How to Install a Wireless Card Adapter for a Laptop

Most new laptops come with the latest Wi-Fi wireless networking technology built-in. Older laptops without built-in Wi-Fi can still take advantage of the technology by using a PCMCIA card wireless adapter. PCMCIA slots are no longer popular in new laptops, but the adapters can still be found. Adding an adapter can breath new life into an older machine without requiring much cost or effort.

Things You'll Need

• Laptop
• PCMCIA wireless adapter

Instructions

1. Locate the PCMCIA slot on the side of the laptop. There may be more than one. It is a flat, rectangular opening that is roughly 2 inches wide.

2. Insert the PCMCIA WI-Fi card adapter into the open PCMCIA slot. Press firmly for a good connection. Part of the adapter may stick out from the side of the laptop by design.

3. Turn the laptop on and wait for the "Found new hardware" notification to pop up. Insert the installation CD that came with the adapter and follow the wizard instructions to install any needed software and drivers.

4. Check the installation of the adapter. Double click on the "My Network Places" icon on the laptop's desktop. Click on "View network connections" in the menu on the left hand side of the window. Look for an icon that says "Wireless Network Connection." Double click to view your connection status or to choose a new wireless network to connect to.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for a Wireless-N or Wireless-G adapter for the best speed and range.

• Wireless Internet performance can be affected by the age and capabilities of a laptop's hardware.

References

• "PC World:" Add Wi-Fi to a Very Old Laptop; Lincoln Spector
• YouTube: Installing a PCMCIA WiFi card in a laptop computer