How to Remove a PCI Mass Storage Controller Device From My Laptop

Remove hardware from a computer if it is no longer needed.

Many laptop computers have a built-in PCI expansion slot on the side of the computer. This slot allows you to connect additional hardware to the system, including a mass storage controller. This controller can be used to connect additional hard drives for which the computer lacks connection ports. If you no longer need the storage controller, it can be removed from the laptop.

Instructions

1. Power on the computer and wait for it to completely boot up.

2. Push the PCI mass storage controller card in, toward the laptop. This unlocks the card, popping it out slightly from the connection port.

3. Slide the card out of the computer to remove it completely.

4. Click "Start," "Control Panel," then choose "System." Click "Hardware" followed by "Device Manager," then scroll through the list of hardware installed on the computer. Right-click on the mass storage device listing and choose "Delete" from the pull-down menu. Click "Yes" to the prompt that appears and the driver for the device is removed, completing the removal process.

References

• Webopedia: Expansion Slot

Resources

• Windows XP: How to Troubleshoot Hardware Problems with Device Manager