How to Get a LinkSys WMP45G Wireless PCI Card to Work on Windows XP 64 Bit

If you want to setup a wireless network in order to access the Internet on a computer that is not directly next to your modem, you will need to install a wireless network card in the computer first. The Linksys WMP45G wireless PCI card offers high data transfer rates on your wireless network, but it does require an updated driver to successfully work with the 64-bit version of the Microsoft Windows XP operating system.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Turn off your PC and wait for the operating system to finish shutting down. Find the power cable on the back side of the computer case and remove it. Unplug all of the other cables from the various ports on the computer.

2. Move the computer onto its right side so that the left side panel is facing up. Find the locking mechanism on the back side of the case to determine if the panel is locked onto the case with screws or a pull out latch. Pull up on the latch or remove the case screws with a screwdriver.

3. Set the screws aside if there are any and then pull the side panel off of the case. Set the panel aside and then locate the PCI card slot at the lower left side of the computer's motherboard. Grab two different sides of the current Ethernet card if there is one already installed. Pull the card directly up and off the motherboard.

4. Check the location of the notches on the bottom edge of the Linksys wireless PCI card and compare them to the notches on the PCI slot. Set the wireless card onto the PCI slot and then gently push it down until the bottom notches are no longer visible.

5. Place the side panel back onto the side of the case and then lock it by attaching the case screws or pushing down on the latch. Put the computer back into its original position and reconnect all of the various cables. Power the computer on and wait for the operating system to load.

6. 

   Open the computer's Start menu by clicking on the Windows icon at the bottom left corner of the screen. Click on the "Control Panel" option to bring up a new window. Scroll down through the list of options and double-click the "Device Manager" icon.

7. Scroll down through the list of devices attached to your computer and locate the entry for your Linksys wireless card. Right-click on the name of the wireless card and then choose the "Update Driver" option. Wait for the driver to finish downloading to finish installing the wireless card.

Tips & Warnings

• Always properly ground yourself before opening your computer case to prevent static electricity from damaging your computer's components. Briefly touch a large metal object such as a chair that is connected to the floor to ground yourself.

Resources

• Linksys Support