EXPERIMENT NO -3

AIM- how to remove, install, and troubleshooting of PCs components (RAM,

HDD, DVD, SMPS, FANS, CMOS battery).

How to install RAM-

1-Find out what type of RAM is required for your desktop computer. RAM comes in a
variety of models and speeds. The type of RAM you can get is dependent on your computer’s
motherboard. Check your motherboard or computer’s documentation, or check the
manufacturer’s website for the RAM specifications that are compatible with your hardware.

 RAM is available as DDR (double data rate), DDR2, DDR3, and DDR4. Most newer
computers use DDR3 or 4. You must get the type that matches what your motherboard
supports
 RAM is identified by two different speed numbers: the PC/PC2/PC3 number and the
MHz speed. Make sure that both match your motherboard’s specifications.
 The PC number (ex. PC3 12800) refers to the maximum bandwidth (ex. 12800 = 12.8 GB
maximum bandwidth).
 The speed of the RAM is signified by the number after the DDR specification (ex. DDR3
1600 = 1600 MHz).
 2-Check how many sockets you have for RAM-Your motherboard has a limit to the number of
RAM sticks you can install. Some motherboards support only two, while others support four, six,
or even more.
 Most motherboards have a limit to the amount of memory that they support, regardless of the
number of slots.
 I Macs use notebook memory, so refer to the next section for instructions on how to install it.

3- Browse the options. You can find RAM from a variety of different manufacturers, and for a
wide variety of prices. Manufacturers vary in quality, and a large percentage of RAM ships dead
on arrival. Some of the most reliable companies include:
 Corsair
 Kingston
 Crucial
 G. Skill
 OCZ
 Patriot
 4-Shut down the computer. Unplug the computer and any peripherals connected to the
computer, such monitors, keyboards, and mice.

5-Open your computer case. Lay your computer tower on its side, so that you can access the
motherboard when the side panel is removed. You may need a Phillips-head screwdriver to
remove the panel, or you may be able to unscrew it by hand.

6- Discharge any static. Ensure that you do not have static build-up on your body. Static can
damage computer parts, and can be imperceptible to a human. Ground yourself before starting,
or use an antistatic wrist strap.
 You can ground yourself by touching a metal part on your computer case while it is unplugged
from the wall. Simply being turned off does not remove any standby voltages, so make sure it
have unplugged.
 Don’t stand on carpet while working on the interior of the compute
7- Insert the RAM into the RAM slot. Line up the notch in the stick of RAM to the break in the
slot. Set the stick into the slot and then apply equal pressure onto the stick until the clamps on the
side click and lock the RAM in. You may have to apply a fair amount of pressure, but never
force it in.

 Make sure matching pairs are inserted into their matching sockets. Most are labeled on
the board or by color, though you may need to refer to your motherboard layout diagram.
Make sure that they are facing the same way.

 Repeat the process for each stick of RAM you want to install.

8- Close up the computer. Once you’ve finished inserting your RAM sticks, you can put the
panel back on and screw it back in. Avoid running your computer while the panel is off, as this
will actually reduce the cooling power of your fans. Plug your peripherals and monitor back in.

9- Power on the computer. Your computer should start normally. If your computer displays the
self-test during the startup, then you can verify that the RAM has been installed correctly. If not,
you can verify that the RAM was installed once Windows starts.

10- Check the RAM in Windows. Press The Windows key + Pause/Break to open the System
Properties. You can also click the Start menu, right click on Computer/My Computer and click
Properties. Your RAM will be listed in the System section or at the bottom of the window.
Operating systems calculate memory differently and some computers dedicate a certain amount
of RAM to specific functions (e.g., video), decreasing the amount available. For example, you
may have purchased 1 gigabyte of RAM. The operating system may only display 0.99 gigabytes.

11-Run Memtest If you still aren’t sure that your memory was installed correctly, or that it may
not be functioning properly, you can run the free Memtest PROGRAM to check the memory
sticks. The test may take a while to run, but will discover any errors and display how much is
installed.

Remove RAM in desktop –

 Carefully remove the memory from the motherboard and place it somewhere safe and
static free. Take care not to touch the metal contacts on the bottom of the RAM module.

 As you remove the memory, take note of the one or more small notches on the bottom.
These notches are asymmetrically placed on the module (and on your motherboard) to
help ensure that you install the memory properly

 Carefully pick up the RAM module, again avoiding the metal contacts on the bottom, and
slide it into the same motherboard slot you removed it from in the previous step.

 Push firmly on the memory module, applying equal pressure to either side of the RAM.
The memory retaining clips should pop back into place automatically. You should hear a
distinctive ‘click’ as the retaining clips snap into place and the memory is properly
reinstalled.

 Take a close look at the memory retaining clips on both sides of the memory module and
make sure they’re fully engaged.

 The retaining clips should look just like they did before you removed the RAM. They
should both be in the vertical position and the small plastic protrusions should be fully
inserted in the notches on both sides of the RAM

Memory installation troubleshooting tips

1. Press harder when inserting modules into the memory slot. Make sure the notches in your
module are lined up with the keys in the slot, then press down using 20 to 30 pounds of
pressure.

2. OS memory limitations.

3. Double-check your power cords.

4. Double-check internal cables.

5. Update your BIOS

 HOW to install a HDD-

1. Turn off your computer, disconnect the power, and remove your computer's cover. If you have
a laptop, remove the battery from the computer as well as check the information from the
manufacturer to find out if there is a panel you can remove to access the hard disk.

2. Insert the new hard disk into an empty hard disk bay in your computer case. You might need a
small screwdriver to screw the disk into your case. Different cases have different ways of
holding hard disks. Many slide in and out of the case on rails.

3. Connect one cable from the computer's power supply to the power connector on the back of
the hard disk.

4. Depending on what type of hard disk you have, connect the IDE cable or SATA cable from
the back of the disk to the IDE or SATA connector on the computer's motherboard. IDE cables
are wide and flat with large connectors, while SATA cables are thin with small connectors. For
more information, check the information that came with the hard disk.

To remove and replace an internal hard disk-

1. Turn off your computer, disconnect the power, and remove your computer's cover. If you have
a laptop, remove the battery from the computer as well as check the information from the
manufacturer to find out if there is a panel you can remove to access the hard disk.

2. Unplug all cables connected to the hard disk, and then remove the hard disk. Pay attention to
which cables you unplug, since you will plug the same cables into the new hard disk. If there are
any screws holding in the hard disk, you'll need a small screwdriver to unscrew them. Many hard
disks slide in and out of the case on rails. If you have questions, check the information that came
with your computer.
3. Insert the new hard disk and connect it to the same cables that are in the same places as the
hard disk you removed. One cable connects the disk to the computer's power supply, and the
other cable connects the disk to the computer's motherboard.

How to Troubleshoot Hard Drive Errors

1. Hard drive recovery is necessary for failed drives in computers without scheduled
backups.

2. Pay Attention to the Sounds the Drive is Making

3. Turn Off Your Computer

4. Check Your Connections

5. Look For Your Drive in Your BIOS

6. Put the Drive in an External Enclosure

7. Don't Ever Open Your Drive

How to install DVD-

1-Power on the computer

2-Remove the Drive Slot Cover. ...

3-Set the IDE Drive Mode. ...

4-Place the CD/DVD Drive Into the Case. ...
5-Attach the Internal Audio Cable. ...
6-Attach the Drive Cable to the CD/DVD. ...
7-Plug the Power to the CD/DVD.
 Removing the drive from Device Manager-

1. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.

2. Click the Hardware tab, and then click the Device Manager button.

3. Click the plus sign (+) next to DVD/CD-ROM drives.

4. Right-click the drive you want to remove. ...

5. Click Uninstall.

Troubleshooting of DVD-

1. Check that the disc is clean and free from defects.

2. Check that you are logged in as the Administrator.
3. Check that the contents of the disc can be viewed.
4. Scan your computer for viruses.
5. Scan your computer for Spyware.
6. Disable Emulation software.
Installing the SMPS —

The power supply of your PC is controlled by SMPS or power supply unit. When it got damaged
your system fails to start, your desktop PC can exhibit any number of strange behaviors. If your
PC is suffering from seemingly random reboots or doesn’t start at all, the power supply unit
(PSU) might be damaged.
If you are replacing a SMPS first thing you have to do is to unplug all wires and cables attached
to CPU. Now start with laying down your CPU on its side with its side panel removed, and the
motherboard facing up.Gently place the new unit inside the case so that its screw holes line up
with the holes in the case. The connection for the AC power cord should be facing to the outside
of the case. Now fix it with screws. Here is a checklist of connections:

1. One (1) 20/24-pin main connector (Motheroard)

2. One (1) 4/8-pin ATX12V connector
3. Any required hard drives or optical drive connector(s)
4. 6/8-pin PCI Express video card power connector(s)

Each connector type is designed to prevent it from being improperly inserted, so it’s really hard
to go wrong here. First insert 24 pin connector in motheroard. For hard drives and CD drives, use
the larger 4-pin auxiliary connectors for IDE drives and Serial ATA power connectors for Serial
ATA drives, but do not plug both types into one device. Use 6\8 pin connector for video cards.
Following these steps, you should be able to install a power supply in most standard cases.

Troubleshooting of SMPS

Switch ON the supply if the fan in the smps is working the smps is good. If not open the cover
and check whether the Capacitors inside the Smps is bulged on the top. If bulged replace the
capacitor with the same value of the earlier.Check the voltages with a multimeter. Mini Molex
gives power supply to floppy drive

Install the fans.

1 -Screw the fan in using the four included screws. Make sure that the fan is secure so that it
doesn't rattle. Hand-tighten the screws, but don't over-tighten in case you need to remove or
replace the fan later.

 Make sure that any cables, including the fan's own power cable, cannot get caught in the fan
blades. Use cable ties to pull cables out of the way if necessary.

 If you are having trouble holding the fan in place while you screw it in, use a few small pieces
of masking tape to secure it until the screws are inserted. Make sure not to tape any
components or circuitry.

2-Close your case.

Make sure to close up your case before testing your fans out. Cases and fans are designed with
airflow in mind, and an open case will negate all the airflow benefits. Open cases will cool much
less efficiently than a closed case.

3-Monitor your computer's temperature.

It's all well and good if your fans are spinning properly, but the end goal is to cool the computer's
components. Download a temperature monitoring program ( SpeedFan takes care of this as well).
If your computer is still overheating, you may need to reconfigure your fan locations and
directions, or consider more extreme cooling solutions.

Troubleshooting your CPU fan

You can use the PSU, case/chassis or GPU fan header. Laptop users will need to test on a
different computer. If it spins, then the problem could be the motherboard or power supply unit.
You can also use a known working fan and plug it on your motherboard.

How to install CMOS battery

 Steps

1. Turn off the computer.

2. Unplug the computer

3. Remove the side cover. Make sure to put on your static wrist band .

4. Remove old battery with fingernail or use non-conductive screwdriver.

5. Install new battery.

6. Replace side cover.

7. Plug back in.

8. Turn computer on.

How to remove CMOS Battery

1. Shutdown your computer.

2. Remove the power cord to make sure that your computer receives no power.
3. Make sure you're grounded. ...
4. Find the battery on your motherboard.
5. Remove it. ...
6. Wait 5 to 10 minutes.
7. Put the battery back in.
8. Power on your computer.

-RIYA