Installing a Sound Blaster Sound Card by C E Smith

1. The first thing you need to do is gather the equipment you'll need for the installation. One flat-head and one Phillips-head screwdriver should be all you need. If you want to be extra careful, use an anti-static wrist strap with an alligator clip.
2 Uninstall any existing sound card that your computer has, and turn off the computer and disconnect the cables from your PC.

3. Move the PC to a clear, flat surface r a desk, or countertop would be fine.

4. Remove these screws and slide the panel back. 5. You will see the white slots are called Peripheral Component Interconnect or PCI slots. The color may vary, but all PCI slots are physically the same, so if yours are not white, that's ok. Your new Sound Blaster sound card will fit into one of your available PCI slots.

6. At the back end of the case, you'll see some covers. Take your screwdriver and remove one that is directly across from an available PCI slot.

7. Take your Sound Blaster sound card and align it with the PCI slot. It only fits in one way. Do NOT force it as it could potentially damage your PC or your Sound Blaster. Use solid pressure while slightly wiggling the card from side to side.

8. When it's properly installed, the end of the card should fit snugly against the slot that you opened up and the card should be sitting evenly in the PCI slot.

9. Secure the card into its slot with the screw you removed from the slot cover earlier.

10. Replace the case cover and re-secure it with its screws.

11. Connect the cables to the back of your PC, power it up, and you are ready to install the software.

12. Windows XP will automatically know that you have installed new hardware and ask you for a software installation CD. Although Windows can do a fine job of installing device drivers it cannot install all the software that will allow you to take full advantage your Sound Blaster sound card.

13. Cancel the requests that Windows will have for a device driver CD.

14. Once you've closed all driver CD requests from Windows place your Sound Blaster installation disk into your CD or DVD-ROM drive. After a few moments, you will see a splash screen pop up. From here, simply follow the step by step instructions on how to install your new Sound Blaster software package.

After you have completed the software installation, you'll be request to reboot. Once you have rebooted and returned to Windows. Then you'll be ready to enjoy your new Sound Blaster!!