How to Connect an Older Computer to DSL
- 1). Turn off the power to your machine and unplug it from the power source. Ground yourself against a piece of metal before opening the computer case to reduce the risk of static discharge. Open your computer case and examine the motherboard. Look for an unused PCI (peripheral component interconnect) port. PCI ports are 3 inches long and generally white or green. If the computer has a free PCI slot, you can plug in an Ethernet card.
- 2). Line up the Ethernet card and place a mark on the expansion slot at the back of your computer case. You will gain access to the Ethernet ports through this slot. Remove the marked expansion slot cover on the back of the computer case. Generally, these plates pop right out of place, but using a pair of pliers to remove it is helpful.
- 3). Insert the 10/100 PCI Ethernet card into the appropriate port on your motherboard. Press firmly to ensure a good connection. Ensure that the Ethernet card aligns with the expansion port and screw in the hardware screws that came with it.
- 4). Place one end of the Ethernet cable into the installed Ethernet card on your computer. Plug the other end of the cable into an available port on the DSL modem.
- 5). Replace all case sides and screws that were pulled out to open the case. Reconnect the computer to its power source. Turn the power supply switch to the on position. Start up the computer. Allow the Hardware Wizard to search for new hardware. Insert any disks that came with the Ethernet port. Install the software for the new Ethernet port.
- 6). Go to "Start" and right-click on the "My Computer" icon in the Quick Start menu. Scroll down and select the "Properties" option. Click on the "Hardware" tab and select the second option, which is the Device Manager. Double-click the "Network Adapters" option.
- 7). Disable the old 56K modem by clicking on the device and uninstalling it. Click on the new 10/100 Ethernet port and enable this device for connecting to the Internet. Restart the computer.
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