Things You'll Need:
- Phillips screwdriver
- Anti-static wristband
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Step 1
Determine the connection type for the LAN card that you will be installing in your computer. Most LAN cards for personal computers have a 10/100Base T type connection. The wires used to connect cards of this type use connectors that look like wide phone plugs. There are four twisted pairs of wire in the cable.
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Step 2
Collect together the installation disk for your computer's version of Windows and the driver disk for the LAN card that you have purchased. You will need these to load the drivers once the card is installed.
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Step 3
Put on your anti-static wristband.
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Step 4
Unplug the computer from the power socket and open the case. Remove the screws on the back of the computer to allow one of the following methods of opening your computer case: remove the side panel, remove the whole outer shell, or in some cases open the case like a clam shell.
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Step 5
Look for an open slot in the bus of the computer. The LAN card will most likely be either an ISA or a PCI type card. PCI is a faster bus and is preferable for a LAN card. Unscrew the panel that blocks the opening to the back of the computer at that slot and remove the thin strip of metal to allow the LAN card installation. Press the connector into the bus and replace the screw that will now hold the LAN card into the slot and attach it to the back of the computer.
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Step 6
Close the case, replace the screws and reconnect the power cord to the power socket. Start the computer and wait for it to recognize the presence of the new card. When prompted for the driver disk, insert the disk in the drive and select "Have Hardware Disk." Select the model of the card that you have installed and click "OK." Wait for the computer to finish the installation of the new card.
