How to Remove a PCMCIA Card
PCMCIA cards, or PC cards, are a way to add memory, storage and added functionality to laptops and some desktops. PC cards can add modem capability, networking adapters or Wi-Fi, among other choices, to computers that are not equipped with these options. On newer versions of Windows such as XP, Vista and System 7, the PCMCIA card is hot swappable, which means it can be inserted and removed at will. Older versions of Windows such as 2000 and 98 require that you stop the card before removing it from your system.
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Instructions
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Locate the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon in the lower-right task bar tray on your Windows desktop. If you hover the mouse over each icon, descriptive text will tell you the function of each icon in the tray.
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Click on the icon to open the Safely Remove Hardware Wizard.
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3
Choose the PC card you wish to remove from your system and highlight the name by clicking on the device name.
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4
Click the "Stop" button. After the system tells the card to stop exchanging data, a screen will appear on your screen telling you it is safe to remove the hardware from your system.
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Press the button next to the PC card slot that has the device you are removing. After the button extends out from the machine, press it a second time to disengage the card from the slot.
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Tips & Warnings
Although many people still refer to PC cards as PCMCIA cards, this is technically incorrect. PCMCIA stands for the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association, which governs the standards for PC cards and their manufacture. There are three types of PC cards, referred to as Type I, Type II and Type III. Many older computers cannot use all three types of cards available because of the differences in thickness of the cards. PC cards resemble a credit card in size; only the thickness of the cards differs. Laptop owners use PC cards the most in order to expand the options of their machines. Desktop owners are more likely to install a permanent card into their system for added functionality.
