Turn off PC,but do not unplug it,open system unit. Set multimeter to read DC volts in next range higher than 12 volts.Locate a power connector similair to hard drive,or cdrom drive connector that is unused and turn on PC.

You can also unplug a drive connector and use it as well.Turn on PC and insert BLACK probe into power connector on one of BLACK wires.Touch RED probe to YELLOW wire on power connector.

The multimeter reading should be +12 volts Now touch RED probe to RED wire and reading should be +5 volts.If no readings or different readings occured,you'll have to replace power supply.If readings were correct,you should check P8 or P9 connectors at motherboard. These connectors may also be named P4 and P5.To check these connectors,perform following...

Insert BLACK probe into P8 at one of BLACK wires. Insert RED probe into P8 connector at RED wire. The reading on multimeter should be +5 volts

Check power going to Motherboard connections by inserting RED probe into P8 at YELLOW wire and you should get +12 volts.Leave BLACK wire touching black wire at P8 connector.Check BLUE wire and reading should be a -12 volts.

Now move BLACK probe to BLACK wire on P9 connector.Test WHITE wire by inserting RED probe and reading should be -5 volts.Check RED wires on P9 connector and you should get +5 volts on each red wire.You won't get exactly 5 or 12 volts but readings will be very close, such as 5.02 volts.

If Power Supply is a couple of volts off,in either direction,such as when RED wire should be reading -5 volts but it reads -8 volts,or if there are no readings,replace power supply.

DO NOT remove power supply from system unit case when performing these tests.DO NOT perform these tests if you do not feel comfortable.Be sure to remove any and all electrical static build-up from your clothes and body BEFORE touching any parts inside system unit.And NEVER open power supply case for any reason,since high voltage may be present.

If you have on sound installed on motherboard and you want to install another card,most systems will disable motherboard integrated sound.If not, consult your computer manual to find correct jumpers to disable motherboard sound.

Now cdrom audio cable must be connected. Insert one end of audio cable for cdrom or dvd drive into CD-IN socket of sound card. The other end is inserted into audio-out socket of cdrom or dvd drive.

Check and double check all connections before you replace system unit cover.If all connections are good,replace cover and reboot system after all peripherals are reconnected.

REPLACE THE SYSTEM UNIT COVER

The computer should automatically detect new card and attempt to install device drivers needed to communicate with card.Windows should prompt you to install software needed to allow card to communicate to computer.

The new card should have come with a cdrom with device drivers and other software for card.Simply inserted cdrom in cdrom drive and select cdrom installation when prompted.

Test new sound card by re-booting computer. You should hear Windows startup sound if card is operational.In some cases,the new card will be operational without rebooting your computer.

Installing or upgrading your sound card is that easy. You will need a quality speaker system to take full advantage of your new sound card.Get a speaker system with a super woofer for maximum sound quality.

Those new games and your new music cdroms will be much more exciting with that new sound bursting from new sound card.If you're blessed enough to have two computers,install card in other system,at your convience.This will give you added training of installing computer components.