Tried to find videos online about this and only found one that was semi-decent. Most videos talked about putting in a new video card on a fresh system build with the mentioned one talking about replacing a graphics card that had been burnt out.

Questions:

1. Uninstalling drivers: Is there anything special I need to do for this? Or can I just go to device manager and select the graphics card (5870) then select uninstall? Heard that I can even leave the current drivers in then slap in the new card uninstall the old drivers then install the fresh ones.

2. Download vs Disk: Should I download fresh drivers for my 7970 or use the disk that came with it?

3. What should I expect concerning my Windows 7 64 bit OS? Used the OEM upgrade from Vista 64bit deal and i'm hoping Microsoft won't lock me out of my system, demanding I get a new key. The video that gave instructions about swapping out a video card showed the screen that happened afterwards. Said that the person has to register their OS within 3 days or it would be deactivated.

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated. Want to get better about not being so nervous when upgrading components in my system or swapping them out when they go bad. Still shiver after hearing the noise that 5870 made when the fan started to spin up. Even at 900rpm idle speed it sounded like a dentist's drill or plausibly a jet engine.