ExpressCards

Dell™ Vostro™ 1500 and Inspiron™ 1520/1521 Service Manual

ExpressCards provide wired and wireless communications, multimedia and security features. For example, you can add an ExpressCard to make wireless wide area network (WWAN) connectivity available on your computer.

ExpressCards support two form factors:

ExpressCard/34 (34 mm wide)
ExpressCard/54 (54 mm wide in an L-shape with a 34-mm connector)

The 34-mm card fits into both the 34-mm and 54-mm card slots. The 54-mm card only fits into a 54-mm card slot.

See "Specifications" in your Owner's Manual for information on supported ExpressCards.

NOTE: An ExpressCard is not a bootable device.


1	ExpressCard/34	2	ExpressCard/54

ExpressCard Blanks

Your computer shipped with a plastic blank installed in the ExpressCard slot. Blanks protect unused slots from dust and other particles. Save the blank for use when no ExpressCard is installed in the slot.

NOTE: Blanks from other computers may not fit your computer.

Removing an ExpressCard or Blank

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

Press the release button and remove the card or blank. For some release buttons, you must press the button twice, once to pop the latch out, and then a second time to pop the card out.

Save a blank to use when no ExpressCard is installed in a slot. Blanks protect unused slots from dust and other particles.


1	release button	2	ExpressCard

Installing an ExpressCard or Blank

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

You can install an ExpressCard in the computer while the computer is running. The computer automatically detects the card.

ExpressCards are generally marked with a symbol (such as a triangle or an arrow) or a label to indicate which end to insert into the slot. The cards are keyed to prevent incorrect insertion. If card orientation is not clear, see the documentation that came with the card.

Hold the card with its orientation symbol pointing into the slot and the top side of the card facing up. The latch may need to be in the in position before you insert the card.
Slide the card into the slot until the card is completely seated in its connector.

If you encounter too much resistance, do not force the card. Check the card orientation and try again.


1	slot	2	ExpressCard

The computer recognizes the ExpressCard and automatically loads the appropriate device driver. If the configuration program tells you to load the manufacturer's drivers, use the media that came with the ExpressCard.

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