How do I replace the video card on my ema...

You have a PCIe x16 slot (not 2.0), therefore head online and find yourself a PCIe x16 video card on this website. Once the page loads navigate to Computer Hardware>Video Cards & Video Devices. Once the page loads select Desktop Graphics / Video Cards on the top-left. Afterward look on the left again and selecet the Interface of, "PCI Express x16." Remember, you do not have PCI Express 2.0 x16!

Now you will have a list of PCIe x16 video cards, all of which should fit into your computer. Once you receive your video card in the mail, open up the left (To the left of the power button) side-panel of the computer. You might have to unscrew it from the back, then it should slide back, and pop off.

Now, since I don't know if you have an actual video card or integrated video, we will need to do some investigating. Look at the region where the monitor's cable connects to the computer. If it connects to a device secured in a slot marked in this picture, we know you do not have onboard graphics. If it doesn't connect to a device seated in one of the slots marked in the above picture, we do know that you have onboard graphics.

If you don't have onboard graphics, follow these steps below, otherwise skip this section.

Disconnect the cord that connects the monitor to the video card. Now unscrew the video card from the case (There's only one screw holding the video-card to the case, it is marked with the red-box on the left in this picture). Afterward, hold the metal part and very end-tip of the video card (demonstrated in this picture) and slowly pull out the video card. Once you have removed the video-card, place it on some form of cloth to prevent dirt from entering any parts of the video card.

Installing your new video card: Take the video card out of the package. Find an empty PCIe x16 slot (They are colored pink and sky-blue in this picture, it doesn't mean your slots will be colored the same). Now hold your video card on the points shown in this picture. Now slowly insert the video card into the PCIe x16 slot ensuring that the golden-colored pins enter the slot. Afterward secure your video-card by screwing it to the case (marked with the red box on the left in this picture).

Afterward put the case-siding back onto the case, slide it towards the front of the case, and secure the siding by screwing it in place.

Now connect the monitor's cord to the new video card. Afterward power up your computer and download then install this:

http://downloads.guru3d.com/Guru3D---Driver-Sweeper-(Setup)_d1655.html

Use the tool to locate and remove all NVIDIA drivers. After the tool finishes, restart your computer. Now use the CD that came with your new video card to install the drivers of the new video card. After the installation finishes restart your computer, you should now have your better graphics back and your video card should be in operating order.


Now as for the viruses...
Download these utilities:

ESET NOD32 Antivirus (Download the free trial): http://www.eset.com

Lavasoft Ad-Aware Free: http://www.lavasoft.com/products/ad_aware_free.php

Spybot Search & Destroy: http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-amp-Destroy/3000-8022_4-10122137.html?tag=mncol

AVG Anti-Rootkit Free: http://www.softpedia.com/get/Antivirus/AVG-Anti-Rootkit.shtml

NOTE: When installing Spybot Search & Destroy, do not install TeaTimer.exe! Doing so will interfere with NOD32's active monitoring abilities. You will be asked if you wish to install it during the installation of Spybot.

Now, after you installed all of the utilities, run updates on them until you're told there are no new definitions available. Then we start scanning.

First run a, "Custom" scan with NOD32. Check off everything and run an, "In-Depth" scan. Check in on the scan every once-in-a-while as it might ask you what to do with a malicious file (Just don't accept any offers to restart the computer). After the scan finishes run a full-scan with Ad-Aware. After the scan finishes check anything found and remove it/them. Now run a scan with spybot search & destroy. Fix anything found. And then run a scan with AVG Anti-Rootkit Free. If it finds anything it will be up to you to keep the file or remove it.

Hopefully that solves your virus problems, if not, a reformat may be in your near future.

Let me know if this answers your questions. I'll be more than happy to assist you with anything further.

To replace the video card:

1. Make sure everything is unplugged and computer is on a table. (Static is a bad thing)
2. Remove the left side panel (should be 3 screws on the back)
3. Panel usually slides back then pops off.
4. Video card should be about halfway down.
5. With the computer on it's side, remove the screw holding the old video card in.
6. Pull the old card out. (might be a tab at the base of card)
7. Put new card in. (Careful not to push too hard)
8. Make sure all screws are put back in there proper place.
9. Reconnect all cables. (Power cable should be last)
10. Boot up the computer and install the drivers for the new card.

Now where's my $150???? LOL Kind of ridiculous what they charge for simple tasks. I'm not sure, but I think this voids the warranty on emachines?