How Do I Install a Wireless LAN Mini PCI Card Inside My Computer?

Wireless LAN PCI cards allow you to connect to wireless networks.

A wireless local area network (LAN) mini peripheral component interconnect (PCI) card allows you to add Wi-Fi capabilities to a desktop computer that does not have a built-in Wi-Fi card. Some of these wireless cards have external antennas and some also have physical Ethernet ports for local area networking over wired networks. These cards are useful if your computer lacks USB ports or you don't want to have a USB port taken up by a USB wireless adapter all of the time.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver

Instructions

1. Turn off the PC. Unplug all wired connections, including the power supply cord.

2. Remove the holding screws that hold the side panel or cover case in place. Depending on the make and model of the computer, the whole top of the case may lift off after the screws are removed or one of the side panels will slide back and away from the case. Some may have twist screws that loosen or Phillips-head screws that require a screwdriver.

3. 

   Note the PCI slots on the left side of the image.

   Look in the open side of the case and locate the PCI slots located in the lower left of the case towards the back of the case. Locate an available PCI slot, usually white with narrow slots in the center.

4. Remove the screw at the back edge of the available PCI slot that is holding a metal piece in place. This metal piece covers the outside access to the LAN card's ports and wireless antenna. Slide the metal piece out to reveal the case opening.

5. Line up the edge of the PCI card that has the gold or silver connector lines with the PCI slot. Make sure that the antenna, if the card has one, is placed through the opening in the back of the computer. Firmly push the card into the slot until it can go no further.

6. Replace the one screw that was holding the opening cover in place to secure the PCI LAN card in place.

7. Replace the computer case cover and the holding screws. Reconnect the computer power cord and all peripherals. Turn the computer on.

8. Click on the pop-up that appears stating that new hardware has been detected and insert the mini PCI card's drivers CD, if it came with one. If not, the card should automatically be detected and ready to use.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid damaging components from static electric shock by touching your hands to a metal item outside of the computer case before handling internal components.

References

• Help With PCs: Guide to PCI Card Installation