How to Install a PC Dial-Up Modem to a Motherboard

Dial-up modems typically connect to the motherboard through a PCI slot.

Installing a modem into your motherboard allows you to access the Internet via dial-up. Although this task only takes a few minutes for a seasoned expert to complete, it is easy for someone unfamiliar with PC hardware to unknowingly damage a computer or modem. Understand the precautionary steps you must take and how to install a dial-up modem to avoid any risk of damage.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver

Instructions

1. 

   Hold down the power button to discharge electricity.

   Turn off the PC. Unplug all cords from the back of the system. Hold the power button for a few seconds to discharge any electricity still remaining inside the computer.

2. 

   The computer cover is on the left side.

   Remove the left-side panel of the computer to access the motherboard. The panel should slide or pull away, but some systems require you to first take out one or more screws holding the panel down, using a Phillips screwdriver. You may also need to push or pull a latch to take off the cover.

   If either of these steps applies, it will be immediately obvious. You will see the screw or latch on the side panel or next to it on the back of the computer. Unlike many game consoles and other electronic devices, computers do not have hidden screws intended to prevent you from accessing the internal components.

   Once you have removed the side panel, you should see the motherboard. Look for the white PCI slots in the bottom-left corner of the system. This is where you will install the dial-up modem. Pick an empty slot into which you will install the card.

3. Touch an unpainted metal section of the computer case to remove static electricity from your body. Good places to discharge yourself include the power supply and the hard drive cage. Computer components are very sensitive to static charge, so you should perform this step before handling the modem.

4. 

   The copper connectors on the bottom of the modem should be barely visible once the card is in the slot.

   Pull out the metal bracket adjacent to the empty PCI slot inside the computer. You must first remove a screw securing the thin metal cover. Align the bottom of the dial-up modem with the PCI slot and push it in. You may need to apply a small amount of force to get the expansion card in.

   Screw the left end of the modem into the side of the case to secure it. You should see an empty hole on the end of the card that lines up with a hole in the case. Use the same screw that held the slot cover down.

5. Replace the system cover and any screws you removed to open the system. Plug the power cable and other cords back in.

References

• Penn State University: Installing an Ethernet Card
• Triton.net: Installing a PCI Card

Resources

• Microsoft: How to Configure and Use Dial-Up Connections in Windows XP