Reference number: CH000418
Installing a PC computer
network card.
Question:Installing a computer PC network card.
Answer:
Buying tips
Before getting started
How to determine the type of network
card
Set Jumpers
Install into Expansion slot
Attach internal cables
Attach external cables
Software setup
Troubleshooting
Buying tips and help
If you have not already purchased a network card please see our network
buying tips section help before continuing.
How to determine the
type of network card
- Additional information about how to determine the type of
network card is in the computer can be found on document
CH000500.
Before
getting started
- Difficulty of installing a PC network card should be a 4 out
of 5.
- Write down important information
from the top or bottom of the card such as the Model Number,
Serial Number and specifications.
- Ensure you are familiar with ESD
and its potential dangers.
- When physically installing the
Network Card, ensure the computer is powered down and unplugged.
Set
Jumpers
Before installing the Network Card
verify that the jumpers are properly set. Today, most computers
allow for the Network Card to be setup and configured through
software or Plug and Play. If available, it is recommended that this
be used.
Install
into Expansion slot
Today Network cards are cable of
connecting into an ISA, PCI or CRN slot. Locate an available slot
within the computer and gently push the card into the slot until it
snaps and holds place. Once the card is in the slot, place a screw
into the top of the card to hold the card into position.
Additional
information about the computer bus or Expansion slots can be found
on our computer hardware bus page.
Attach
internal cables
Most network cards will not include
cables but it is likely to find a Wake-On-LAN cable which is
used with advanced Network Cards to wake the computer when network
activity is present. If cables are included with the Network Card
and your computer supports these cables, install the cables now.
The Wake-On-LAN cable must also be a
supported feature of the computer motherboard. The cable will
connect to the Wake-On-LAN or similar connection on the motherboard.
Consult the motherboard documentation or manufacturer
for additional information if this is a supported feature or where
the cable should be connected.
Attach external cables
Once the network card has been
physically installed into the computer, place the case back onto the
computer and connect the keyboard, mouse, monitor and power to the
computer (we recommend that you do not connect all the cables yet,
if problems are experienced you may have to disconnect all the
cables again).
Next, connect the Network cable to
the back of the computer and then to the network outlet, hub, switch
or router.
Software
setup
Once connected, turn the computer on
and install the drivers for the Network card. If you do not have
drivers for your network card or the network card drivers included
appear not to work, you can find links to network drivers on our network
card drivers page.
Once the Network card has been
successfully installed, set the configuration values for the network
card in the software. The method of
configuring this may vary depending upon the type of network as well
as its values; if this is a corporate or business computer and you
are unsure of the network values, it is recommended you contact the
network administrator for the values.
Troubleshooting
If additional issues are encountered during or after the
installation of the network card, please refer to our main
network card page for additional help and information.
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