INSTALLING VIDEO CARD

[blorite]

I have a Dell Optiplex 170L and am attempting to install an ATI Rage 128Pro 32MB SDRAM 64 BIT PCI Video Card. I first attempted to install it by cutting off my computer, placing the card in a PCI slot and restarting with the moniter connected to the video card. The computer would not recognize the card. The monitor remained blank. I then tried to disable my internal motherboard video but the computer still would not recognize the card. I could get the computer to recognize the video card by starting with the internal video and then pluging in the card while the computer was on. I was then able to install the driver from the installation CD. However with this arrangement I ended up with part of my desktop on the video card and part on the internal video. Keep in mind that I only have ONE monitor and was having to switch the cable back and forth. I then tried to disable the internal video again and restart the computer with the video card connected to the monitor but the computer would not recognize the card. HELP!!!

[soybean]

I wouldn't be one bit surprised if you have ruined that card.  You should never install or remove cards from slots on the motherboard with the computer on, not only to prevent damage to hardware components but to avoid possible electrical shock to yourself. 

At this point, I suggest finding another computer to test the video card in, and either get someone who knows what they're doing to test it or heed the advice given above. 

[GX1_Man]

Maybe others will learn from his mistake without having to damage their components.

[blorite]

Thanks for the advice. I was aware I might damage the card. I tried it in another computer and it still works. Just not in the Dell 170L.

[GX1_Man]

You also might damage the slot, or the whole motherboard.

[soybean]

I was aware I might damage the card.

What!?  Then, why did you do it?   

You might try different PCI slots.  In some motherboards, the top PCI slot may be the only slot a video card will work in.  One case where I experienced this was a Sony VAIO desktop.  I installed PCI card for a second monitor.  I initially installed the card in the second PCI slot from the top.  As I recall, the card did appear in Device Manager but would not work right.  I removed it and installed it in the top slot; that worked.

[blorite]

Motherboard OK. PCI slot OK. I tried the card in another PCI slot with the same results. I know what I did was dumb, stupid, wrong etc. Frustration had set in. Ok so now we all know what I did wrong. Any ideas on how to make it work?

[patio]

Did you travel to Dell's site to see if they have drivers for that model card ? ?

Dell machines like Dell drivers...sometimes too much.

[blorite]

Dell ws no help. Thanks anyway.

[GX1_Man]

They have their own forums - a special one just for Optiplexes. 

[CBMatt]

They have their own forums - a special one just for Optiplexes. 

I think this would be your best bet.  Those guys really know their Dells.

And please, take better precautions next time you install new hardware.