware.

Configuring the device

Some components may be ready to use after installation but sometimes you need to configure
them for advanced purposes as well as for normal use. For this reason, you should know how to
manage and configure a peripheral.
If you are using a Microsoft Windows operating system, you will use the Windows Device
Manager for managing resources and controlling devices. It provides a wealth of information
about all of your devices including:
• devices installed
• devices in conflict
• resources being used
• device driver version and file version
• whether the device is working properly
• whether the device is enabled or disabled.
The Device Manager is the same in principle for different versions of Windows. The dialog
boxes and options differ, but once you are familiar with one version, you should not have
difficulty with another.

Figure 10: Device Manager

Depending on the device, you will be able to use the Properties window to:
• update driver software
• change system settings
• alter settings.
If you are using a Macintosh platform, the tool to use is the Apple System Profiler. Click on the
blue Apple symbol in the upper left corner of the screen and click on Apple System Profiler.
 Figure 11: Apple System Profiler

Testing

Testing is necessary to ensure that you have installed a component properly, and that it is
working properly. The testing process will depend on:
• the type of hardware device.
• the operating system.
When you developed your installation plan for the component, you would have developed a plan
to test your component.

Visual inspection

Most of the time you should begin your testing by performing a visual inspection. Here are some
useful guidelines for testing:
• check the outside of the system
• look for disconnected or loose cables
• check all front panel light indicators
• try removing unnecessary components
• trade good for suspected bad (ie swap monitors, mice, keyboards, hard drives, video cards
etc.)
 • try restarting the system, once or several times
• check BIOS settings
• check Jumpers/Dip switches
• use any built-in diagnostics
• examine information provided during the boot up process.

The boot up process

Carefully watching the steps in the boot process can reveal a lot about the nature of problems in
a system. By doing this you can include or exclude various possible causes of faults. The
absence of one or more of the following can indicate a fault:
• when power is applied, the power supply fan should work
• the keyboard lights should flash as the rest of the system components are reset
• A POST memory count and test should be seen. On some proprietary systems such as
Compaq, you may not see POST messages)
• A BIOS message should be visible on the monitor
• the floppy drive access light should come on briefly
• the hard disk access light should come on briefly
• an audible short beep should be heard
• the floppy disk access light should come briefly before checking the hard drive
• If POST detects an error, it will normally provide three types of output messages: audio
codes, screen messages, and hexadecimal numeric codes to an I/O port address.
• an operating system prompt or message should be visible.
By observing the above sequence you should be able to work out where the problem might be,
isolating the fault.
When the symptom is cleared, you can either progress to the next symptom or test the system for
normal functionality.

POST cards

Several companies produce POST cards and diagnostics software to aid in hardware
troubleshooting. A POST card is a device that plugs into an empty slot in the motherboard.
When the system boots up, the card runs a series of diagnostics. In some cases these cards
replace the normal functions of the BIOS. The great advantage of using these cards is that you
do not have to resort to software running off the hard drive or a floppy disk.
POST cards are normally used when systems are ‘dead’, or when the system cannot read from
the hard drive or the floppy drive. Typically a normal BIOS chip stops when there’s a severe
error condition. POST cards can actually continue and go through a full testing cycle.
Some POST cards also come with a series of LEDs (light emitting diodes) that produce coded
error signals that the technician could interpret together with a manual. Other cards produce
audio beep signals.
Is the problem with the hardware or the software?

As you already know, a computer system is made of a hardware subsystem and a software
subsystem. However, when looking for the cause of the fault, sometimes it can be difficult to
determine if the fault is hardware or software. Once you have determined that the fault is
confined to one of these two subsystems, then you can isolate it and focalise the fault-finding
process, and rectify the fault.
The easiest way to determine whether a problem is hardware or software is to test the hardware
with software packages that are known to be good and that have successfully run on the system
before. If the system boots and operates correctly, then the fault can be put down to software. If
the system does not boot or operate correctly then the fault can be put down to hardware.
Configuration problems are problems that arise when a computer system is set up for the first
time or when new peripherals/components are added to the system. When the component is first
added, the system is not ready to receive the hardware, until the system is prepared to support
the device. This mismatch can be rectified by:
• installing the appropriate software device drivers
• configuring BIOS
• configuring the operating system.

Documenting your installation

After your hardware device has been installed and configured, all relevant documentation should
be updated according to organisational requirements. This documentation should maintain an
inventory of the computer system hardware. This inventory might include the following details:
❑ names and brands of parts
❑ serial numbers
❑ model number, part number
❑ details of the part eg hard drive storage capacity
❑ cost, date of purchase
❑ supplier or manufacturer
❑ details of any warranties
❑ how much memory is on board
❑ the CPU type and size
❑ the peripherals installed, and their details
❑ CMOS settings for this unit
❑ details of who installed this equipment and the date any upgrades were made.
If the warranty requires that the purchase be registered with the supplier, now is the time to
register these details.

Summary

Now that you have completed this reading, reflect on the skills and knowledge you can now put
into practise for installing, configuring and testing hardware components:
❑ identifying why you would install a new hardware component
❑ precautions to take when installing components to protect against electrostatic discharge
❑ identifying a range of internal computer hardware components
❑ understanding how the new component is recognised by the computer system — either
through BIOS or by the installation of software device drivers
❑ configuring devices
❑ checking the operation of a device.
Remember that the manual provided with a device will be the primary source of information
when it comes to installing, configuring and testing a component.
This reading has provided some of the technical information you’ll need to connect hardware
devices. However, it should be seen only as an introduction. You’ll need to stay in touch with
changes and updates in both hardware and software aspects of the IT industry.

Disassembling the PC
You should label all components as they come out of the PC. This is in case you forget where
they go. Try placing a number on a sticky note on each component and on its corresponding
connections for easy recall.

1. Boot up the PC and check that the PC is operational. This is fundamental, otherwise you
won’t know whether the PC worked in the first place when you reassemble it!
2. Disconnect power from your PC.
3. Disconnect all cables at the back of the PC (use sticky notes if needed to remember
where they go).
4. Identify how the PC case comes off. If you have a manual that came with the PC, this
will tell you. If not, many cases are secured with screws, thumbscrews and others are
simply secured using latches.
5. Remove the PC case.
6. Disconnect all cables that go to the motherboard including hard disk drive (HDD) and
floppy disk drive (FDD), power, etc. Remember to label everything.
7. Remove the HDD, CD ROM, and FDD and any other storage device.
8. Remove all jumper-connected wires from the motherboard. For instance, HDD activity
LED, Reset switch, power switch and so on. Remember to label everything.
9. Undo any screws securing the main board. Some boards will have around six or more
small screws. Be careful not to damage any delicate components or to exert too much
pressure on the board.
10. Remove the actual main board from the chassis. Be very careful when doing this. Try not
to rub the board against any other metallic components or edges as this could scratch the
system board causing damage to tiny printed circuitry. Place the board on a large anti-
static bag (the bags motherboards come in) or a soft, packing foam sheet.
11. Remove the memory module from the main board.
12. Remove the CPU from the main board. Some CPUs are easily removed by simply lifting
a lever and pulling the CPU out. However, some are held in place using very tight
fittings.
13. Inspect all the components and identify each of them.

Re-assembling the PC
Now you are going to carry out the previous procedure in reverse.
 1. Mount the CPU (take great care!).
2. Mount the RAM.
3. Mount the main board on the case’s chassis. Use the same precautions as you did when
removing it.
4. Secure the board using screws. Make sure that the board aligns perfectly. Otherwise you
could be shorting out the board and potentially damaging it.
5. Install the HDD, FDD, CD ROM, other storage devices, etc.
6. Reconnect all jumper-connected wires to the board (eg HDD LED, Reset, etc).
7. Reconnect the power cable(s) to the main board.
8. Reconnect the data ribbons (cables) to the HDD and FDD controllers. You might also
need to reconnect serial and parallel data connections if using an older system.
9. Reconnect storage devices to their data and power connection.
10. Check that everything is connected correctly.
11. Check again.
12. Replace the case top but do not secure yet.
13. Re-connect cables and connections at the back of the PC.
14. Reconnect the power and turn on the computer.
15. Does it work? If it does, turn off the computer, disconnect the power, and secure the top
with screws.
16. If it does not work, revisit all of your steps. Pay attention to the POST screen. This
screen will give you valuable information.

Installing a new motherboard

Precautions

• Disconnect the power source.

• Wear an anti-static strip.
• Place the new motherboard on an anti-static mat.
• Don’t use force to connect and disconnect any cables.

Install the new motherboard

1. Take the new motherboard out of the anti-static bag and set it on the anti-static mat.
2. Set jumpers on the motherboard to match the installed CPU according to the
motherboard manufacturer’s manual.
3. Find the holes in the motherboard for the metal spacers and plastic standoffs and then
screw any metal spacers into the computer case in the proper positions to align with the
screw holes on the motherboard.
4. Install the plastic standoffs into the motherboard from underneath until they are firmly
snapped into place.
5. Mount the motherboard into the computer case by placing it to ensure that all standoffs
engage the case.
6. Secure the screws and any plastic washers to fix the motherboard on the case.
7. Connect the power cable into both connectors P8 and P9.
8. Connect the power cable to the cooling fan of the CPU.

How to Configure a Printer in Windows

In most cases, setting up and configuring a printer in Windows 7 or Vista is straightforward.
Follow the instructions that came with your printer's software on an installation CD, or
download that information (Driver) from the printer manufacturer's Website. If the printer driver
is found in the list of available printer drivers on your computer, follow this guide to set up the
printer manually on your PC. We show the steps to add a local and network printer in Windows
7. The process is very similar in Windows Vista and other operating systems.

Step by Step: Configuring a Printer in Windows 7

Step 1 Click Start, Devices and Printers.

Step 2 In the window that pops up, click the Add a Printer button on the toolbar near the top.

Step 3 In the next window, select how you will connect to your printer. If you are trying to
connect your printer directly to your PC with a cord, click Add a local printer. If you are trying
to connect your printer wirelessly (over a network or over Bluetooth) or you wish to connect to a
printer wired to your network, click Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer.

For Local Printers

Step 4 Be sure that Use an existing port is selected, and click Next.
Step 5 Choose your printer manufacturer from the left list, followed by the model in the right
list, and then click Next. You may need to click the Windows Update button to have Windows
search an expanded list. Or, if you have the disk that was packaged with your printer, click Have
Disk...

Step 6 Windows will lead you through some additional steps to complete the installation.

For Network and Wireless Printers

Step 4 Windows will attempt to locate your printer.

Step 5 Select your printer from the list and click Next. Follow the additional prompts to
complete the installation.

Step 6 If your printer is not set as the default printer and you want it to be, click Start, Devices
and Printers. Right-click the printer you wish to make the default, and select Set as default
printer from the context menu. You can also delete the printer by clicking Remove device from
this context menu.