How Do I Install the Software Driver for My Wireless LAN Card?

Install drivers via a disk, Windows Update or manually.

Computers without working wireless antennas may be upgraded with either an internal or external wireless LAN card. To connect to your favorite Internet hotspot or home network, you must finish the installation by installing the device's drivers--files that allow the device to communicate with your operating system. You can have Windows install the drivers, let Windows update the drivers or manually install the latest drivers yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Installation disk

Instructions

Install the Drivers Via the Included Software

1. Boot up your computer.

2. Insert the installation and drivers disk included with your wireless LAN card. Click on "Start the Installation," "Install the Software" or another similarly titled phrase.

3. Follow the onscreen prompts. Shut down the computer and install the card into an available slot on your motherboard, if applicable, then restart the computer. (Some older cards such as Linksys' internal WMP54G require you to install preliminary software prior to physically installing the card.)

4. Finish the installation.

Install the Drivers Via Windows

1. Install your internal card. Boot up the computer.

2. Connect to the Internet after Windows loads, then insert your external wireless LAN card.

3. Allow Windows the opportunity to automatically detect your device and to install drivers.

Manually Update Drivers

1. Click on "Start," then "Control Panel." Click on "Classic View" in the left column, if available.

2. Open "System." Click on "Device Manager" in Windows Vista and in Windows 7. Click on the "Hardware" tab, then "Device Manager" in Windows XP.

3. Double-click "Network Adapters," then double-click your previously installed wireless LAN card. (You must install your LAN card prior to updating the drivers, or it not be listed in the Device Manager.)

4. Click on the "Driver" tab. Click on "Update Driver," then "Search Automatically" or "Browse My Computer" if you downloaded drivers from the manufacturer's website.

5. Follow the onscreen prompts to finish the driver installation.

References

• NetGear: WPN511 Installation Guide
• Linksys: WMP54G Installation Guide
• Microsoft: Install a Wireless Network Adapter

Resources

• ABCNews: How to Install a Wireless LAN
• Microsoft: Update a Driver for Hardware That Isn't Working Properly