Well, got up the nerve to open the Zotac graphics card box, I am reading the users manual and I'm guessing that I am supposed to read the section installing graphics card for system with existing graphics card. I don't guess there is a video with all the details as how to install this! If I am not going to remove a card but only add one then what type of connections am I going to be looking for other than just seating it in place?
My husband is reading the manual, OMG, he doesn't see so well, so we many be in real trouble. Help!
Any info would be appreciated.
Terri

This is a pretty good video from AMD on Youtube. I think you have an Nvidia card, but it will all work the same. How to Install a Video Card

I'm not sure about disabling the on-board graphics in the BIOS. I think I had to when I upgraded a card, but that's been a lot of years ago.

Thanks Draclvr. Why did I think I needed both the onboard integrated and the new Zotac? Are you saying that I need to disable the onboard graphics card? Also, do I have to uninstall anything, software etc., before installing the new card?

Many new computers automatically disable the onboard card when you insert a video card. If you are able to boot the computer after having installed the new card and plugged your monitor into it, you're probably fine. But you can also go into your computer's BIOS and see if there's a setting for disabling the onboard card.

Since you are going from a Geforce 9100 to a different Geforce, your old drivers may work well enough to get you to the desktop. But it's probably a good idea to uninstall and reinstall the drivers (or uninstall the old ones and install newer ones) because your new card will have more capability, which should be detected when you install the drivers.

Ok.....I watched the video that Draclvr posted and it looks really easy. Then I listened to another kid and oh my, he confused me. Let's see if I have this straight..... I don't need to remove anything from the "tower" but need to add the new Zotac, click it into place, nothing to connect in there, as in a wire etc. Do I have to unconnect anything on the old integrated card?

I've got another question or two. I don't have the power button on the back like in the video and the light is on so guess it needs to be disconnected from the power supply. When I get the case "tower" opened I would be afraid to vacuum the inside for fear of sucking everything out of place, so can I just use a mico cloth to dust it out?
Thanks!

I think doing this might have been a mistake. The card does not want to fit into the slot. On one side/end is the metal case and on the other side/end it looks like something could clip into it but the the card apppears to be too long! Any suggestions?

Let's see, Inland found a link for your computer ***here***

If ***this*** is the card you got, it doesn't look longer than the motherboard. Or are you saying the part of the card that should fit in the PCI-Express slot on the motherboard is too long?

You don't need to fit that hooklike part (on the end near the fan) into the slot. Also make sure the other end of the card (the silver part) isn't catching on the edge of the motherboard. That can keep it from going down.

Is the picture a bit down on this page what you see when you open up the case?
Pavillion Motherboard

That longish brown slot is what your card should fit into. Look at the gold pins on the card - they should line up with the slots on the board. If you line them up and gently, but firmly press the card into the proper slot, it should click into place. Check to be sure there isn't a little piece at the end of the motherboard slot that needs to be pulled back - it might be a locking mechanism.

I watched the same video with the young guy doing it and it was pretty bad! The AMD video was much better.

EDIT: Posting at the same time! Good picture of the video card, Jenny...

Does your card look like the image Jenny posted? There are sometimes issues getting the metal tip (at the end of the card where the ports are located) to slip into place - but a little pressure generally get's the job done.

Does your motherboard look like the picture Draclvr linked to? You're trying to seat it into the brown slot - right?

The graphics cards looks the same as the picture. My husband says that we are not trying to install it properly or the motherboard is different. There is no room to install it. It runs into the side of the cover. I am so angry with myself for not taking a picture of the inside of the pc so that I could compare it with the pic. We put it back together and I hooked it back up.
My husband is back in here arguing with me that that is not what the inside of the pc looks like and I have the graphics card picture up, so you see, I have a real problem here. I can't deal with this right now. I think that I shall just shut all of this down and go to bed. Either that or climb up on the roof and jump off..........and I'm afraid of heights and it's only a one story house. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day.
Goodnight dear boomers!
Terri

Open the link below and peruse to section titled: Replacing an Add-In Card (it is from one of the user guides for your PC).

HP Pavilion Upgrade and Service Guide

See if it looks like your PC inside. Read the section just before it as well (Removing an Add-In Card).

How's it going, Terri?

Inland's link for the service guide looks like a good one -- has color pictures and everything.

I'll bet he didn't remove the Slot Cover on the rear of the PC.

Hi. I'm feeling overwhelmed right now. I haven't done a thing with the pc today. However, when I do get the cover off next time, first thing I'm going to do is get some pics. Anyway, my daughter may come by today and if she does I'll have her take a look for me. I just am not feeling motivated to do it right now myself. Sorry for being such a pain in the back side, but I'll get with the program!
Thank you for your help!
Terri

I'll bet you're right, Inland. Terri, make sure you take that slot cover off first - it may have a little screw that holds it in place.

Since it has an integrated card do I need to hook up the internal power supply, to the new card?
Another question. My monitor has two cords going to the back of it. Do I connect one or both to the back of the graphics card?

I don't believe it requires an additional power source. At least I've not seen a reference to it requiring one.

Only 1 connection should be made to the monitor, unless the other line is for audio. Audio cables are much smaller. They're usually just a set of stereo mini jacks.

I think the card you bought gets all the power it needs through the slot. Some of the higher end cards have an additional power connection, but I don't see one on the picture of your card.

***Here's*** <-- a picture of a card that needs the extra power connections.

You only need to connect one of your monitor cords to the graphics card.

That's what we had decided and it is all done!!!! You are correct, the expansion slot cover did need to be removed. My daughter installed it in about 5 minutes, with no problems! We did install the disk and I haven't use it yet but I think all is well. I can't thank you all enough for your support and help. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Terri

Good deal Terri, glad you got it sorted out

Way to go! Can't wait to hear how you like your new card.

Glad your daughter was able to fix it for you.
Enjoy your new card.

Hi. Just got home, had to get out of the house so my daughter, g/daughter and I went out to eat, then went to look at cars. I haven't used my pc yet but will give it a try.
I think anyone that knows anything about computers could replace the graphics card. Dana made it look so easy! Oh yes, I did get my pics.
Thanks so much again!
Terri