Eagle Computer Services

Installing Windows XP

Darrel — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 23:00:00 +0000

Windows XP Hardware Requirements

To install Windows XP 'Home' or 'Professional' onto your new PC, it will need to meet the following specification:
PC with 300 megahertz (MHz) or higher processor clock speed recommended;
233-MHz minimum required;
(Intel Pentium/Celeron family, AMD K6/Athlon/Duron family, or compatible processor recommended)
128 megabytes (MB) of RAM or higher recommended
(64 MB minimum supported; may limit performance and some features)
1.5 Gigabyte (GB) of available hard disk space
Super VGA (800 × 600) or higher resolution video adapter and monitor
CD-ROM or DVD drive
Keyboard and Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device

Systems with this specification (or better) should be capable of running Windows XP successfully. Once installed, it may be necessary to obtain extra software called 'Drivers' from the manufacturers of your hardware to obtain maximum performance from your system. These can usually be downloaded from the appropriate web site.

Installing Windows XP

Serial-ATA
If you are installing to a Serial-ATA Hard Disk then you may need a floppy disk containing the appropriate Serial-ATA drivers for your motherboard.
Quality motherboard manufacturers will supply a floppy disk with the motherboard for this purpose but, in some cases, it will be necessary to create a Serial-ATA driver disk using the CD that is packaged with the motherboard, or even download the drivers from the manufacturer's web site.
The procedure for installing Windows XP onto a new PC is as follows:
Switch on the PC and put the Windows XP CD into the CD-ROM. Press the reset button on the PC and allow it to boot.
The PC should boot to the CD-ROM, if not check your motherboard manual to enable 'Boot to CD-ROM' in its BIOS settings.
Serial-ATA
If you are installing to a Serial-ATA hard disk then keep an eye out for the message (It only appears very briefly):
Press F6 if you need to install a third party SCSI or RAID driver...Tap the [F6] key a few times. The installation will continue, but will stop in a few moments to give you the opportunity to insert a floppy disk with the Serial-ATA drivers on.
After a few seconds a blue Windows Setup screen will appear.
The system will load some basic files to enable it to begin the install
At the Welcome to Setup screen, press ENTER to continue.
The system will check the HDD to determine if / how it is configured
Serial-ATA
If you are installing to a Serial-ATA Hard Disk then Windows will require the Serial-ATA drivers at this point. A message will appear as follows:
Setup could not determine the type of one or more mass storage devices installed in your system, or you have chosen to manually specify an adapter...

Insert your Serial-ATA drivers floppy disk and press [S]. If a list of drivers appears, select the correct driver (the motherboard manual should help you with this choice.) Windows XP should load the appropriate driver and continue to install.
At the Windows XP license agreement screen, read the agreement and press the F8 key to continue.
It will be necessary to agree to continue the installation
Highlight Unpartitioned space and press ENTER
The system will 'Partition' the hard disk to enable it to be formatted
Select one of the Formatting options and press ENTER
FAT would be the most common option for home users. If you are confident with operating systems you can select any of the options available. If you select NTFS, note that other operating systems may not be able to access the files created on this drive.
To confirm that you wish to format the HDD, press ENTER
Setup will format the HDD and check it for errors. This may take some time depending on the capacity of the HDD
Once formatted, Setup will copy its files to the HDD.
This make take a few moments depending on the speed of your system
Setup will reboot the PC after a 15 second countdown (or press ENTER to reboot quicker)
During the reboot, remove the Windows XP CD from the CD-ROM Drive. The CD is removed to force the system to boot to the HDD. If this produces an error, configure the BIOS settings to boot to the HDD first
The system should now boot to the HDD to continue the installation
After it has booted to the HDD, place the Windows XP CD back into the CD-ROM drive
A Windows XP screen should appear and the installation will continue
The system will now load and configure the Operating System. During this time, five small green squares will 'pulse' in sequence at the bottom right of the screen. This indicates that the system is actively installing files and settings. If this stops for a long time, simply shutdown and restart your computer.
A Region and Language Options window will pop up during the installation. Configure the options available for your country and then click Next to continue.
If you're unsure about the options, they can also be configured after the installation has completed
At the Personalise your software window, click inside each text box and fill in your name and organisation/company (if you have one) then click Next
Before the next step, locate the Windows XP Product key which should be on the CD case.
At the Your product key window, copy the product key into the boxes exactly as it appears on the CD case, then click Next
If it doesn't work, don't worry, just try typing it in again. It's easy to mis-type a complex set of numbers and letters.
At the What's your computers name? window, type in a name for your PC, then click Next
If you ever create a home network of two machines or more, the name of each machine will need to be different.
At the Modem dialling information window, fill in the required details then click Next
This window will only display if you have a Modem fitted to your PC
At the Time and Date window, check that the time, date and time zone are correct and click Next
Again, don't worry if they're not right as this can also be configured after the installation
At the Network Information window, select Typical settings then click Next
These settings can be reconfigured later as required.
The system will finish the installation and automatically reboot the PC.
Phase Two of the installation is complete and the system needs to reboot again...
Again, remove the XP CD and allow the system to boot to the HDD
The operating System will start for the first time and configure itself
A Windows XP logo should appear for a few seconds as it boots
The system will now attempt to configure its software for your particular hardware setup
At the Welcome to Microsoft Windows screen, click Next
The Windows XP CD is required for further tasks and must be ready in the CD-ROM
At the Setup the Internet screen, follow the instructions as necessary then click Next
Configure your Internet connection as instructed by your ISP (Internet Service Provider)
At the Ready to activate Windows screen, click No, remind me every few days and then click Next
You will have 30 days to test Windows XP, during which you can activate it at any time.
At the Internet Access screen, click No, not at this time, then click Next
This can be configured after installation has completed
At the User Names screen, fill in your name at the top, followed by the names of any other users of your PC in the spaces below
This allows for each person listed to have their own account which 'remembers' their personal preferences and settings
Windows XP is now completely installed on your PC. Click your name from the list to continue

Operating Systems

Installing Windows ME

Darrel — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 23:00:00 +0000

Windows Me Hardware Requirements

To install Windows Me or onto your PC, it will need to meet the following specification:
PC with 150 megahertz (MHz) or higher processor clock speed required;
32 megabytes (MB) of RAM or higher recommended
480MB to 645MB megabytes (MB) of available hard disk space
Super VGA (800 × 600) or higher resolution video adapter and monitor
CD-ROM or DVD drive
Keyboard and Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device

Systems with this specification (or better) should be capable of running Windows Me successfully.
Once installed, it may be necessary to obtain extra software called 'Drivers' from the manufacturers of your hardware to obtain maximum performance from your system.
These can usually be downloaded from the appropriate manufacturer's web site.

Installing Windows Me

The procedure for installing Windows Me onto a new PC is as follows:
Switch on the PC and put the Windows Me CD into the CD-ROM. Press the reset button on the PC and allow it to boot.
The PC should boot to the CD-ROM, if not check your motherboard manual to enable 'Boot to CD-ROM' in its BIOS settings.
From the next menu, select Start Windows Me setup from the CD-ROM
The system will load some basic software to enable it to install
At the blue Windows Me Setup screen, press ENTER to continue.
The system will check the HDD to determine if/how it is configured
Select Configure unallocated space (recommended) and press ENTER
The system will 'Partition' the hard disk such that it can prepare it for storing data
If prompted, select Yes, enable large disk support and press ENTER
This enables the system to use the maximum space possible on the hard disk
At the Setup will restart now screen, press ENTER or wait and the system will automatically reboot
Phase One of the installation is complete and the system needs to reboot to continue...
From the menu, select Start Windows Me setup from the CD-ROM again
The system will 'format' the HDD. This is the process of clearing the hard disk and preparing it to store data. This can take some considerable time depending on the size of the HDD
At the Setup will perform a routine check on your system screen, press ENTER
A diagnostic program called Scandisk will run and check the HDD for any errors/damage. Again, this may take some time depending on HDD size. Note: Cancelling this will prevent the installation of Window Me
At the Windows Me Setup screen, click the Next button at the lower right of the screen using the mouse (or if no mouse is installed, press TAB until the Next is highlighted with dotted lines and press ENTER
Windows Me will install its 'wizard' software to guide you through the installation
At the Select the directory where you want to install Windows Me screen, click or TAB to the C:\WINDOWS line such that a black dot appears to the left hand side (this indicates that this option is selected and is known as a 'Radio button'
This will make the system put all its important files into an area on the hard disk labelled 'windows'
The Preparing directory screen will appear
The system will now check the HDD for any existing software and make sure that there is enough space on your HDD
At the Setup Wizard screen, click to select Typical, then click the Next button
By selecting 'Typical', you are asking for a default installation of Windows Me. This should suit most people and other options can be configured later if required.
Select Install the most common components (recommended) and click Next
Again, this indicates that you require a standard installation...
At the Country/Region screen, select your country/location from the list and click Next. This is a long list that cannot be displayed all at once. Use the scroll bar at the right hand side to see more countries if yours is not immediately visible.
Knowing your location helps Windows to configure itself correctly
At the Establishing your time zone screen, select your location's time-zone from the list and click Next.
It is important that the system clock is as accurate as possible.
At the Insert disk screen, follow the instructions to create a startup disk then click OK
It is possible to skip this step, but it can be useful to have a startup disk in case the system will not boot at some point in the future.
Once the disk has been created, click OK to continue setup
Remember to remove the floppy disk from the drive.
At the Ready to begin copying files screen, click Finish to continue setup
The system has all the information it needs and will now install the Windows Me software. This may take some time depending on the overall speed of your system.
Once completed, Remove the Windows Me CD from the CD-ROM and click the Reboot button or wait for the timer
The system reboots.
This time, allow the system to boot to the HDD. A Windows Me logo screen should appear as it loads
The CD is removed to force the system to boot to the HDD. If this produces an error, configure the BIOS settings to boot to the HDD first
A Setting up hardware message box will be displayed
The system is now attempting to configure its software for your particular hardware setup
At the User information screen, type in your name and company name (if appropriate) into the boxes. Place the Windows Me CD back into the CD-ROM. Click Next
The Windows CD is required for further installation tasks and must be ready in the CD-ROM
Read the License Agreement statement and click I accept the agreement then click Next
The software will not allow the install to continue if you do not agree to the statement
Locate your Windows Me Product Key (usually on the back of the CD case) and type it in. Then click Next
Take special care to ensure that the numbers/letters are typed in exactly the same as your Product Key
Click Finish to complete the installation and reboot again to complete the configuration
Rebooting is necessary for the system to amend or update its important files which cannot be changed while they are in use
Windows will finish off its hardware configurations, and may even reboot once more before displaying the Introduction screen
Windows Me is now completely installed on your PC.

Operating Systems

Installing Windows 95 and 98

Darrel — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 23:00:00 +0000

To install Windows 95 / 98 or onto your PC, it will need to meet the following specification:

Windows 95 Hardware Requirements

PC with 386DX or higher processor (486 recommended)
4 megabytes (MB) of RAM or higher (8MB recommended)
50MB to 55MB megabytes (MB) of available hard disk space
VGA or higher resolution (256-colour SVGA recommended)
One 3.5-inch high-density floppy disk drive
Keyboard and Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device

Windows 98 Hardware Requirements

PC with a 486DX 66 megahertz (MHz) or faster processor
16 megabytes (MB) of memory (24 MB recommended)
140MB to 355MB megabytes (MB) of available hard disk space
VGA or higher resolution (16-bit or 24-bit colour SVGA recommended)
One 3.5-inch high-density floppy disk drive
Keyboard and Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device

Once installed, it may be necessary to obtain extra software called 'Drivers' from the manufacturers of your hardware to obtain maximum performance from your system.
These can usually be found on the CD in the product packaging or downloaded from the appropriate web site.

Installing Windows 95 / 98

Note
If you are installing Windows 95, it will be necessary to boot your PC using the supplied floppy disk, then select 'Install Windows from CD-ROM' from the menu that appears.
The procedure for installing Windows 95 / 98 onto a new PC is as follows:
Switch on the PC and put the Windows 95 / 98 CD into the CD-ROM. Press the reset button on the PC and allow it to boot.
The PC should boot to the CD-ROM, if not check your motherboard manual to enable 'Boot to CD-ROM' in its BIOS settings.
From the next menu, select Start Windows 98 setup from the CD-ROM
The system will load some basic software to enable it to install,
At the blue Windows 95 / 98 Setup screen, press ENTER to continue.
The system will check the HDD to determine if/how it is configured
Select Configure unallocated space (recommended) and press ENTER
The system will 'Partition' the hard disk such that it can prepare it for storing data
If prompted, select Yes, enable large disk support and press ENTER
This enables the system to use the maximum space possible on the hard disk
At the Setup will restart now screen, press ENTER or wait and the system will automatically reboot
Phase One of the installation is complete and the system needs to reboot to continue...

From the menu, select Start Windows 95 / 98 setup from the CD-ROM again
The system will 'format' the HDD.
This is the process of clearing the hard disk and preparing it to store data.
This can take some considerable time depending on the size of the HDD
At the Setup will perform a routine check on your system screen, press ENTER
A diagnostic program called Scandisk will run and check the HDD for any errors/damage. Again, this may take some time depending on HDD size
At the Windows 95 / 98 Setup screen, click the Continue button at the lower right of the screen using the mouse (or if no mouse is installed, press TAB until the continue is highlighted with dotted lines and press ENTER
Windows 95 / 98 will install its 'wizard' software to guide you through the installation
At the Select the directory where you want to install Windows 95 / 98 screen, click or TAB to the C:\WINDOWS line such that a black dot appears to the left hand side (this indicates that this option is selected and is known as a 'Radio button'
This will make the system put all its important files into an area on the hard disk labelled 'Windows'
The Preparing directory screen will appear
The system will now check the HDD for any existing software and make sure that there is enough space on your HDD
At the Setup options screen, click to select Typical, then click the Next button
By selecting 'Typical', you are asking for a default installation of Windows 95 / 98. This should suit most people and other options can be configured later if required.
Select I want to install the most common components (recommended) and click Next
Again, this indicates that you require a standard installation...
At the Establishing your location screen, select your country/location from the list and click Next. This is a long list that cannot be displayed all at once. Use the scroll bar at the right hand side to see more locations if yours is not immediately visible.
Your location helps Windows to configure itself correctly
Click Next to begin the installation
The system has all the information it needs and will now install and configure the Windows 95 / 98 software. This may take some time depending on the overall speed of your system
Once completed, remove the Windows 95 / 98 CD from the CD-ROM and click the Reboot button or wait for the timer
Phase Two of the installation is complete and the system needs to reboot again...
This time, allow the system to boot to the HDD. A Windows 95 / 98 logo screen should appear as it loads
The CD is removed to force the system to boot to the HDD. If this produces an error, configure the BIOS settings to boot to the HDD first
At the User information screen, type in your name and company name (if appropriate) into the boxes. Place the Windows 95 / 98 CD back into the CD-ROM. Click Next
The Windows CD is required for further installation tasks and must be ready in the CD-ROM
Read the License Agreement statement and then click I accept the agreement
The software will not allow the install to continue if you do not agree to the statement
Locate your Windows 95 / 98 Product Key (usually on the back of the CD case) and type it in. Then click Next
Take special care to ensure that the numbers/letters are typed in exactly the same as your Product Key
Click Finish to complete the installation of the software
Windows will now attempt to detect the hardware in your PC and configure itself to use them. It may reboot again as a part of this process...
During the configuration process, the system may ask for the driver disk(s) for some parts of your system. Use the disk(s) that came with your hardware for this.
If you don't have a disk for a particular part, just click Cancel. Individual drivers can be installed at a later date.
Once the configuration process is completed, you will be asked to verify the current time, date and location settings. Check that these are correct then click OK
Again, having the correct time, date and location information is important in the configuration process
Windows will continue its self-configuration, which may take some time, then it will reboot once more
Rebooting is necessary for the system to amend or update its important files which cannot be changed while they are in use
Windows will finish off its hardware configurations, then display the Introduction screen
Windows 95 / 98 is now completely installed on your PC. Close the intro screen to continue.

Operating Systems

Fitting RAM

Darrel — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 23:00:00 +0000

Unpack the RAM (Random Access Memory).
Make sure at this stage that you have your anti-static measures in place and even briefly make contact with both hands on the metal of the case to make sure.
We are going to make the assumption that since your Motherboard is likely to be fairly new, you will using DIMM memory.
Do not worry if you are using SIMM. The procedure is exactly the same.
Note, however, that SIMM must be installed in pairs.
As with the CPU's and Adapter cards, DIMMs have a 'keying' system.
Check with the Motherboard manual to find the first slot (usually slot 0) and fill the
slots in numerical order as appropriate.

a Dual In-line Memory Module Motherboard DIMM Slot

DIMM insertion is a simple case of pushing the small white retaining clips slightly outwards, then inserting the DIMM (with aligned key positions) into the slot.
You will know when it is fully inserted as the retaining clips will automatically move into position and secure the DIMM.

Hardware

Fitting a Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

Darrel — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 23:00:00 +0000

Unpack the HDD.
Make sure at this stage that you have your anti-static measures in place, and even briefly make contact with both hands on the metal of the case to make sure.

IDE Hard Drives

Locate the IDE Configuration Pins on the HDD.
These can usually be found next to the power and data connections, and will be a group of six or eight small pins with a small plastic 'jumper' attached between two of the pins.
If this is to be the only HDD in your PC, then set this to Master. Alternatively, if this is to be an additional HDD then it must be set to Slave.

SATA Hard Drives

If you have a SATA (Serial-ATA) drive then no configuration should be necessary, as only one SATA drive can be connected to each SATA connector on the motherboard.
The Hard Drive differs from the Floppy Drive in that it is usually inserted from within the PC case.
On one end of the Hard Drive will be the sockets for connecting the cables.
This end must point into the case such that the cables can be connected later on.
Gently slide the Hard Drive into the bay that now holds the floppy drive above.
Move the drive around until you find the fixing points.
You may need to clear any obstructions to this insertion from inside the case if necessary.
Once inserted, use the coarse-threaded screws to secure the drive to the case.

Hardware

What you Need

Darrel — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 23:00:00 +0000

It is wise to collect together a tool kit to help you.
If you don't have some of these items to hand, don't worry.
There are many suppliers of electrical/electronic tools out there such as Maplin Electronics, and these items can be purchased relatively cheaply, especially when bought in a 'PC repair kit'.
In addition, they make very useful tools around the home or office.

Anti-Static Device

A must have when handling Static-sensitive devices. These will help to disperse static electricity that may build up. Anti-static wrist straps are probably the most convenient and cost effective.

Posidrive/Philips Screwdriver

This is the most useful tool in PC building/repair since the majority of fixings in a PC case are of this type.

Cable Ties

Where necessary, keep things tidy by carefully tying back loose cabling inside the PC Case. This will also help airflow around the machine. Be sure to use plastic ties only.

Small Wire Cutters

Useful for all manner of things, wire cutters are particularly handy when using cable ties, to neatly clip off the excess.

Long-Nose Pliers

When fingers are just too big for the job, these will help manipulate very small parts like IDE configuration jumpers.

Small Torch/Flashlight

It can get dark inside a PC Case once everything is fitted. This should throw some light on the subject.

Pencil and Paper

Important settings and options are easily remembered when written as notes.

Plenty of time

PC jobs invariably take at least twice as long as expected. Leave yourself plenty of time to work. A rushed job is more likely to go wrong.
Next, let's look in detail at each of the required PC components...

For Beginners

USB Drives

Darrel — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 23:00:00 +0000

When using PC's and very often while building or upgrading PC's, you'll need to transfer some data between machines.
No problem, just throw in a floppy disk, copy all your data onto it and copy it off again at the other PC.
Easy.
But is it ever that simple? With the increasing complexity and size of today's applications and file sizes, our old friend the floppy disk just doesn't seem to have the capacity to keep up.
At 1.44MB, you're usually going to need to compress your files, and even then you'll need to make sure that the compressed file is less than 1.44MB so it will actually fit.
"No problem!" you say, "I'll get myself a Zip Drive." Fine. With up to 250MB capacity you can store everything you want and more on it.
But already those nasty problems have started to creep in.
The most significant of those being "Does the other PC have a Zip drive?"
Before long, you've bought two Zip drives and a handful of Zip disks.
The overall expense has sky-rocketed in comparison to your old floppy disk system and you still can't take that huge new 'Project' file to work/school because they don't have Zip drives there...

USB Flash Drive

USB Flash Drive is a small keyring-sized device that can be used to easily transfer files between USB-compatible systems.
Available in a range of capacities (and in some cases, with an MP3 player built-in) this handy little gizmo can save all those data-transfer hassles.

Hardware

Troubleshooting

Darrel — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 23:00:00 +0000

You've just built your PC you're ready to go. You hopefully hit the power button and await the boot up 'bleep' followed by a pleasing flow of text appearing on your monitor - but wait... no bleep, no display, no sounds or lights - what's going on?
Judging by our messaging forums, this is a common horror for our budding PC builders. Having answered many questions on the subject, we've put together this 'advanced troubleshooter' to help you through these difficult times.
With so many complex parts and connections the possibilities of locating the fault seem endless. The reality is that by a simple process of elimination it should be relatively simple (if perhaps a little time consuming) to track down that 'spanner in the works'.
First of all, it is necessary to understand what is happening during the 'boot' process and the minimum hardware needed to achieve a successful boot of the system.

The Power button is pressed
The Motherboard checks that the CPU is able to process information correctly
Built in software called the BIOS is processed by the CPU
The CPU, RAM and Video Card are all checked for basic functionality
The system will give one 'bleep' to indicate that the system passed all the initial tests, or a series of bleeps to indicate a specific fault
The next part of the BIOS is run and a display is sent to the monitor
The BIOS will then do several further tests on connected hardware (RAM, Keyboard, Mouse etc.) and display any errors
The system will then attempt to load the Operating System software from the designated boot drive

From the above procedure we can determine that a 'bootable' system will only need a PSU, Motherboard, CPU, RAMand a Video card. This will be the start point for tracking down the fault...

Back to basics

Assuming that your new PC is completely assembled, you'll need to undo some of your previous work. First off, power the system off and disconnect all the external cables, including the mains cable.
Inside the case, disconnect any IDE and FDD data cables from the motherboard and disconnect all the front panel connectors except the Power switch cable (it is a good idea at this point to double check with the manual that the Power switch cable is connected correctly.)
Also, remove any or all of the adapter cards (e.g. modems, sound cards etc.) except for the video card.

First test boot

Connect just the base unit mains cable and the monitor cable. The rest can be left unconnected for the moment. If there is a switch on the PSU next to where the mains cable plugs in, make sure it is switched to ON.
Press the Power button on the front panel. If your system boots and displays text on the screen, skip to the Bootup is OK, what now? section of this article.
If your system is still not booting at this point, you've eliminated a good deal of possible problems and have only a few parts to test for the fault. We've established that the fault lies either in the PSU, Motherboard, CPU, RAM or Video Card.
Take each part in turn (leaving the motherboard till last) and either replace it with a 'known good' item (i.e. from a working PC) or test it in another working PC. The faulty item can then be easily identified as the one which:
1. When replaced with a 'known good' one allows the PC to boot
or
2. Causes a good PC to stop working correctly.
If you get as far as testing the Motherboard, it is the item with the problem. Before you take it back for a replacement, there are a couple of things you can do to make sure it is faulty.
1. Double check that your CPU and Memory are compatible with your motherboard and that you have configured the motherboard correctly as per the manual.
2. Locate and follow the procedure in the manual to reset the BIOS.
If you've done all this and still no joy, re-package the motherboard and take/send it back to the retailer for testing/replacement.

Bootup is OK, what now?

If your system booted successfully in the 'Back to basics' section, you will have tested the fundamental parts of your PC. The fault therefore must lay in one the devices presently unconnected in your system.
Fault diagnosis at this stage is easier, but can take longer. Your aim now is to connect one item or connector at a time, then power up the system, then connect another item or connector, power up etc. until the system fails to boot again. One of two things will happen:
1. Once all the items are reconnected the system continues to work correctly (Problem solved!)
or
2. One of the connections/items will cause the system to fail at the next boot.
If you get to stage 2, the last item you connected has the fault. Confirm that you have connected it correctly, with its instructions (if any) and return it to the retailer if the problem persists

Troubleshooting

The Motherboard

Darrel — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 23:00:00 +0000

With the PC Case ready, collect together the 'fixings' kit and follow these steps.
Unpack the Motherboard.
You will notice that it is packaged in a special bag (usually black or silver in colour.)
This is a special anti-static bag.
Try to keep the motherboard inside this bag until it is needed.
A good quality motherboard will be supplied with a User Manual, driver disk/CD and all the cables you will need to configure your PC, including a Floppy Drive cable, one or more IDE cables and where supported, one or more Serial-ATA cables.
In addition, you should also receive an IO Shield which can be fitted into the PC Case to match the connectors on the motherboard.
You will notice, in various places on the motherboard, there are small holes with bare metal 'rings' around them.
These can be used to fix the motherboard to the inside of the PC Case.
Warning
Under NO circumstances should the motherboard be mounted such that the back of the board is in contact with the metal case.
This will cause a short-circuit and could damage the motherboard.

Find the corresponding points inside the case and fit the standoffs as appropriate to allow you to screw the motherboard into place.
The standoffs should raise the motherboard around half an inch off the metal mounting plate, preventing a short-circuit.
Look closely at the Motherboard shown here.
You will notice a collection of coloured 'blocks' along the top right edge.
These are the connectors for the Keyboard, Mouse, USB etc.
The Motherboard should always be fitted such that these are accessible to the rear of the case.

Hardware

Internall Cables

Darrel — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 23:00:00 +0000

With all the hardware installed correctly, follow these steps to connect the internal cabling.
You will have noticed during the previous work, that the PC Case itself has some cables.
These are for the Front Panel Display. These are usually labelled as the following;

SPK - Speaker - Small speaker mounted in the PC Case
PWR SW - Power switch - System power on/off
RST SW - Reset switch - Reset system
PWR LED - Power LED - Light shows when system is on (usually green)
HDD LED - HDD LED - Light shows when system is accessing HDD (usually red)
SLP LED - Sleep LED - Light shows when system is suspended (in 'sleep' mode)

Basically, these connectors slide onto a set of grouped pins on the Motherboard.
Owing to the many variations of Motherboard, it will be necessary to refer to your Motherboard manual for the connection method of these cables.
Technical Tip
It is worth noting that a speaker or switch cable can be connected both ways round and work perfectly well, while an LED (Light Emitting Diode) cable must be connected the right way round to function properly.
If an LED fails to light when it should, reverse the connection.

Hardware