Lab 9.3.

1: NIC Installation
Estimated time: 30 Minutes
Objective
In this exercise, the student will install a Network Interface Card into a PC. The student
will also configure that NIC to use an IP address.
Equipment
The following equipment is required for this exercise:

PC with Windows 98 or earlier

Network Interface Card with appropriate drivers

Anti-static wrist strap

Tool kit

Windows 98 installation CD-ROM or cab files

Scenario
The boss has decided to install a network using the existing company PCs. The
necessary hardware must be installed on each computer in order for them to be
networked.
Procedures
A PC technician is responsible for upgrading and maintaining PCs for the company. As
part of this job, a technician often upgrades existing PCs with new hardware to fit the
companys changing needs. In order to allow a PC to be networked, one of the first things
a technician must do is install a Network Interface Card (NIC). A NIC allows a PC to
access the networking media (cabling, wireless) and communicate with other PCs.
Step 1
In order to properly install a NIC, it is important to note several items. First, to prevent the
NIC from being damaged by electro-static discharge (ESD), it is important to ensure that
the technician is properly grounded. Wear an ESD wrist-strap that is fastened to the
metal frame of the PC whenever handling computer components. Also, when handling
the NIC, only hold it by the edges, and do not touch the gold metal contacts along the
bottom of the card.
Examine the NIC. Who manufactured the card?

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Can a model number be identified? If so, what is it?

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Can the speed(s) that the NIC operates at be determined? If so, what speed?

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Looking at the end of the card, what type of media connects to it?

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What slot type does the NIC fit into?

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Step 2
Now that the NIC has been examined, it is time to proceed with the installation. Make
sure that the PC is shut down and unplugged.
Remove the cover from the PC. Choose a slot on the motherboard to install the NIC. A
small metal cover may need to removed from the back of the expansion slot in order for
the NIC to install properly. The NIC will only install one way. Make sure it is lined up
properly. Remember that it is possible to damage the NIC or the motherboard if too much
force is used when pushing the NIC into place.
After the card is installed, secure the card with a screw and ensure that the card does not
dislodge when plugging a patch cord in. When finished with the card, replace the cover
and plug the machine back in.
Step 3
Now that the hardware is installed, it is time to install the software. This step will require
the correct driver for the NIC. A driver is a piece of software that allows an operating
system to access a piece of hardware, such as the NIC. Depending on the age of the
NIC, Windows may already have a driver for the NIC. If not, go to the NIC manufacturers
website and download it. Use the information found in Step 1 to ensure the right driver is
being used.
Boot the PC.
Did Windows find new hardware? If no, refer to the troubleshooting section for
suggestions. _________________________________________________
Once Windows finds new hardware it will bring up the Add New Hardware Wizard
screen. Click on Next. Windows will now ask to search for the best driver, or have
windows display a list of drivers that it includes. Go ahead and choose Search for the
best driver for your device and click Next. Now specify where the driver is located. If it
on CD then click CD-ROM drive, or if it is on a floppy disk then click on Floppy disk
drives. If the exact location is known click on Specify a location and type in the path to
the driver, or click on Browse and highlight the folder the driver resides in. Once a
selection has been made, click on Next. Windows will now show the name of the device
and where the driver is located. Click Next and Windows will then install the driver and
will display when it has finished installing the software. Then click on Finish, and
Windows will prompt to reboot. Select OK to continue.
Note: Windows may require the Windows 98 installation CD-ROM to complete the

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installation.
Step 4
Once the driver has been installed, verify that the NIC was properly installed. To do this,
use the following directions:
Right-click over the My Computer icon on the desktop.
Click on Properties
Click on the Device Manager tab
Click on the + sign next to Network Adapters
Is the name of the adapter listed here? _____________________________________
Is anything else listed here? If so, what?

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Step 5
Now that the NIC is installed it is time to setup TCP/IP. To do this, complete the following
steps:
Right-click on Network Neighborhood.
Click on Properties.
Where , The following network components are installed is displayed, scroll down to
TCP/IP. If TCP/IP is not listed it will need to be installed by following the directions below.
Otherwise, skip to Step 6.
Click on the Add tab.
Click on Protocol and Add.
Click on Microsoft and then scroll down and highlight TCP/IP.
Click OK.
There may be a prompt for the location of Windows setup files. If you are unsure of their
location, ask the instructor for directions.
Once TCP/IP has been installed, return to the Network Neighborhood properties and
configure the IP address.
Step 6
Double-click on the TCP/IP listing that also has the NIC listed next to it.
Make sure that the IP address screen is displayed, and then click on Specify an IP
address.

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Enter an IP address and subnet mask that will work within the network. Ask the instructor
for directions as to which addresses will be used.
Once the IP address and subnet mask have been entered, click on OK.
Click on OK on the Network screen, and when Windows prompts to restart, clicks on
Yes.
Troubleshooting
Sometimes Windows will not detect a new hardware device. If that happens the device
will have to be installed manually. To do this, complete the following steps:
Click on Start > Settings > Control Panel
Double-click on Add New Hardware.
Click Next to begin installing software for the device.
Click Next to let Windows search for new hardware.
If Windows still does not detect the new device, it will ask to search for a non plug-andplay device. Either choose to let Windows search, or choose the hardware from a list.
Select No, I want to select it from a list.
Click Next.
Select Network adapters.
Click Next.
Select Have Disk and specify the location of the driver.
If a problem still exists, shut the computer off and make sure that the NIC is physically
installed correctly.
A common mistake made by many technicians is accidentally installing the wrong device
driver. If this happens, the device will usually not work. The easiest solution is to do the
following:
Right-click on My Computer.
Click on Properties.
Click on Device Manager
Click on the + sign next to network adapters and highlight the NIC.
Click on Properties
Click on the Driver tab at the top of the screen
Click on Update Driver.

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Follow the prompts in order to install the correct driver.

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As a group, research and discuss how a subnet mask is used within a network.

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