How to Install FireWire

There are a few simple steps to follow in order to install FireWire. A FireWire card allows you to transfer digital files from certain devices to your computer at speeds of 400mbps. Since you can’t hook up a camcorder directly to your computer, a FireWire card can come in very handy. It allows you to transfer home movies from you camcorder directly to your PC where you can further edit your movies. Here’s how to easily install FireWire:

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Turn off your computer and unplug it from the wall.

2. With a screwdriver, take the side plate off your computer.

3. If you have an anti-static wrist band – use it to remove static. If you don’t, touch metal before touching the inside of your computer so you won’t be carrying an electric charge when touching the inside of your computer.

4. To install FireWire, you will need to find an open and available PCI slot on the motherboard. These are generally white and found at bottom, left-hand side near the back of motherboard. You can visually match up the size of the gold plugs on your FireWire card to the PCI slots to be sure.

5. Use a screwdriver to remove the single screw of the small metal PCI slot cover.

6. Install the FireWire card into the PCI slot. Make sure to firmly insert the card into the slot.

7. Use the screwdriver to replace the screw from the PCI metal cover and replace the side plate to your computer.

8. Plug the computer back into the wall and turn it on to finish installing FireWire.

9. You should have received software with card and it will be different depending on your Operating System. Windows 2000, ME, and XP will recognize the new driver and install FireWire automatically. Windows 98/99 SE for instance will require you to insert the install CD. A pop-up window will appear with instructions for you to follow to finish installation.

Tips & Warnings

• To make sure that you were able to install FireWire correctly, you can go to “My Computer” which is on the desktop, choose “Properties”, open the Device manager tab and click on the 1394 Bus controller option. You should see an OHCE Compliant IEEE1394 in there. If you do not, you may need to repeat the steps above for proper FireWire installation.