CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in
the Owner's Manual or Product Information Guide.
Your Dell™ computer provides a slot for one low-profile, 32-bit, 33-MHz card.
If you are installing or replacing a card, follow the procedures in the next section. If you are removing but not replacing a card, skip to "Removing a Card."
If you are replacing a card, remove the current driver for the card from the operating
system.
Ensure that your computer and attached devices are turned off. If your computer and
attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your computer,
turn them off now.
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then
unplug it from the network wall jack.
Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.
Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and
then press the power button to ground the system board.
NOTICE: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an
unpainted metal surface, such as the metal at the back of the computer. While you work,
periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to dissipate any static electricity that could harm
internal components.
Installing a Card
Raise the retention arm.
If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create a empty card-slot
opening. Then continue with step 4.
If you are replacing a card that is already installed in the computer, remove the card.
If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card. Grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.
Prepare the card for installation.
See the documentation that came with the card for information on configuring the card, making internal connections, or otherwise customizing it for your computer.
CAUTION: Some network adapters automatically start the computer when they are connected to a network. To guard against electrical shock, be sure to unplug your computer from its electrical outlet before installing any cards.
Place the card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is fully
seated in the slot.
If the card is full-length, insert the end of the card into the card guide bracket as you lower the card toward its connector on the system board. Insert the card firmly into the card connector on the system board.
Before you lower the retention arm, ensure that:
The tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the alignment bar.
The notch in the top of the card or filler bracket fits around the alignment guide.
Press the retention arm into place, securing the card(s) in the computer.
NOTICE: Do not route card cables over or behind the cards. Cables routed over the cards can
prevent the computer cover from closing properly or cause damage to the equipment.
Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.
See the documentation for the card for information about the card's cable connections.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then
plug it into the computer.
Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation.
Removing a Card
Press the lever on the card retention arm and raise the retention arm.
If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.
Grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.
If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot
opening.
If you need a filler bracket, see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual.
NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain
FCC certification of the computer. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of your computer.
