Preparing for Installation

    Read this section to learn what you need before you install a replacement or new add-in card in your computer.

Selecting a place to work

    Work on your computer in an area that:

Is clean (avoid dusty areas)
Is a low-static environment (avoid carpeted areas)
Has a stable surface on which to set your computer
Has enough room to place all the computer parts
Is near a grounded outlet so that you can test your computer after installation
Is near a telephone (in case you need help from Gateway Technical Support). The telephone must be directly connected to a telephone jack and cannot be connected to your computer

Gathering the tools you need

    Some tools and supplies that you may need to work on your computer are:

A Phillips screwdriver
A flat-head screwdriver
A notebook and pencil to take notes
Small containers to store various types of screws
A grounding wrist strap (available at most electronic stores)

Removing existing software

Modem card

    If your computer has never had a modem, skip this section and go to "Installing the Add-In Card".

    If you are replacing the modem in your computer, you must uninstall any existing modem drivers before you remove the modem from your computer.

    If you are not sure which operating system your computer uses, open the My Computer window, click Help, then click About Windows. The About Windows dialog box opens listing your operating system.

To uninstall the modem drivers in Windows ®  XP, Windows Me, Windows 2000, or Windows 98:

    1. In Windows XP, click Start, right-click My Computer, click the Hardware tab, then click Device Manager.
      - OR -
      In Windows Me, Windows 2000, or Windows 98, right-click the My Computer icon, click Properties, then click the Device Manager tab.

    1. Double-click Modems, then double-click the name of your modem. The Modem Properties dialog box opens.

    2. If you see a Port/Settings tab, click it, then click Uninstall. A message box opens. Click OK.
      - OR -
      If you do not see a Port/Settings tab, click Cancel, then click Uninstall or Remove. A message box opens. Click OK.
    1. Close all windows and turn off your computer.

To uninstall the modem drivers in Windows NT 4.0:

    1. Click Start, Settings, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.

    2. If you have a special modem icon in the Control Panel window (for example, Winmodem or TelePath), double-click the special modem icon. Go to the next step.
      - OR -
      If you only have the Modems icon in the Control Panel window, go to Step 5.

    1. Click Uninstall.

    2. Follow the on-screen instructions. Go to Step 8.

    3. Double-click the Modems icon. The Modems Properties dialog box opens.

    4. Click your modem, then click Remove. A message box opens.

    5. Click OK, then click Close.

    6. Close all windows and turn off the computer.

Sound card

    If you are not sure which operating system your computer uses, open the My Computer window, click Help, then click About Windows. The About Windows dialog box opens listing your operating system.

    Important

    System boards with integrated sound have a BIOS Setup utility setting that turns integrated sound on or off. If you are replacing your integrated sound with an add-in sound card, you must disable the integrated sound using the BIOS Setup utility.

    For more information about the BIOS Setup utility, see the documentation that came with your computer.

      Important

      If you have a sound card installed in your system that has its own specific programs, run the sound card's uninstall utility or uninstall the sound card programs through Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel.

      You still need to follow the steps in the appropriate section to uninstall the sound card drivers.

      To remove the sound card drivers in Windows ®  XP, Windows Me,
                Windows 2000, and Windows 98:

        1. In Windows XP, click Start, right-click My Computer, click Properties, the Hardware tab, then click Device Manager.
          - OR -
          In Windows Me, Windows 2000, or Windows 98, right-click the My Computer icon, click Properties, then click Device Manager.

        1. Double-click Sound, video and game controllers. A list of your multimedia devices appears.

        2. Click the name of the sound card, then click Uninstall or Remove. The Confirm Device Removal dialog box opens.

        3. Click OK.

        4. Close all windows and turn off your computer.

      To remove the sound card drivers in Windows NT 4.0:

        1. Click Start, Settings, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.

        2. Double-click the Multimedia icon. The Multimedia Properties dialog box opens.

        3. Click the Devices tab, then double-click the Audio Devices icon. A list of your multimedia devices appears.

        4. Click the name of the sound card, then click Remove. A message box opens.

        5. Click Yes, then click Close. A message box opens asking if you want to restart your computer.

        6. Click No, then close all windows and turn off your computer.