IBM Aptiva, Handbook

Page: 70 / 202

56 Chapter 5: Preparing to upgrade
Planning your hardware changes
You should understand how your new hardware will
work with your existing hardware before you unplug
your system unit, pull the cover off, and start removing
or adding hardware. You should also plan an order for
your changes and then record your changes as you
work.
If you plan to make hardware changes to a desktop
system, be sure to read “Opening a desktop system
unit” on page 58 to prevent damage to delicate parts
inside your system unit. If you plan to make hardware
changes to a minitower system, be sure to read
“Opening a minitower system unit” on page 59.
Understanding the Setup
Utility’s role
Your computer’s Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)
automatically detects most hardware changes and then
updates the related configuration settings in the Setup
Utility. In many cases, if the Setup Utility is not
automatically updated, you receive a message
reminding you to check the Setup Utility.
The following chapters contain instructions for manually
updating the Setup Utility when changes are not
automatically detected:
•
“Chapter 6: Adding and replacing system board
components” on page 61
•
“Chapter 7: Adding and removing adapter cards
and drives” on page 73
“Chapter 4: Viewing and changing Aptiva
configuration” on page 29, contains instructions for
working with the Setup Utility.
Planning an order for hardware
changes
The type of hardware you plan to add or replace
determines whether you begin with your computer
turned on or off. “Evaluating your new hardware” on
page 54 contains information to help you determine
whether your new hardware has the potential for
creating resource conflicts.
If potential for resource conflict exists, you begin your
hardware upgrade or replacement by using an online
configuration utility. You might need to work in the
Windows 95 Device Manager, the Setup Utility, or a
utility that came with your new hardware.
If no potential for resource conflict exists, you begin by
removing the cover on your system unit and installing
the new hardware.