kurt -

Outline? I'm assuming you mean the procedure for reseating your RAM and video card . . . so here you are:

Before you begin, you will need an anti-static mat of some kind to place the uninstalled components on. DO NOT use an anti-static bag! If you don't have a mat, make sure whatever you DO use has a clean surface and will not build up static electricity. Wear a static wrist strap or touch a grounded/anti-static surface or metal fixture before handling computer boards. When installing/uninstalling components, avoid contact with the metallic edge connectors, use both hands and hold components by their edge whenever possible. Always turn off and unplug the computer before starting. Make sure the underside of the motherboard is supported so it does not bend when installing new components.

RAM

1. Locate the SIMM/DIMM slots on the motherboard. Depending on board specifications, they could be 30, 72 or 168 pin slots. Some boards are able to utilize more than one type.

2. Memory slots are grouped together in "Banks" and will be numbered (starting with either 0 or 1). Find the last memory slot (the numbers are usually located above or at either end of the slot) holding a RAM module.

3. Release the locking tabs/clips at each end, using both hands either pull or roll gently (again, depending on the board) the module out of the slot. Set the RAM aside and repeat until all the slots are empty. NOTE: When setting these aside, if the RAM is either 30 or 72-pin, be sure to keep the modules in the same order they were in when installed.

4. Beginning with the first slot in the bank, align the memory module with the slot connectors. RAM memory is designed to fit into a slot one-way only. SIMMs have a notch on one end which will match to a protrusion on the slot. DIMMs have two notches along the edge where their metallic connectors are located.

5. SIMM: Insert the SIMM into the slot at about a 30 degree angle. Using your thumbs on either side of the module, gently push the SIMM down and forward until it clicks into place. DIMM: Insert the DIMM straight down into the slot using both hands. The clips on the slot will close to hold the module in place once it touches the bottom of the slot. DO NOT FORCE modules into slots. If you're using too much force - it usually means the module isn't aligned correctly with the slot. Repeat until all modules are replaced in their respective slots.
NOTE: For testing purposes, install only the minimum RAM needed (DIMMs = 1 module, SIMMs = 2 modules).

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Video Card

1. Unscrew the mounting screw securing the card.

2. Using both hands, hold the card along the edge and with a gentle rocking motion, work the card out of the expansion slot.

3. Check the card for missing jumpers, bent edges, smudged metallic connectors or loose wires. Metallic connectors can be cleaned with rubbing alcohol and a lint free cloth. Allow time for the card to 'air-dry' before attempting to reinstall.

4. Again, using both hands, align the metallic edge connectors of the video card with the corresponding expansion slot connections.

5. Firmly (Not Forcefully) push the card into the slot. Push down on one end, then the other, of the card, using a rocking motion until the card is firmly in the slot.

6. Ensure the card is evenly and completely located in the expansion slot and secure it with a mounting screw.

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I hope this is helpful and what you wanted. It's generic and not specific to your motherboard. If you would PLEASE locate the motherboard information, as I noted earlier, I could probably be more of a help to you.

Does the CPU have a heatsink and fan unit? Definitely try replacing the CMOS battery. Did you strip the system down to the basics, as suggested earlier, to help locate the problem?

As for the hard drive, I'd suggest reformatting it, removing all partitions, replacing the Master Boot Record with Fdisk, setting up new partitions and formatting again. You can do all that while it is connected to your main system. Once the other system tests out as working, install the hard drive and reinstall an operating system. Doing what you're doing to the hard drive won't help you get the older system running. Copying your files to the other hard drive is not a good idea either, unless you happen to have the same hardware as the older system (NOT!). You are better off with a clean install of the operating system, rather than trying to figure out why its not loading properly. If there are files on the drive you want to save, copy them to your main systems hard drive before erasing the drive.

I could be wrong, but I get the impression you would like an 'easy or quick fix' to the problem. Unfortunately, sometimes there aren't any and you have to start at square one. Just think of it as a learning experience. Please, please, please - locate the info on the motherboard so I can find the specs for it. I will happily upload any data I find so you can have it to refer to. It really will make things a lot easier. Good Luck.

V.

P.S. If you're having trouble locating the board info - can you take a picture of the motherboard for upload? If you can, make sure the pic is large enough and clear enough to read whatever is printed on the board. TTFN