10 steps to installing PCI Wireless Card.

Although installing a PCI wireless card might seem a bit complicated, you shouldn't have too many problems with it if you follow these steps.

Step 1: Take a look at the Manual. Even if it might seem like something very boring, go through the manual to better understand the things you will put in your computer. Doing it at the beginning enables you to be aware of the essential steps you need to follow in the installation. For example, you should know that some cards require prior installation of the software. If this is the case in your setup, do that now.

Step 2: Switch the Computer Off before start opening the computer. Use the 'Shut Down' option to make your computer start fresh next time, and wait until it shuts down fully.


Step 3: To be safe, you should now unplug your Computer from the power supply. Disconnect from the power anything that is connected to the computer as well, and remember to unplug the wires from the back of the computer. To avoid any difficulties when putting the wires back again, draw a diagram before you go on with this step.

Step 4: Removing the Case. In order to protect your computer's parts from any damage, and yourself from electrocuting, wear an anti-static wristband (also called ground strap) when you need to open your computer. Although it is usually quite an easy task, go through the manual to know how to get the case off. Make sure to put the screws somewhere where they won't get lost. Touch the power supply (a larger rectangular metal block in the PC) to ground yourself and the computer before going further.

Step 5: Find an Empty PCI Slot. These long, rectangular slots are to be found in your computer. Existing modems or Ethernet cards might utilize some of the available PCI slots. When there is no space for new wireless card, try to take away some of the older equipment you no longer need or use.

Step 6: Inserting the PCI Card. For a new PCI slot that isn't being, you have to unscrew the metal piece that fills the gap in the back of the computer created by the lack of a card. Keep this piece in a secure place, you might have to use it in the future.

Be as carefully as you can when you put the PCI card into the slot, without touching the circuits on the card. If it's in the slot, press decisively but without using too much force. Pay attention to the wireless card's antenna, because this should point upwards.




Step 7: Close the Case. Follow step 4 in reverse to put it back.

Step 8: Plug In and then Start. Even if you don't want to put all your wires back now, plug in at least the keyboard, mouse and monitor. Don't be scared if your computer doesn't work after installing a PCI card - the problem may simply be in the connection of these elements.

Step 9: Install Drivers and Software. As soon as the computer is restarted, it should soon recognize the existence of a new hardware. This is the time you need to put in the CD you got with the card, and let Windows do the rest.

If things have worked out perfectly, your PCI card should be installed automatically. If, however, things don't take place automatically, try inserting the CD again.

Step 10: Configure Your Network. Once the PCI wireless card has given your computer a permanent wireless connection, you will be asked to decide which wireless network you wish to connect to. Once you have chosen a wireless network from the list, there's nothing else you need to do!

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