SolveYourProblem
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Wireless Networking
Install
a PCI Wireless Card in 10 Steps
by Jeff Cohen
Installing a PCI
wireless card might seem like a bit of an adventure - after
all, you have to open the case, find where to put the thing,
close it again... and then you have to deal with the software!
Even if you've never opened your computer before, though,
you shouldn't have too much trouble with it if you follow
these steps.
Step
1: Look at the
Manual. Yes, I know it seems like a dull thing
to do, but you really need to at least skim the manual
for things if you're going to go putting them in your
computer. It's much better to do it now than to realise
afterwards that you missed an essential step in the installation.
A few cards, for example, require you to install the
software before installing the card -- do this now if
you need to.
Step
2: Switch
the Computer Off. Before you even think about
opening the computer, you've got to switch it off. You
should use the 'Shut Down' option to make sure that the
computer will start fresh next time, and wait for it
to shut down completely.
Step
3: Unplug the Computer. To
be safe, you should disconnect the computer from the
power supply now. If there is anything connected to the
computer, you should unplug that from the power too,
as well as unplugging the wires from the back of the
computer. If you're nervous that you won't remember which
wire goes where when it's time to put them back again,
you could draw a diagram before you start this step.
Step
4: Remove the Case. To
avoid damaging your computer's parts or electrocuting
yourself, you should be wearing an anti-static wristband
(also known as a ground strap) whenever you open your
computer. If you're not sure how to get the case off,
consult your computer's manual. It's usually just a matter
of unscrewing, though - but make sure you keep the screws
somewhere where they won't get lost.
Step
5: Find an Empty
PCI Slot. PCI slots are long, rectangular slots
inside the computer. Some of the available PCI slots
might be used by existing modems or Ethernet cards. If
there's no space for your new wireless card, then you
might need to remove some of this old equipment.
Step 6: Insert
the PCI Card. If you're using a PCI slot that hasn't
been used before, you'll need to unscrew the piece of metal
filling the gap in the back of the computer created by
there being no card there. Make sure you store this piece
in a safe place, in case you ever need it again.
When you insert
the PCI card into the slot, do it as carefully as you can.
Try not to touch any of the circuits on the card. Once it's
in the slot, you will need to press firmly, but don't use
too much force. You should also make sure that you point
the wireless card's antenna upwards.
Step 7: Close
the Case. Just do what you did in step 4 in reverse
- put it all back together.
Step 8: Plug
In and Start. You need to plug your computer back
in and start it. If you don't want to re-attach all your
wires right now, you will at least need to plug in the
keyboard, mouse and monitor. Many people are scared when
they turn on their computer again after installing a PCI
card and it doesn't work - only to find that the error
was caused by them not reconnecting their keyboard!
Step 9: Install
Drivers and Software. Once the computer's done starting,
it should notice it has some new hardware. This is when
you should insert the CD that came with the card, and leave
Windows to do its thing. If everything's gone to plan,
the PCI card should be set up automatically. If things
don't happen automatically, try inserting the CD before
you panic.
Step 10: Configure
Your Network. Your PCI wireless card gives your
computer a permanent wireless connection. The first time
you use it, you should be asked which wireless network
you want to connect to. Choose your wireless network from
the list, and you're ready to go!
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SolveYourProblem.com : 2007
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