How to Install Wireless on a Compaq nc8000
The Compaq nc8000 is a business-oriented laptop computer with Windows XP, a Pentium M processor and 512 MB of RAM. The nc8000 has an internal slot for a wireless card, but the wireless card itself is an optional feature. If you elected not to include a wireless card when you bought the laptop, adding a wireless card is quick and easy, and can give you the ability to get online and complete more work or have more fun when on the go.
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Things You'll Need
- T8 Torx screwdriver
- T7 Torx screwdriver
- Phillips-head screwdriver
- Mini PCI wireless card
Instructions
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1
Shut down the Compaq nc8000 and take it to a clean work surface. Place the nc8000 face down on the work surface, with the screen closed. Remove the battery pack.
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2
Remove the T8 Torx screw from the center of the underside of the nc8000. The screw has a keyboard-shaped icon next to it. Turn the nc8000 over and open the screen.
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3
Locate the four plastic release levers above the top row of keys on the keyboard. Push all four of the levers toward the front of the computer, then lift the keyboard up and around so that it lays on the touchpad and palm rest. Be careful not to disconnect the cable.
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4
Remove the two T8 or T7 Torx screws securing the RF shield on the right side of the keyboard compartment, then lift the shield up and out of the computer. This reveals the empty Mini PCI slot. You should also see two cables--one light and one dark--for the wireless antennas.
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5
Move the antenna cables aside and insert the wireless card into the empty slot at an angle, with the metal connectors slightly below the top half of the card. Make sure that the side of the card with the two metal antenna posts faces up. When the connectors on the bottom of the card are fully in the slot, push the top of the card down until the metal clamps next to the slot close around the card.
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6
Connect the antenna cables to the posts on the top of the card, so that the dark cable connects to the antenna post closest to the screen of the nc8000.
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7
Replace the RF shield and two Torx screws.
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8
Lift the keyboard up and place it back into its compartment. Push the four plastic release levers back to their original positions. Close the screen of the nc8000 and turn it back over.
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9
Replace the Torx screw in the center of the nc8000 to secure the keyboard.
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References
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
