This tutorial explains how you can install internal wireless card into an older laptop. I assume that your laptop is “wireless ready” which means it has a slot for the wireless card and equipped with wireless antennas, but missing the wireless card. Why did I make this tutorial for an older laptop? Because all new laptops are sold with the wireless card.
I’ll take as an example my Dell Latitude C840 laptop. As you see on the picture, it has a slot for the wireless card and one antenna cable. That’s strange, most laptops have two antenna cables, white and black. One cable goes to the main connector on the wireless card, another cable goes to the auxiliary connector. Probably you’ll ask me which antenna cable connects to which connector? I think it doesn’t really matter because both antenna cable are identical.
My main concern was finding the right device driver for the wireless card I plan to install into my laptop. As you know, without correct driver it will not be recognized by the operating system and will not work at all.
Likely, I have a spare wireless card from another not working Toshiba laptop and this card worked perfectly.
You can find this wireless card by the model number: WM3B2200BG. Just search by the model number here and you’ll find one for about $20. It’s a 802.11 b/g wireless card, so you’ll get a 54Mbp/s connection as I did.
In order to install the wireless card into the slot, just push it into the slot at a 30 degree angle (step 1) and then press on the card (step 2) until it’s locked.
After the card is locked in the slot you can connect the antenna cable. In my case, I snapped the antenna cable on the main connector. If you have two antenna cables, snap one of them on the main connector on the wireless card and another one on the auxiliary connector. As I mentioned before, I don’t think it matters with cable goes to which connector. Both antenna cables are identical.
Finally, you’ll have to download and install the wireless card driver. If you use the same card as I did (WM3B2200BG), you can download driver from the Intel website here.
Use this link: Intel® PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection. Select the operating system, download and install the driver.
You have a couple of different options:
1. Download and install the driver only. Use this option if you want to use Windows wireless connection utility. That’s what I did because I prefer using Windows tools.
2. Download and install both the wireless card drive and the connection software. Use this option if you want to use Intel’s software application. It’s totally up to you.
As you see on the picture above, the wireless card successfully connected to the wireless access point at 54Mbp/s.
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June 10th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
i have a acer aspire 5100 the wireless card is malfuction,, when i try to restart my computer it doesn’t display anything can u help me.,.,
June 9th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
So I’m sure this is elementary but I have a new laptop and want to know if I take it to starbucks or any wifi location will it work or what do I have to do when I take it somewhere and want to use it there?
April 27th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
Jesri,
In Tecra 9100 this might be a problem with the I/O board. In order to fix the sound and Wi-Fi problem you’ll have to replace this board. That’s a common failure for Tecra 9100 laptops.
April 21st, 2009 at 2:47 am
Yes I have problem with sound card, sound card not detected anymore. I try to replace with a good wifi card, but not better.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank you.
April 19th, 2009 at 11:31 am
Jesri,
There is no simple answer.
1. Could be just a bad Wi-Fi card.
2. Do you have any problems with the sound? If Wi-Fi and sound fail at the same time, it’s possible there is a problem with the I/O board.
3. Could be bad Wi-Fi switch but it’s not common.
Have you tried reinstalling the driver?
April 19th, 2009 at 4:53 am
Hi,
I have a TECRA 9100. Wifi card already installed and wifi icon appear on task bar.
The problem is, there is no signal and when the antenna is swithing on, the led of antenna is not light. Do you suggest me, how to solve the problem ?
April 15th, 2009 at 9:01 am
Jamiya,
Using a portable USB flash drive is more convenient than burning drivers on a CD. I guess it’s time to buy a new USB drive. You can buy a 4GB USB flash drive on NewEgg for $9.99 (including shipping).
April 12th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
I have an HP compaq nc6000…and my wireless card is acting up at the moment. Currenty, I’m on another computer, but I really want to go back to using that one because I’ve had it for so long and am used to it…I’m a tad bit concerned about how I may be able to download the driver if I can’t access the internet at all unless I download it onto another computer and transport it via CD or Flash drive….Sadly, I don’t have any CDs in my possession nor am I able to go out and purchase any at this time. I was just wondering if using a CD or portable flash drive is a good idea….
April 9th, 2009 at 10:50 am
John,
Make sure the wireless card is seated correctly, all the way down into the slot. Try reconnecting the card.
Will it work fine if you remove the card and start the laptop without it?
It’s not very clear. So you can type the password and loging? The screen goes black after that?
April 9th, 2009 at 10:40 am
I have a Dell Inspiron 5100 and I purchased a broadcom mini pci card, but when I install the card into the slot and reboot the display screen is black so I’m unable to install any drivers. In fact i’m unable to do anything including logging into my system. I’m running Windows XP Pro.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.