Computer Performance and Maintenance, Tutorials Options

[Jghelfi]

This Thread is designed for posting tutorials designed for Computer Maintenance and Performance, so in order to post in this thread, you can ONLY post your own tutorial that will help the user guide their way through their computer.
*You may post tutorials regarding the following..
-Overclocking
-Restoration of files
-Battery Conservation
-Troubleshooting
-Constructing^NEW!

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Table of Contents^Updated!
- Recovering your documents after you do a System Restore
- Speeding up your Computer [1 | 2]
- Phenom II X3 - Turn it into a quad core
- Make menu's open instantly
- Automate HDD Defragmentation on Idle
- Build a Computer
- How to Create/Do a System Restore^NEW!
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Please post your tutorial in this style that i am displaying:

CODE

"[i]Title of tutorial here[/i]"
[b]Operating System:[/b] "Name of OS"
[b]DIfficulty:[/b] "Dif. here"
[b]Time needed:[/b] "Length of tutorial (Approx. are acceptable)"

Screen Shot (optional)

"Instructions to your tutorial..
(add Screenshots to your tutorial for easier reference)"

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"Recovering your documents after you do a System Restore"
Operating System: Windows XP
Difficulty: Intermediate
Time needed: 25 min. or less


So, you did a System Restore and only found some files that the computer had restored itself, and now you are saying: "Where did all my Documents (Music, Videos and Photos) Go!?." Now you are thinking that they have been wiped off your computer permanently right? Well thats a no. They are still on your computer! The Way you can recover your missing documents is by following this tutorial that will be easy if you follow the instructions correctly.

Step 1) Go to your Start menu
Step 2) Next go to My Computer.
Step 3) Go under the Hard Disk Drives section and double click PC_PAVILLION (C:).
Step 4) Now go into Documents and Settings.
Step 5) Choose the name of your computer that you had before. My computer's name was "HP_Owner.YOUR-86339EB2BF"
Step 6) Go to "HP Owner's Documents".
Step 7) And now you can see all the documents that you had before the restore.

Just Copy, Cut, or Drag the Folder or Documents that you have in there to the destined place. I hope this helps you later on when you have problems with your computer.

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If you have any problems regarding this tutorial, please PM me.

This post has been edited by -Jon-: May 1 2010, 03:18 PM

[Uronacid]

Build a Computer:
Difficulty: Hard
Time Needed: 2 Hours

You will need the following:

• Antistatic Strap
• Antistatic Mat
• An assortment of non-magnetic screwdrivers
• Computer Case
• Power Supply
• Case Fan
• Motherboard
• CPU
• CPU FAN/Heat Sink
• Memory Modules
• Hard Disk Drive
• Adapter Cards(Optional)

For all of the scenarios below you should make sure that the computer you are installing the components in is not receiving power. You should do this by disconnecting the power cable from the back of the machine as simply turning the computer off may not be enough.


Installing a Power Supply

! Remember not to where an antistatic strap while handling a power supply. You could get electrocuted!

!When selecting a power supply always make sure that you’ve selected one with sufficient wattage, the correct form factor, and has the appropriate connectors for the components inside your PC!

1. Remove the side panel of the chassis from the computer.
2. Slide the power supply into the area designated for the power supply.
3. Using an appropriately sized screwdriver and screws included with the power supply. Fasten the power supply to the PC case.

Installing a Case Fan

! When selecting a case fan, make sure that it is the right size for your case. Case fan sizes range from 25-360mm depending on the case!

1. Before unpacking a new case fan, ensure that you have grounded your body properly. One method is to wear an antistatic strap. Especially if there is equipment in the case.
2. Using an appropriately sized screwdriver and screws, fasten the case fan to an available space on the PC case.
3. Using an appropriately sized screwdriver and screws included with the power supply. Fasten the power supply to the PC case.

Installing a Motherboard

! Remember each motherboard is unique in that it uses specific types of processors, memory, and expansion slots. (Check the motherboard specifications and manual for a list of compatible components)!

!Read the instruction manual and make sure you are using the proper jumper settings!

!When you need to replace a motherboard you may need to consider replacing the whole computer!

!All motherboards have unique features and settings specific to that motherboard. Make sure you read the manual before installing your motherboard!

1. Before unpacking a new motherboard, ensure that you have grounded your body properly. One method is to wear an antistatic strap.
2. Hold the board by its edge. Avoid touching module contacts and IC chips.
3. Place the board on a grounded antistatic mat or keep it inside the antistatic bog.
4. Install the CPU and memory on the motherboard per manufacturer’s instructions (Move on to installing the CPU/CPU Fan/Heat Sink and Memory before moving to step 5).
5. Follow the instructions for setting any switches on the motherboard and pay attention to instructions for how to install stand-off screws in the case. These keep the motherboard from touching the metal floor or wall of the case.
6. To place the new board in the computer, line it up properly on the chassis screw holes and fix it into place.
7. Attach the power and drive connectors as well as the connectors to the ports on the case.

Installing a CPU/CPU Fan/Heat Sink

!A CPU will be very hot when you first turn off a PC. Give the CPU at least five minutes to cool before removing it from a computer!

Installing a CPU

1. Before unpacking a new CPU, ensure that you have grounded your body properly. One method is to wear an antistatic strap.
2. Lift the socket lever. You might have to move it slightly to the side to clear it from a retaining tab.
3. Remove the CPU from its packaging and place it into the ZIF socket.
4. Secure the socket lever to lock the CPU into the socket.

!Be extremely cautious while installing a new CPU Fan/Heat Sink. If the CPU Fan/Heat Sink is not installed properly you will run the risk of overheating and possibly destroying your processor!

!make sure you’re not doing more harm than good. Fans pushing air in the wrong direction can hinder airflow!

Installing a CPU Fan/Heat Sink

1. Before unpacking a new CPU Fan/Heat Sink, ensure that you have grounded your body properly. One method is to wear an antistatic strap.
2. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to install any brackets required to secure the CPU Fan/Heat Sink to the CPU
3. Follow manufacturer’s instructions on how to apply the proper amount of thermal grease to the processor. Sometimes thermal grease is pre-applied by the manufacturer to the Heat Sink itself.
4. Follow manufacturer’s instructions on how to securely fasten the CPU Fan/Heat Sink to the CPU/Motherboard
5. Plug any Fan power connectors into the CPU Fan power connector on the motherboard.

Installing Memory Modules

!Remember, SIMM and RIMM modules must be installed in pairs. On top of that, empty memory slots on a motherboard that supports RIMM modules must be filled with continuator modules or the computer will not function properly!

Installing a SIMM

1. Before unpacking your new memory modules, ensure that you have grounded your body properly. One method is to wear an antistatic strap.
2. Line up the SIMM’s connector edge with the appropriate-sized slot on the motherboard, keeping the SIMM at a 45-degree angle to the slot.
3. After inserting the SIMM into the slot as far as it will easily go, gently rotate the SIMM upright until it clicks into place. Note that a SIMM will fit in a slot only one way. If you have trouble installing the SIMM, reverse it’s orientation in the slot.

Installing a DIMM/RIMM

1. Before unpacking your new memory modules, ensure that you have grounded your body properly. One method is to wear an antistatic strap.
2. Release the retention clips on the sides of the DIMM or RIMM slot.
3. Line up the DIMM or RIMM with the slot so that the notches in the slot line up with the tabs on the module.
4. Gently press down on the DIMM or RIMM until the retention clips lock into position.

Installing Storage(Hard Disk Drives/Optical Drives/Floppy Drives)

!The red stripe on a ribbon cable represents the first pin in the cable. If the ribbon cable is backwards on a floppy drive the light on the floppy drive will continually flash!

! Many motherboards have the option to support both STA and PATA interfaces, there are much faster drives available for the SATA interface. They use thinner cables for better airflow and are hot swappable!

! Some SATA drives have both a Molex power connector and a SATA power connector. If this is the case, use one and not both. Using both will ruin the drive!

Installing an IDE Drive

1. Before unpacking your new drive, ensure that you have grounded your body properly. One method is to wear an antistatic strap.
2. Decide whether or not you would like this drive to be a master or slave drive and set the jumper on the back of the drive according to the instructions in the drive manual.
3. Secure the drive to your case using the appropriate mounting brackets and/or screws.
4. Connect the IDE cables to the motherboard and to back of the drive according to its role as a master or slave drive. If it is a master drive it must be connected at the end of the IDE cable. If it is a slave drive it must be connected at the center of the cable.
5. Connect a Molex power connector into the back of the drive.

Installing a SATA Drive

1. Before unpacking your new drive, ensure that you have grounded your body properly. One method is to wear an antistatic strap.
2. Secure the drive to your case using the appropriate mounting brackets and/or screws.
3. Connect the SATA cables to the motherboard and to the back of the drive.
4. Connect the SATA power connector to the back of the drive.

Installing a Floppy Drive

1. Before unpacking your new floppy drive, ensure that you have grounded your body properly. One method is to wear an antistatic strap.
2. Secure the drive to your case using the appropriate mounting brackets and/or screws.
3. Connect the 34-pin floppy drive cable to the floppy drive and make sure the red stripe is on the same side as the floppy drive more connection.
4. Connect the mini-molex power connector to the floppy drive.

Installing Adapter Cards(Video Cards/NIC Cards/Sound Cards)

1. Before unpacking your new card, ensure that you have grounded your body properly. One method is to wear an antistatic strap.
2. Remove the expansion slot shield from computer case.
3. Release any retention clips if necessary, align the card with the expansion slot, and gently push the card into the slot.
4. Fasten the card to the case.
5. If necessary connect any power cables.

Clean Up Check-List

• Make sure all power and data cables are plugged in and securely fastened to their corresponding components.
• Make sure all components are properly fastened to the case
• Make sure cables within the case aren’t disturbing the airflow of the case.
• Use zip-ties or velcro-straps to secure loose cabling.
• Power the computer on, and make sure all fans are pushing air in the proper direction within the case.