First, refer to your MotherBoard manual or other documentation and find out what kind of on-board sound chipset you have on your MB.
Make good notes.
Next, go to the Windows Control Panel, and click on the System applet, then the Hardware tab, and the Device Manager button.
Click on the + symbol next to the Sound, Video and Game controllers icon. Look for matches to your notes, Right-Click on the item(s), and then click UnInstall.
Now, close the Device Manager and the System Properties windows, and start the Add/Remove programs applet.
Look for matches and/or drivers for your sound card hardware. Click on them to highlight them and then click the Change/Remove button to uninstall them.
Finally, re-boot your machine and enter the BIOS setup screen prior to windows re-start.
Search through the various categories such as "Advanced Bios Features", "Advanced Chipset Features", and/or "Integrated Peripherals", looking for settings related to your on-board sound chipset. Disable any/all settings related to the on-board sound chipset including the on-board Gameport and Midi ports if any.
Save the changes, exit the BIOS setup, and re-boot the machine.
Your on-board sound should now be disabled.
Shut down the system and un-plug the power supply. Install your new soundcard.
Prior to re-booting the machine, read the instructions that came with your new soundcard. Follow them to the letter, it'll save mistakes and frustration later.
Re-start the machine, let it detect the new hardware and install the drivers as directed. Re-boot if required.
Enjoy your new hardware.
p.s. visit the manufacturers website of your new soundcard and see if newer drivers than came with it are available. Drivers change often. Make sure you install/re-install Microsoft's DirectX version 9.0c (the latest).
CptA
