23rd October 2000

Though we don't upgrade internal hardware all that often, it's a necessary evil for some of us. Upgrading your video card, modem, etc.? First, be sure to remove its reference in your Device Manager (found in the properties dialog of My Computer). This way, Windows won't try to find it when it boots up again. That was a somewhat straightforward task, but what happens when you need to install a new motherboard -- without wanting to reinstall Windows? Don't pick and choose what needs to go; delete everything sitting in the Device Manager. Before you do this, of course, you'll want to back up your system registry (just in case the upgrade is a complete failure). Once you've disconnected and reconnected all your devices to the new system board, when Windows boots up, it'll redetect your hardware and should configure itself accordingly. Skipping the 'Device Manager deletion' step is inviting disaster.