If you have a dell GX260 or GX270 desktop, you do not need to remove any screws to open the case. There are two buttons you press and then lift the case to open. If you have a tower case, there are also usually buttons. HP D510 small form desktops also have buttons you can use to remove the case. [1] X Research source If you have an HP D510 tower desktop, there are tiny knobs on the back you unscrew. You will not need a screwdriver or other tools to open the desktop case. An HP D50 small form desktop also has knobs you unscrew. A screwdriver or other tools are not required for these desktops. [2] X Research source A Dell Dimension 8200 Desktop has a button you press to open the case. Make sure to lay this kind of computer on its side, with the CD drives and front of the computer facing downward, before opening. [3] X Research source
You will usually need a screwdriver, usually a Philips head. However, check what kind of screws your desktop uses and purchase the proper screwdriver based on your computer. [4] X Research source You will need antistatic strapping, which is a type of material you can find at a local hardware store. This material is designed to remove electric charge from your fingers when handling the inside of a computer. You can also touch the unpainted metal portion of a computer case to remove static charge if you can’t find strapping. However, antistatic strapping is the best option for safety purposes. [5] X Research source
You should consult your owner’s manual first. It will have specific instructions based on your laptop. It should include pictures and diagrams that indicate which screws need to be removed if you’re opening the desktop case. [7] X Research source If you can’t find your owner’s manual, you’ll usually need to open a computer in a way that allows you to access the motherboard. This usually means opening the computer on the side opposite of where plugs are inserted into the computer. Unscrew the plugs on this side, and then gently lift the case off of the computer. Set it aside somewhere safe while you work on or clean the computer. [8] X Research source
It’s very important you remove static electricity from your hands as you work. Static electricity can harm vital portions of the computer, like its memory, motherboard, and video card. [10] X Research source
Make sure to remove any plastic wrap on the computer. The monitor may have a layer of plastic wrap over the screen that needs removal before you can use the computer safely. Place your computer and monitor in the area where you’ll be working. You want to find a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating.
There is no single kind of monitor cable. Their appearance varies by size and shape depending on your type of computer. The monitor cable may be labeled in its packaging. You can also consult your owner’s manual to find an image of the proper cable. Once you find the cable, connect it to the back of your computer. You should be able to tell, based on the plug’s shape, which portal the cable goes into. If there are screws around this portal, tighten them by hand.
Keyboards may use a USB connector, which is a rectangular connect. USB connectors are generally plugged in on any USB ports found on the back of the computer. Keyboards can also use round connectors, referred to as PS/2 connectors. These connectors are plugged into a purple port found on the back of a computer.
Some audio ports are color coded. A green port is where you would connect a headphones. A microphone would be connected using a pink port. The blue port would is used for any other type of device, such as speakers.
Plug the first power supply cable into the back of a computer case. Then, plug it into a surge protector. Use the other cable to connect your monitor with your computer. When you’re done, you can plug the surge protector into the wall. If you do not have a surge protector, you can plug the computer directly into the wall. However, this is not recommended as electrical surges can cause potential damage to your computer.
