How to Change the IRQ Settings in the BIOS

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Default motherboard BIOS settings usually do not need to be changed when the motherboard or computer is installed and will suffice for most purposes. However, if you install add-on hardware that must use a specific IRQ (Interrupt Request to the CPU), the add-on hardware will not work until the IRQ specified is assigned to that hardware component. To assign a specific IRQ to a new hardware add-on hardware component, you must access the BIOS setup pages of the motherboard.

1). Reboot the computer and press the "DEL" key to enter the AMI BIOS setup pages. Press the "Down" arrow and highlight the "PNP/PCI Configuration" item, then press the "Enter" key. Use the "Up" and "Down" arrow keys to navigate to the IRQ you wish to change. When the IRQ is highlighted, press the "PgUp" and "PgDn" keys to change the setting from "PCI/PNP" to "ISA" or vice versa. Press the "Enter" key to save the setting.

2). Press "ESC" to exit to the main BIOS setup menu. Press the "F10" key to save the configuration and exit the BIOS. Press the "Enter" key to confirm.

3). Reboot the PC and press the keys specified on the initial message displayed (either the "DEL" key or the "CTRL," "ALT," and "ESC" keys at the same time) in order to access the Award BIOS setup pages.

Use the "Up and "Down" arrow keys to navigate to the "PNP/PCI Configuration" selection, then press the "Enter" key. Use the "Up" and "Down" arrow keys to navigate to the PCI slot item to which you wish to assign an IRQ.

4). Press the "PgUp" and "PgDn" keys to select the IRQ you wish to assign, or select the "Auto" setting and press the "Enter" key. Press the "F10" key to save the setting, then press the "Enter" key to confirm the setting and exit the BIOS setup.

5). Reboot the computer. Hold down the keys specified in the initial boot message that appears ("CTRL," "ALT," and "ESC" keys or the "CTRL," "ALT," and "S" keys or the "CTRL," "ALT," and "INS" keys). The Phoenix BIOS setup main page will appear.

6). Tap the "Up" and "Down" arrow keys to move to the "Advanced" menu. Tap the "Up" and "Down" arrow keys to highlight the "Resource Configuration" or "PCI Configuration" item, then press "Enter." Use the "Up" and "Down" arrow keys to highlight the PCI slot to which you want to assign an IRQ.

7). Press the "+" and "-" keys to select the IRQ you wish to assign, or select the "Auto" or "Auto Select" setting. Press the "F10" key to save the new settings and exit. Press "Enter" to confirm you want to exit the Phoenix BIOS setup pages.

How to Change a Power LED

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 Many power supplies have an LED attached to indicate whether the device is powered on. Although LEDs rarely "burn out," they might need to be replaced if physically damaged by a blow. Owners of customized PCs might want to replace an LED with another of a different color to better fit the aesthetics of their design. Replacing an LED is usually straightforward, requiring one to unmount the old LED, disconnect it from its power supply, then solder and mount a replacement.

1). Disconnect the computer from the wall outlet and unplug all peripheral devices.

2). Touch a metal doorknob or other grounded bare metal surface to discharge any static electricity accumulated in your body. The electronic components in a computer are highly sensitive to static electricity and could be damaged by any buildup in your body.

3). Open the computer by unscrewing the case and slipping it off.

4). Unmount the old LED from the case. The exact method will vary depending on the specific model of computer case that you have. Some models hold the LED in place with small clips; others use glue.

5). Clip the power supply wires connected to the old LED with wirecutters. Try to do this as close to the old LED as convenient, to preserve ample wire for connecting the new LED.

6). Solder the new LED to the power supply wires. Make sure the wires' polarity and the LED's polarity matches. The negative wire is generally black, but this can vary by model. Consult your motherboard's manual if in doubt.

7). Mount the new LED in the case. Depending on what kind of case you have, you may need to use clips or glue.

8). Screw the case back on and power the machine up. Check the LED to make sure it lights.

How to Change an Ink Waste Pad in a C44ux

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When the waste pads get full of ink in your C44ux printer, your printer will more than likely stop working and the lights will flash, indicating a problem. The waste pads get full when the printer realigns and excess ink is collected by the waste pads. The good news is that you don't have to replace the waste pads--you can take them out and simply wash them off and reuse them.

1). Unplug your C44ux printer from the power source.

2). Open the printer by removing the top from the bottom. Use a flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry off the top. You will see marked tabs on the bottom of your printer, indicating where you should place the screwdriver.

3). Remove the waste pads. They are located at the back of the printer on the right side. They look like small sponges. There are two of them. Use gloves to remove them to avoid getting ink on your hands.

4). Wash the pads in the sink under warm water until the water runs clear and there is no more ink. Do not use any cleaning product on the pads, just water.

5). Dry the pads by letting them sit out or using a blow dryer.

6). Replace the pads and reattach the printer covers. Plug your printer back in.