- 1). Back up any important files on the computer prior to upgrading any of the hardware components to prevent data loss. Store the backup on an external device such as a USB flash drive, network storage location or blank optical discs.
- 2). Click "Start" and right-click "Computer." Click "Properties." Review the system specifications found in the "System" section of the system properties box. Make a note of the manufacturer and model number, the CPU and amount of "Installed Memory as well as whether the computer is running a 32-bit operating system or a 64-bit operating system. Click the "Windows Experience Index" to review the speed tests performed by Windows 7 after installation and note that the lower numbers indicate bottlenecks in the system.
- 3). Click "Start" and "Computer," and right-click on the primary "C" drive. Click "Properties" to review the amount of free space and the total size of the hard drive listed on the "General" tab.
- 4). Click "Start" and "Control Panel," and click "Hardware and Sound." Click "Device Manager" under the "Devices and Printer" section. Click the small triangle next to display adapters and make a note of the video card installed.
- 5). Review the computer user manual or manufacturer's website for specific information for a particular computer system regarding the supported processors, amount of memory and hard drive sizes as well as what type of video card can be installed in the system. Contact the manufacturer's technical support line for more detailed information if necessary.
- 6). Replace the processor to speed up nearly every operation the computer performs, from boot to running multiple applications at the same time. Upgrade the memory to help with sluggish performance and excessive hard drive activity. Replace the hard drive to speed loading time and increase available storage capacity. Upgrade the video card to improve graphics performance.
Source...