How to Use an Express Card

Laptop computers usually come standard with Express Card slots.

Express Cards have a wide variety of computing uses. Though commonly used as portable storage devices, a number of Express Cards on the market that have built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, video cards or other features. Express Cards are included in many notebook computers because of their compact size and adaptability. Express Cards make it easy to add memory or functionality to your computer without having to open it up and tinker with the insides. If you follow the right steps, you can make good use of your new Express Card and all its built-in functions.

Things You'll Need

• Express Card slot
• Driver disk (not always needed)

Instructions

1. Determine what kind of Express Card you are using. The Express Card slot itself is standardized, and the Express Card website explains that 95% of notebook computers have a built-in slot. However, the Express Cards themselves are not standardized; there are two different types of Express Cards that fit into a standard Express Card slot. If you are using a 54-mm express card, a small part of the card will protrude 22 mm further than the rest of the card. In the case of a 34-mm card, the entire card is a perfect rectangle, with no irregular protrusions.

2. Turn on your computer, allow it fully boot up and log in as you normally would.

3. Insert the Express Card into your computer. If you are using a 54-mm card, the protruding piece should be on the left-hand side when you insert the card. If the protrusion is on the right, then you are inserting the card upside down. On a 34-mm card, the side with the manufacturer's logo is usually the top. For a 34-mm card, slide the card as far left as you can into the Express Card slot. It may seem like the 34-mm card is too small for the slot, but if you push it to the left, it will lock into place and work just fine. Remember, the Express Card slot is designed to be big enough for both the 54-mm model and the smaller 34-mm model.

4. Wait a moment while your computer identifies the new hardware.

5. Follow on-screen prompts to install necessary drivers for the Express Card. In most cases, your PC will automatically detect the hardware and install any necessary drivers. However, in rare instances you may need to insert a driver disk into your computer's CD-ROM drive when prompted by the computer. If you did not receive a driver disk upon purchasing your Express Card, then no disk is needed.

6. Click on the "Start" menu and select "My Computer" once the card's drivers are done installing. Underneath the "devices with removable storage" heading, you should see an icon labeled "Express Card." Double-click on this icon in order to access your Express Card for saving and storing files. In the case of video, Internet, or audio Express Cards, double-clicking on the icon will alternatively bring up settings for the device. Configure any settings as desired, or simply click "OK" to retain the default settings. The device is now ready to use.

References

• Express Card: About Express Cards