How to Install a Parallel or Serial Card in a Computer

Do you want to add scanners, Zip drives, graphic tablets, and additional printers to your computer, but you've run out of available ports? Add an expansion card that has two or more parallel or serial ports. These cards can also be used to replace ports that are no longer functioning. This procedure applies to IBM-compatible computers using Windows 95 or 98.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Serial/parallel Cards

Install the Card

1. Check for available ISA or PCI slots (places to put expansion cards) in your computer first. To do this, turn off and unplug the computer. Remove the cover.

2. Check the motherboard for available ISA or PCI slots. Your computer manual can help you identify the slots you have.

3. Record this information and buy the appropriate parallel or serial card.

4. Remove the interface card from its packaging. (Remember to ground yourself before handling the card or computer components.)

5. Align the card to the matching ISA or PCI slot and ensure that the parallel and/or serial ports are easily accessible from the outside of the computer.

6. Carefully insert the card into the slot and push firmly into place. Secure the card with a screw in the metal tab.

7. Replace the cover, plug in the power cord, and turn on the computer.

Configure New Ports in Windows 95 or 98

8. Attach the device (scanner, printer, modem, etc.) that you want to add.

9. Use Windows 95 or 98 to automatically detect and configure the ports and new devices.

10. If Windows does not automatically detect the new ports, open the Control Panel by clicking Start, pointing to Settings, and clicking Control Panel.

11. Double-click Add New Hardware.

12. Follow the prompts in the Add New Hardware wizard.

13. If the device is not detected or does not appear in the new hardware list, select Ports (COM & LPT) in the list of hardware types.

14. Follow the prompts to finishing configuring the ports.

15. Restart the computer to complete the port configuration.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you are grounded (touch safe metal, such as the computer frame) before touching the computer components. Static electricity can build up in your body and be discharged on the computer components, causing permanent damage to them.