Fitting individual items/modules into systems can happen on new installations or if support/maintenance is being given to the system. It doesn’t matter which is taking place care must take place if other problems are not to be inflicted on the system:

• Ensure that ALL electrostatic precautions are taken -if in the workshop environment ensure that you are wearing a wrist strap that has been checked and tested. Ensure that anti-static bench and floor mats are used and are connected correctly. If an individual module/component is being carried ensure that an anti-static bag or packaging is being used. If at the customer’s premises ensure that at least an anti-static wrist strap is being used. If you have the equipment - USE IT!
• Unscrewing the case - if you are taking the covers from a case in order to fit the component make sure that you use the correct tools, the heads of screws can made useless by using the incorrect screwdriver e.g. using a flat-bladed screwdriver to undo a cross-head screw. Most cases these days have quick release mechanisms, such as large plastic headed screws or metal levers. Ensure that you have a receptacle, such as a small box, to hold any screws etc. removed.
• Fitting a Mother-board - When fitting a motherboard to a case:
  • If memory modules or processors are to be fitted to the board it is easier to fit them before placing the mother-board in the case. Take extreme care with these items as they themselves can be easily damaged. Also take care of the slots and sockets, as once these are damaged a new mother-board will be required, generally a fairly expensive item. If the motherboard has any switches or links, ensure that they are set up correctly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. This may mean setting up the speed of the mother-board, or the processor, for example. Ensure that its orientation is such that the sockets on any expansion cards/modules can protrude through the slots made in the case for them. Ensure that all screws, washers, pillars and snap connectors are fitted. Make sure that a pillar or snap connector is fitted for each hole in the mother-board that lines up with a fixing on the case. Check to make sure that a metal pillar or screw will not foul on any part of the mother-board circuit and short it out. Fit insulating fibre washers if available and required. Connect all plugs to the mother-board, taking care to ensure that they are orientated correctly and they are connected to the correct socket. The manufacturer’s instructions will have all the relevant information to carry this out.
• Fit any expansion modules - If any expansion modules are to be fitted to the I/O slots ensure that they are fitted to a correct slot and they are fitted the correct way round. Take care not to force a module into slot not made for it. Where there is a mixture of two or more types of slot, for example ISA and PCI, one slot position may take a board of either type.Try not to touch the contacts on the board or the slot as this can lead to early oxidation and intermittent connection.
• Fit any disks or other devices - Set-up any links, such as Master/Slave or SCSI ID before fitting in the case. The manufacturer’s information, generally on the disc these days, will give the correct set-up. Ensure that the disks are fitted into the slots allocated to them, for example if you run out of 3½ inch bays use a 5¼ inch bay and a fitting kit. When connecting the power supply plug ensure it is orientated correctly and do not force it in the wrong way round. The IDC ribbon cable should also be connected the correct way round, generally the stripe and pin 1 should be nearest the power supply plug , but this is not always the case. The IDC socket will almost always have a cut-out that fits a lug on the plug, but this is not always the case on the plug. If there is a twist and a cross-connection in the floppy disc ribbon cable this must go to drive A:.
• Refit the case - carry this out in the reverse order that you took it apart.