PCI card installation while comp is on

[tgxiii]

Is it safe to insert a PCI card while the computer is on so that Windows will detect it and install it automatically?

[Buzioid]

NO, NO, and NO!!!
That could even damage the card!! DONT DO IT.
Windows will detect it once you install it(while off) and reboot.

[Detritus]

Originally posted by tgxiii
Is it safe to insert a PCI card while the computer is on so that Windows will detect it and install it automatically?

ACK!!!! Don't I repeat DO NOT do it... could be disasterous to both your puter and you!!!!!!!!!!!

Windows will automatically recognize the card then take it from there.

[tgxiii]

I ask because I have a video capture card in there, but Windows is not detecting it. I even took it out, started up Windows, shut down, installed the card, then started up Windows again. It did not detect it.

Don't worry, guys... I've never done that before and I was only going to try it as a last resort.

[stant093]

i had something like this happen to me once, i installed a nic and no more then a half a second after the card seated itsself, the puter turned on...and quick like a bunny ripped my hands out of the case and prayed everything went fine...it did, but very weird, never had that happen b4....



*note to self: allways unplug system when inserting new toys

[Brainchild]

Is there a ? in the device manager by chance? If so remove it and hit refresh and see if winderz will detect it then.

Or try your way and report back here with pics

[tgxiii]

Thanks brainchild. I actually did notice some "?" icons in the device manager. It turns out that those were the drivers needed!

[dafanman]

tgxiii
Promise you if you do that you WILL be buying new hardware.
Gusess there's more than one way to upgrade,lol

SERIOUSLY dont do that

[John Prophet]

I did it with a hard drive once....the IDE cable....yes, smoke ensued.(sp?)

JP

[tgxiii]

Geez... I didn't wanna come off as a know-nothing.... LOL. I was just thinking of last resort ideas because I have some Hi8 tapes that need to be put on VCDs. Don't worry... I've never plugged in or unplugged any internal hardware while the computer was on or even plugged in for that matter.