Hot Computer Hardware How-Tos
How To: Replace a laptop CMOS battery
In this video, we learn how to replace a laptop CMOS battery. First, turn the laptop upside down and remove the screws around the panel you need inside. Set these aside and then pry the top up with a flat screwdriver. Now you will see the CMOS battery, remove this with the tab that is on top of it. Remove the battery from the area it's at and then replace it with the new one. Make sure you place it in just how it was before. After this, replace the panel on the top and screw the screws back i...
How To: Manually open a jammed CD or DVD drive on a computer
This video will show you how to manually open a jammed CD or DVD drive on your computer. Follow these instructions to open up a jammed CD or DVD drive on your computer: You will need a fine tipped Allen wrench, very thin screwdriver or even a paper clip. Find the very small hole on the front of the drive, and carefully insert your screwdriver in there. Push it all the way to the back and the tray will slide out, either half way or all the way.
How To: Build a 3Ghz Core 2 Duo PC for under $450
When you buy a computer, you aren't just paying for the machine's constituent parts but the cost of putting all of those parts together. Building your own computer, then, can be a great way to save a little money for the technically savvy. And if you're not savvy, get savvy with this clip.
How To: Fix AMD Radeon HD Series Not Detecting Second Screen
Since I recently had this problem and fixed it, I might as well share the solution. This is actually REALLY simple to fix but will impact your cards' performance.
How To: Take apart a computer's keybaord & clean it
In this video, we learn how to take apart a computer's keyboard & clean it. First, turn the keyboard upside down and remove the screws from the side with a screwdriver. After this, flip it back over and remove the keys from the top. Put the keys into a bowl of soap and water and let them soak. Then, remove the screws from the top of the keyboard and set them aside. Open up the keyboard and then dust and clean the inside of it until clean. Next, you will replace all of the parts you removed in...
How To: Format an SD card
Is your SD memory card getting a little too full? Is it not working? Try reformatting it. It's the first and sometimes last step to troubleshooting card problems. So, if your SD card has become too cluttered, this guide will restore it to a like-new condition with a simple format.
How To: Clean an aluminum Apple keyboard by removing its keys
In this tutorial, we learn how to clean an aluminum Apple keyboard. You will need: soap , q-tips, and water. First, remove each individual key to your keyboard gently, then, clean off the keys and the inside with a mixture of soap and water on a q-tip. When finished, place your key back onto the keyboard. Repeat this step for your entire keyboard, making sure to be gentle when you remove and replace the keys back on. Don't do more than two at a time or you run the risk of forgetting where the...
How To: Fix the click of death on a hard drive
If you have owned a lot of hard drives, you probably have experienced the clicking of death that indicates that your hard drive is having serious problems. This video will explain why the click of death happens and show you some processes you can try to fix the problem yourself.
How To: Fix your computer when it won't recognize your CD or DVD disc drive
One of the most annoying of the many annoying types of errors on Windows computers is when you computer won't recognize parts that have always been a part of it, like the drives or keyboard. If your computer has stopped recognizing your CD or DVD disc drive, watch this video. As long as the drive is still connected, the steps in this video should allow you to fix the problem and continue using your drive.
How To: Extract an ".exe" file
Looking to open an .exe file? In this video, learn specifically how to extract an exe file onto your desktop, but additionally where to find & download the free 7-zip file archiver.
How To: Align the printhead on your Epson printer
Not aligning your printer before you print is like going to a job interview without brushing your hair: Everything else looks right, but you somehow still look unprepared and messy. Aligning the printhead on your printer will help ensure all text prints out where it's supposed to print out and there's no awkward color blurring with pictures.
How To: Track a USB device
Hak5 isn't your ordinary tech show. It's hacking in the old-school sense, covering everything from network security, open source and forensics, to DIY modding and the homebrew scene. Damn the warranties, it's time to Trust your Technolust. In this episode, see how to track a USB device.
How To: Fax directly from PCs with an Epson All-in-One printer
This is the future, where you can fax not only from a piece of paper, but directly from your computer, too. Whether you have a PC or a Mac, Epson All-in-One printers allow you to send a fax right from your computer.
How To: Format a USB thumb drive to NTFS in Windows XP
How to format a USB thumb drive to NTFS in Windows XP Go to my computer, click to the USB flash drive properties, in that click on Hardware, click on SanDisk Cruzer USB device, and then to its properties, then click to policies, in that click on the optimize for performance button, click ok. Again click ok on the properties icon.
How To: Pair a wireless keyboard or mouse to a Microsoft Windows PC
In this clip, you'll learn how to go about pairing a Bluetooth-enabled wireless keyboard or mouse to a Microsoft Windows (Vista, XP, 7) PC. For more information, including a complete demonstration, and to get started setting up your own wireless peripherals, take a look.
How To: Change the Wireless Card on Dell Inspiron E1505 Laptop
The internet is something most people rely on, so when you buy a used laptop without a wireless card or yours needs to be replaced, it's easier to do it yourself. Having someone else do it can cost more than you think, so here's an easy way if you own a Dell Inspiron E1505.
How To: Disassemble & clean a white Apple iMac keyboard
This video is a tutorial on how to disassemble and clean a white Apple keyboard. Most of the keys pop out easily, but the bigger ones have metal clips on the back and need to be removed very carefully. Take a picture of your keyboard to remember where each key goes, and don’t lose any.
How To: Fix a broken or unresponsive keyboard key on your PC
This quick fix is really easy and super useful. Every once in a while we all get a key on our keyboards that starts to act up. Whether the key is unresponsive, tempermental or just plain annoying you can fix it with this easy method.
How To: Clean the keyboard on a Dell laptop
A laptop keyboard can collect a lot of dust, dirt, and breadcrumbs. In this tutorial, we learn how to clean out your laptop keyboard. Start off by removing the casing from around your laptop, making sure not to unplug any wires. You will need a screwdriver to remove the screw. Next, you will want to use a soft brush or tooth brush to clean where the keys were, and the inside underneath the screen. Next, replace the keyboard where it was and any screws. Also, plug in anything that may have com...
How To: Hack a computer by resetting the bios password
This is hardcore, serious hacking at its best. So it goes without saying that you probably shouldn't be attempting this computer hack unless you've successfully shut down your friend's computer at school using Command Prompt and sent out a fake virus to loved ones.
How To: Fix Stuck Pixels in LCD TVs, Monitors & Displays
This video will show you a few techniques for removing stuck pixels from an LCD screen. This is not a guaranteed fix. Please only use these as a last resort, as some of them can cause more damage to the LCD. Only attempt these if you are experienced and know what you are doing.
How To: Make a Pandora battery without opening it
So to do that you will need 5.03 firmware, ac adaptor to turn your battery to normal after this, download the easy installer from the link in the video description and check if your motherboard is capable to convert your battery by the link in the video description. Now Switch on your PSP on ac adaptor and then put your battery in. Now run the easy installer. Now go to battery options and select convert to service mode battery. It will make the Pandora battery. Now you can switch off your PSP...
How To: Change touch settings on an HP TouchSmart PC
In this tutorial, Malou and Bob show tips and tricks to use an HP TouchSmart computer. First, you can touch the house button that will lead you to the home page. The computer is so sensitive, it will detect your touch without even having to touch the screen. When you select an object, press and hold it if you want to move it somewhere else, if you move it to the bottom on your homepage it will go into the designated area. If you press and hold your finger on the screen, it's just like right c...
How To: Burn an img file to dvd on the Mac
In this quick video tutorial Mike will show you how to burn an IMG file to DVD on the Mac. Follow these steps to burn an IMG file to DVD on the Mac: Click on Finder Applications Utilities Disk Utility. Highlight the file, click Burn. You will be asked if you want to burn it to the superdrive. Click Burn. It may take a while, but when you are done you will have a CD or DVD that is ready to use.
How To: Install memory in an eMachines Desktop
Learn how to add memory (RAM) to a typical desktop computer. In this example, we show you how to install memory in a eMachines Desktop. Upgrading your desktop computer memory is easy to do and an inexpensive way to improve the performance of your desktop.
How To: Remove the fans, heat sink and CPU from an Apple Mac Pro
Want to know how to remove the fans, heat sink and processor from your Mac Pro? This brief how-to will guide you through the process, the first necessary step of any upgrade or repair to either of the aforementioned parts. This tutorial will also be of use to those who wish to learn more about the guts of their Mac Pros without actually disassembling their units.
How To: Handwrite on an HP TouchSmart
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to hand-write on an HP Touch Smart computer. The HP Touch Smart is a touchscreen all-in-one desktop computer. The input panel allows users to hand-write or type text right on the screen. There are 3 different writing modes in the input screen. The modes are: writing pad, character pad and on-screen keyboard. It can be used in many HP programs such as the calendar and notes. This video will benefit those viewers who have an HP Touch Smart computer and ...
How To: Watch and record TV with an HP TouchSmart PC
After you set up live TV on your HP Touchsmart PC, tap the house icon and open the live TV title. In this menu, you can browse different categories and programs of TV, as well as future programs. However, you can't watch one program while you record another. To go into full screen mode, tap the square in the top right of the screen, where several controls are available. To record a program, tap the record button, which is a small red circle. If you want to schedule a recording, go to the "On ...
How To: Remove the hard drive from a 15" MacBook Pro
Interested in installing a new hard drive (or, less happily, the victim of drive failure)? This brief how-to will guide you through the process of removing the hard drive from your 15" MacBook Pro without damaging your computer. This tutorial will also be of use to those who wish to learn more about the guts of their MacBooks without actually disassembling their units. Take a look.
How To: Set up and use a Wacom Cintiq 21UX pen display
In this clip, you'll learn how set up and use a Wacom Cintiq 21UX pen display. It's easy. So easy, in fact, that this video tutorial can present a complete, step-by-step overview of the process in just over five minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Install a Nvidia GeForce 8600 GT graphics card
Installing new pieces into a desktop PC can be stressful for people who don't do it routinely because it constantly feels like you are going to wreck your computer. If you use the correct procedure, you won't, don't worry. This video will teach you how to install an Nvidia 8600 GT graphics card in a desktop PC. This will allow you to run games and graphics-intensive applications much more smoothly.
How To: Remove/change the arrows on shortcut icons
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to remove/change the arrow on the shortcut icons in Windows. These arrows allows the user to know that the icon is only a shortcut. Users will need to download the program, Vista Shortcut Overlay Remover. The program allows users to display an arrow, light arrow, custom arrow or no arrow. This program also provides an option to disable the " - Shortcut" extension on any shortcut icon. This video will benefit those viewers who use a Windows Vista compu...
How To: Partition an external hard drive on Windows Vista
To format an external hard drive on Windows Vista, plug the hard drive in, then click on start menu, right click on "computer", and select "manage". Go to "storage" on the left hand menu and select "disk management". Right click on the letter of your external hard drive, and select "Shrink Volume". Choose the size of the partition you want to create, and click shrink. After it is done, there will be 2 seperate drives, with the new one being allocated. Right click on the unallocated drive and ...
How To: Use your external monitor as main display on a Mac
In this video a user shares how to use an external monitor as the main display on the Mac. For instance a recently purchased flat screen TV can be used as the primary display. So if you want to use your external monitor as your primary display then all you have to do is follow these simple stops.
How To: Pair your bluetooth headset with the HP TouchSmart PC
HP TouchSmart is a powerful PC with innovative features. Using the HP TouchSmart Recipe box you can set up the blue tooth headset. The recipe box provides an easy way to work with you recipes using voice commands. You can set up your blue tooth head set to use the voice command feature of the recipe box. This gives the freedom to walk around your kitchen while cooking. The microphones embedded in the TouchSmart can also be used for this purpose but the blue tooth head set gives a better voice...
How To: Burn downloaded movies onto a DVD
Burn downloaded movies onto a DVD. Open your browser, go to the Google website and type axxo torrents in the search bar. Then select the homepage of axxo torrents, and download the favorite video in to your computer. Then open the DVD flick, you select burn a DVD. In that you select the files to be burned on to a DVD, and then click ok. Then the general settings appear on screen, about the name of video. Then also select how to burn and writing speed, and check the box of verify the data on w...
How To: Tweak a Macbook to Dvorak keyboard layout
Here you see how to take of the keys of your Macbook keyboard. In the second video of the series you see how to put the keys back on.
How To: Set up an Epson printer wirelessly
Learn how to set up an Epson printer wirelessly when you bring your new printer home you will want to start by installing the software that came with the new printer. You can set up your printer to work without wires and it will print from all over the house. There are 3 ways to set up the printer including the Epson way, with cables, and WPS. To determine is you need to use WPS, which is more complex, check your router to see if it has a sticker on it that says Wi-Fi Protected Setup. If that...
How To: Get better picture quality from your webcam
This video shows you how to get the most out of your webcam and get some decent picture quality out of it.
How To: Fix a sticky mouse
This video shows you how to fix a sticky computer mouse. Probably one of the most infuriating issues surrounding computers, never let your mouse get sticky again! Fix a sticky mouse.
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