NOTE: These instructions will guide you through setting up your computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse and speakers/headphones. If you have not purchased a full bundle from us, the instructions will be similar for your own equipment.
If you have bought a PC without an operating system, you may get a mesage similar to this when you first turn onyour PC. An Operating System is software which allows your PC to run applications, e.g. games and the internet. There are many different operating systems, but the one most people are familiar with is Windows, e.g. Windows 10.
If you are installing Windows, please follow the instructions below once you have a CD/DVD or USB drive. Otheroperating systems (e.g. Ubuntu Linux) will install similarly, so you may be able to use these instructions as a guide.
If your PC does not come with an Operating System (e.g. Windows), the instructions below will guide you through installing your own copy of Windows.
NOTE: These instructions are for the installation of Windows 8. Installing Windows 10 is very similar, though somesteps will be in a slightly different order.
Click on the Install Now button.
Important: If you’re performing a clean install of Windows as a solution to a major problem, we recommend running Start-up Repair first.
You will be prompted for your Windows product key. This can be found on your Windows box/envelope/DVD. It is the code made up of five blocks, e.g. XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
The next box is the Windows software license. Read through the agreement, check the ‘I accept the license terms checkbox’ and click Next to confirm you agree.
When prompted to select the type of installation you want, click on the Custom (advanced) button to install a new copy of Windows.
In this screen, you’ll see each HDD & partition that Windows recognizes. If you are installing Windows for the first time, just select your main Hard Drive and click Next.
If you are reinstalling Windows, click the Drive options (advanced) link to make more options available. You can now delete any operating system related partitions from your existing hard drive(s). Highlight the partition you want to delete and then click the Delete link. Once you have deleted all the old partitions you will most likely be left with a single unallocated drive (unless you have more than one Hard Drive). Select the unallocated space to install Windows on and click Next.
Windows will now begin installation. Your PC will restart a number of times during this process - this is normal. Once installation has finished, you will be presented with a Personalise screen. Click Next once you’ve chosen a colour and entered a computer name.
At the next screen you will be asked to choose some settings, for example Security and Windows Updates. We recommend you click Use Express Settings, which will automatically configure settings for you.
When prompted to create a User Account, if you do not wish to link a Microsoft Account to your Windows installation, simply click Sign in without a Microsoft Account.
Where is my invoice/manual/disc/wireless antenna/power cable etc?
You will receive two boxes with your PC - a large box which contains the PC itself, and a small box with the words ‘Documents and Accessories’. Any accessories (including driver CDs, Windows etc.) will be in this box.
Where is the driver disc for my Graphics Card? / Where do I download Graphics Card drivers?
Some graphics cards do not come with a disc. You will need to download drivers online from the following links:
Where do I find my Order ID/Sales Record Number?
Your Order ID/Sales Record Number can be found on your invoice. The invoices for your PC and any accessories you may have bought are included in the ‘Important Documents Enclosed’ box. Please write this number on the front of this booklet for future reference.
How do I get sound from my PC?
If your PC has a HDMI output, you can get both sound and video through one cable, providing the TV or monitor you are connecting to has speakers. If you don’t have HDMI, or you’re using separate speakers, you can connect your sound using the green 3.5mm connector on the back of your PC.
How much space should I leave around my PC?
We recommend leaving at least 4 inches on every side of your PC for optimum airflow, cooling and performance. It is very important not to keep your PC in an enclosed space.
The computer comes on, but nothing appears on my monitor
a. Ensure you have connected the monitor to the correct graphics port at the back of your PC. Some motherboards have integrated graphics, and if your PC comes with a graphics card then there will be 2 or more ports at the back of the PC. See Diagram (Graphics Card highlighted in red)
b.You may need to check if the cable is pushed in to the graphics port at the back of your PC. If it is, try using another cable if available.
c. Try using another monitor/TV if you have one available. If you get a picture then the first monitor may be faulty.
There is no HDMI port on my graphics card
Some graphics cards use a Mini-HDMI port, this is the same shape, but smaller. If this is the case you will need a HDMI to Mini HDMI cable.
My wireless signal is very poor
If your PC came with WiFi, you may need to attach the antennae. The antennae are included in the ‘Important Documents Enclosed’ Box. If you still have slow speeds, please try connecting your PC somewhere else, as speeds can vary throughout a house (e.g. a fast speed on your laptop in the kitchen doesn’t mean a fast speed on your desktop PC in the living room)
I get the mesage ‘Reboot and Select proper Boot device or Insert Boot Media in selected Boot device and press a key’
If your PC did not come with Windows and you are installing your own Operating System you will need to do this first. You can follow the instructions on the opposite page for installing Windows. If your PC comes with Windows and this happens when you first receive your PC, then it is likely that a cable connecting the hard drive has become loose in transit. This problem is easily fixed. Call us if you require guidance.