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HPNA Wireless
Installing a PCI Card in Your Computer :

The PCI HPNA network adapter card you're installing is a fragile and static-sensitive device. Here are a few hints for handling it:

Leave the PCI card in its original packaging until you are ready to install it. Avoid working in carpeted areas, or on plastic surfaces. Touch a piece of bare metal on your computer case before removing the cover to discharge any static electricity. Handle the PCI card by its edges, and never touch the gold connectors on the base of the card.

To install a PCI HPNA network adapter card:

  1. Turn off your computer and any peripherals.

  2. Disconnect any cords connected to the back of your computer.

  3. If your computer case is secured with screws, remove them. (Remember where you place the screws!)

  4. Remove the cover of your computer and arrange it so that the motherboard is visible. (Refer to your computer"s instruction manual if you need specific instructions on how to remove the cover or identify the motherboard.)

  5. Find an empty PCI slot on your computer's motherboard. PCI slots, usually white plastic, are about 3.5 inches long. If you do not see a slot that fits this description, refer to your computer"s instruction manual.

  6. Remove the cover plate for the PCI slot — a small strip of metal located on the rear interior wall of the computer case. Some cover plates are secured with a screw. If you remove a screw, keep it to secure the PCI card you are about to install.

  7. Insert the PCI card into the PCI slot so that the port marked LINE is visible on the outside of your computer case. Gently push downward on the card until it is firmly seated, rocking it carefully if necessary.

  8. Secure the PCI card to the computer case using the screw you removed earlier. If the PCI cover plate was not held in place with a screw, check for a spare among the accessories supplied with your computer.

  9. Replace the computer"s cover, and reconnect the external cables you removed earlier.

  10. Connect your remote computer to the HomePortal using one of the phone cords included in your EarthLink Home Networking kit: plug one end of the cord into the LINE port on your remote computer's new PCI HPNA adapter, and plug the other end to the HomePortal LINE port.

  11. Finally, turn your computer on.

The following sections cover how to install the software driver that will allow your computer to use your new network adapter card. Please click the link below that corresponds to the operating system and network adapter this computer will be using.