How to Install a USB 2.0 PCI Card

USB 2.0 is the latest type of Universal Serial Bus (USB) currently available. The USB 2.0 provides for a data transfer rate of 480 Mbps, and many of today's USB devices, such as iPods, Zunes, and even printers, are built for and optimized for USB 2.0. Fortunately these USB 2.0 devices are backwards compatible with 1.0, which will allow the end user to use the device on an older computer. However, end users who have an older computer with an available PCI slot can upgrade to USB 2.0 by installing a USB 2.0 PCI card on their desktop computer.

Things You'll Need

• USB 2.0 PCI card and the driver for your card
• Screwdriver: slot-head or Phillips
• PCI slot on your computer

Instructions

1. Unplug the power from your computer. Just turning off your computer and leaving the plug in is not satisfactory because as long as the power supply is connected to the outlet it will contain an electrical charge. Also, disconnect all other connections on the computer to minimize the chance of a power surge.

2. 

   Open the computer chassis to expose the motherboard of the computer. Locate an available PCI slot and remove the PCI slot cover. Please note that depending on the model of computer there may be a screw that is holding in the PCI slot cover that will have to be removed. In that case you will need to unscrew this screw and remove the slot plate.

3. 

   Line up the PCI card correctly with the slot. Firmly, but not forcefully, push the PCI card into the slot. Be sure that the card is seated snugly and evenly in its slot. If your computer uses a screw to hold in the PCI card, screw that back in. Don't throw away the slot cover, just in case you need to remove the PCI card down the road, as you will need to put the slot cover back if the slot is empty.

4. Close the computer chassis and reconnect all cables, reconnecting the power cable last. Power up your computer and allow it to boot up completely. If there is a BIOS error and the computer fails to boot up normally and doesn't load the operating system, turn it off and remove the USB 2.0 PCI card, then repeat the installation steps.

5. Install the driver. After the computer boots up and loads your operating system, it may ask you for the driver and to run an install program. At that point insert the CD/DVD or floppy that has the driver and follow the instructions presented to you by the install program. If your operating system doesn't ask you for the driver then you will need to manually install it. Consult manufacturer of your operating system for further instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• Before buying a USB 2.0 card be sure that you have an available PCI slot in you desktop computer. Once you have the USB 2.0 card installed you can expand the number of available USB ports by purchasing a USB 2.0 hub.

• When inserting the USB 2.0 card be firm, but forcing the card into the slot may damage the card, or even worse, damage the motherboard. Be aware that not all drivers will work with all operating systems. It is very important that you find out if the USB 2.0 PCI card that you purchase has an available driver for your operating system.