Use the proper uninstall procedures to remove hardware, related software, specific drivers and files that could slow the system down and to free up resources.

Uninstalling the Card in a Windows Environment
In Windows, use the Device Manager to uninstall hardware. Open the Device Manager, find and expand the hardware category to be removed (usually Sound, Video, and Game Controllers). Select the sound card and choose the Remove option. This begins the uninstall process and may prompt the user for a disk or CD. 

To uninstall software and driver information use the Add/Remove Programs section of the Windows Control Panel. When uninstall is complete, the computer should be shutdown completely so that the outdated sound card can be physically removed. If the computer is restarted before the sound card is physically removed, the operating system may detect it and reinstall the drivers once again.

Disabling an outdated sound card or built-in sound is similar to the uninstall process. To disable a sound card or built-in sound, open the Device Manager in Windows and choose to view the Properties for the sound card. Within the Properties area, choose to "disable" the card. This is different than removing the card since the sound card and its drivers and files are not removed. This can free up resources as well as allow for testing of other sound cards to ensure compatibility. Also, a disabled sound card can easily be re-enabled. Disabling built-in sound often requires a change in the computer BIOS. There is typically a setting to allow for enabling or disabling onboard audio. Built-in sound must be disabled within the BIOS and the operating system.

Physical Removal of Outdated Card
The physical removal of a sound card follows the same basic steps as the removal of any piece of hardware from the computer. Once the computer is powered off and the power cable is removed, the case can be opened. While working inside the case, a static wrist strap should be worn. After the sound card is located, all interconnecting cables should be removed. These cables include external cables (to speakers, microphones, and so on) and internal cables (to CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, internal speaker, and so on). After removing the screw that holds the sound card in place, use both hands to firmly grasp the card and gently rock it so it can be pulled from the slot. Once removed, the card should be placed in a static-free bag for protection. Replace the case cover and power cord and boot the computer to ensure that the process has gone correctly.

Worksheet  (PDF, 6 KB)    Sound Cards