How to Install PCMCIA Modem Cards

Insert your card and let Windows install Plug-and-Play PCMCIA modems.

Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) cards are frequently referred to as PC Cards or as ExpressCards. Although manufacturers produce PCMCIA slots for desktop computers, most PCMCIA users are laptop computer owners. Most recent PCMCIA cards are plug-and-play compatible, meaning that Windows will automatically detect and install the appropriate drivers after you insert the card into the slot on your computer. If you have a plug-and-play device and do not need to install special software, as with mobile broadband modem cards, simply insert your modem card into your PCMCIA slot and allow Windows to detect and to install the drivers for the card.

Things You'll Need

• PC Card or ExpressCard slot
• PC Card or ExpressCard modem
• Installation disk or drivers
• Administrator access

Instructions

Installing a Mobile Broadband Modem

1. Boot up your computer. Insert the installation disk that shipped with your PCMCIA modem card or download and double-click the required software for your card.

2. Follow the onscreen prompts to begin the installation.

3. Remove the PCMCIA modem card from its antistatic packaging. Insert the card when directed to do so by the installation program.

4. Allow Windows the opportunity to detect and to install the drivers for the card, then finish the installation.

Install Non-Plug-and-Play Modems

1. Insert your PCMCIA modem. Click on "Start," then "Control Panel." Click on "Classic View" in the left column if applicable.

2. Double-click "Add New Hardware." Click "Next."

3. Click on "Install the hardware that I select manually from a list." Press "Next."

4. Select "PCMCIA adapters." Click "Next."

5. Select the manufacturer in the left column and the model in the right column, then click "Next" and follow the onscreen prompts to complete the installation. Press the "Have Disk" button if you do not see your manufacturer and model, then navigate to and double-click your PCMCIA modem card's driver.

References

• Microsoft: How to Install New Hardware
• Microsoft: Device Drivers in Windows Vista
• PCMCIA.org: About

Resources

• Verizon Wireless: Access Manager 7 Installation and Setup
• Microsoft: Digitally Signed Windows XP Drivers