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Read the rest of this entry »Well, you have a computer and bought the box with Windows 7 after watching the commercial on TV. All the sudden, all your excitement’s gone: Windows 7 installed on your PC, but the video is sluggish, no sound, etc. You cannot get your money back, nobody promised. So, you are ready rush to the store or on-line looking for the new budget computer with all bells and whistles. Wait, it might be no the time to trash your old computer yet.

1. Usually, the problem #1 is on-board video card. Open the case or look at manual, if you still have it somewhere, and check if your motherboard has PCIe extension slot. If there is one, all you need to change your life is PCIe video card. Don’t forget to disable on-board video in bios. If already have flat screen monitor with HDMI connector, just use HDMI cable and you can skip the next paragraph.
2. If you have 5.1 sound system and just regular 2.1 speakers, that might be tricky. First, download not-HD drivers for your audio (more likely it will be AC97) and, if you still have no sound after installing them,  try to plug the speakers to the different jack on the back of your computer.
3. Now, the time of truth. Run Windows update and… windows will update drivers for the chipset, audio and when it’s done plug the speakers back to the ‘green’ jack.
4. Want to get more from your computer now or later? It depends of your goal: speed and comfort , storage space, or all of the above? More and, sometimes faster, memory, bigger and faster hard drive: just check for you budget.

Here is the list of all components used to upgrade DELL Dimension 4700 desktop computer:

• HD 7200 rpm 500GB – ~$50.00
• Video (ASUS Fanless 4200 ATI) – ~$45.00
• Memory (I prefer Crusial memory) 1GB/DDR2 533 mHz  - $30.00

For less than$130 upgrade, you’ll have Windows 7 up and running. Play the game or watch video on your flat screen monitor or HD TV.