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  PCI, PCI Express Cards, and PS/2 Serial Port Adapters

PCI, PCI Express Cards, and PS/2 Serial Port Adapters

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

NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer's electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.

Your Dell™ computer supports a PS/2 serial port adapter and provides the following connectors for PCI and PCI Express cards:

• Two low-profile PCI card slots
  
  
• One low-profile PCI Express x16 card slot
  
  

NOTE: Your Dell computer uses only PCI and PCI Express slots. ISA cards are not supported.

PCI Cards

Installing a PCI Card

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
   
   

NOTE: For PCI card locations, see System Board Components.

2. Gently lift the release tab on the card retention latch from the inside to pivot the latch open. Pivot the latch until it snaps into the open position.
   
   
3. If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening. Then continue with step 5.
   
   
4. If you are replacing a card that is already installed in the computer, remove the card (see Removing a PCI Card). If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card. Then continue with step 6.
   
   
5. Prepare the card for installation.
   
   

NOTE: See the documentation that came with the card for information on configuring the card, making internal connections, or customizing it for your computer.

1	release tab	2	card retention latch	3	card
4	card-edge connector	5	card connector

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.

6. Place the card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is fully seated in the slot.
   
   

1	fully seated card	2	not fully seated card	3	bracket within slot
4	bracket caught outside of slot

7. Secure the card(s) by closing the card retention latch and snapping it into place.
   
   

NOTICE: Do not route card cables over the cards. Cables routed over the cards can prevent the computer cover from closing properly or cause damage to the equipment.

8. Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.
   
   
9. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
   
   

NOTE: See the documentation for the card for information about the card's cable connections.

10. If you installed a sound card:
    
    
    1. Enter system setup, select Integrated Audio from the Onboard Devices group, and change the setting to Off (see System Setup).
       
       
    2. Connect external audio devices to the sound card's connectors. Do not connect external audio devices to the line-in connector on the back panel of the computer (see Back-Panel Connectors).
       
       

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

11. If you installed a network adapter card and want to turn off the integrated network adapter:
    
    
    1. Enter system setup, select Integrated NIC from the Onboard Devices group, and change the setting to Off (see System Setup).
       
       
    2. Connect the network cable to the network adapter card's connectors. Do not connect the network cable to the integrated network connector on the back panel of the computer.
       
       
12. Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation.
    
    

Removing a PCI Card

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
   
   

NOTE: For PCI card locations, see System Board Components.

2. Gently lift the release tab on the card retention latch from the inside to pivot the latch open. Pivot the latch until it snaps into the open position.
   
   
3. If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.
   
   
4. Grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.
   
   

1	release tab	2	card retention latch	3	card
4	card-edge connector	5	card connector

5. If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening.
   
   

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.

6. Before you close the card retention mechanism, 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.
     
     

NOTICE: Do not route card cables over the cards. Cables routed over the cards can prevent the computer cover from closing properly or cause damage to the equipment.

7. Secure any remaining card(s) by closing the card retention latch and snapping it into place.
   
   
8. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
   
   
9. Uninstall the card's driver. See the documentation that came with the card for instructions.
   
   
10. If you removed a sound card:
    
    
    1. Enter system setup, select Integrated Audio from the Onboard Devices group, and change the setting to On (see System Setup).
       
       
    2. Connect external audio devices to the audio connectors on the back panel of the computer.
       
       

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

11. If you removed an network-adapter card connector:
    
    
    1. Enter system setup, select Integrated NIC from the Onboard Devices group, and change the setting to On (see System Setup).
       
       
    2. Connect the network cable to the integrated network connector on the back panel of the computer.
       
       

Installing a PCI Card in the Riser-Card Cage

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
   
   
2. If applicable, remove the card installed in the PCI3 connector on the system board (see Removing a PCI Card).
   
   
3. Remove the riser-card cage:
   
   
   1. Check any cables connected to cards through the back-panel openings. Disconnect any cables that will not reach the riser-card cage once they are removed from the computer.
      
      
   2. Rotate the riser-card cage handle up and gently pull on the handle and lift the riser-card cage up and away from the computer.
      
      

1

riser-card cage

2

handle

4. If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create an empty card-slot opening.
   
   
5. If you are replacing a card that is already installed in the computer, remove the card.
   
   
6. If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.
   
   
7. Grasp the card by its corners, and ease it out of its connector.
   
   

NOTE: See the documentation that came with the card for information on configuring the card, making internal connections, or customizing it for your computer.

8. Prepare the new card for installation.
   
   

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.

9. Gently lift the release tab on the card retention latch from the inside to pivot the latch open. Pivot the latch until it snaps into the open position.
   
   

1	release tab	2	card retention latch	3	card
4	card-edge connector	5	card connector

10. Insert the card firmly into the card connector on the riser-card cage.
    
    
11. Secure the card(s) by closing the card retention latch and snapping it into place.
    
    
12. Replace the riser-card cage:
    
    
    1. Align the tabs in the side of the riser-card cage with the slots on the side of the computer, and slide the riser-card cage down into place.
       
       
    2. Ensure that the riser-card connectors are fully seated in the connectors on the system board.
       
       
    3. Rotate the riser-card cage handle to the down position.
       
       

1	riser-card cage	2	slots	3	riser cards (2)
4	system board connectors (2)

13. Reconnect any cables that you removed in step 3.
    
    

NOTICE: Do not route card cables over the cards. Cables routed over the cards can prevent the computer cover from closing properly or cause damage to the equipment.

14. Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.
    
    
15. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
    
    
16. If you installed a sound card:
    
    
    1. Enter system setup, select Integrated Audio from the Onboard Devices group, and change the setting to Off (see System Setup).
       
       
    2. Connect external audio devices to the sound card's connectors. Do not connect external audio devices to the line-in connector on the back panel of the computer (see Back-Panel Connectors).
       
       

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

17. If you installed a network adapter card and want to turn off the integrated network adapter:
    
    
    1. Enter system setup, select Integrated NIC from the Onboard Devices group, and change the setting to Off (see System Setup).
       
       
    2. Connect the network cable to the network adapter card's connectors. Do not connect the network cable to the integrated network connector on the back panel of the computer.
       
       
18. Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation.
    
    

Removing a PCI Card From the Riser-Card Cage

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
   
   
2. Remove the riser-card cage:
   
   
   1. Check any cables connected to cards through the back-panel openings. Disconnect any cables that will not reach the riser-card cage once they are removed from the computer.
      
      
   2. Rotate the riser-card cage handle up and gently pull on the handle and lift the riser-card cage up and away from the computer.
      
      

1

riser-card cage

2

handle

3. Gently lift the release tab on the card retention latch from the inside to pivot the latch open. Pivot the latch until it snaps into the open position.
   
   
4. If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.
   
   
5. Grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.
   
   
6. If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening.
   
   

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.

7. Before you close the card retention mechanism, 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.
     
     

NOTICE: Do not route card cables over the cards. Cables routed over the cards can prevent the computer cover from closing properly or cause damage to the equipment.

8. Secure any remaining card(s) by closing the card retention latch and snapping it into place.
   
   
9. Replace the riser-card cage:
   
   
   1. Align the tabs in the side of the riser-card cage with the slots on the side of the computer, and slide the riser-card cage down into place.
      
      
   2. Ensure that the riser-card connectors are fully seated in the connectors on the system board.
      
      
   3. Rotate the riser-card cage handle to the down position.
      
      

1	riser-card cage	2	slots	3	riser cards (2)
4	system board connectors (2)

10. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
    
    
11. Uninstall the card's driver. See the documentation that came with the card for instructions.
    
    
12. If you removed a sound card:
    
    
    1. Enter system setup, select Integrated Audio from the Onboard Devices group, and change the setting to On (see System Setup).
       
       
    2. Connect external audio devices to the audio connectors on the back panel of the computer.
       
       

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

13. If you removed a network-adapter card connector:
    
    
    1. Enter system setup, select Integrated NIC from the Onboard Devices group, and change the setting to On (see System Setup).
       
       
    2. Connect the network cable to the integrated network connector on the back panel of the computer.
       
       

PCI Express and DVI Cards

Your computer supports one low-profile PCI Express x16 card. If your computer contains a riser-card cage, you can not install a PCI Express DVI card because the riser-card cage blocks the DVI-card (DVI_HDR) connector on the system board.

If you are replacing a PCI Express card with a different type of PCI Express card, remove the current driver for the card from the operating system. See the documentation that came with the card for information.

Installing a PCI Express x16 Card or DVI-Card

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
   
   

NOTE: For PCI card locations, see System Board Components.

2. Gently lift the release tab on the card retention latch from the inside and pivot the latch open.
   
   
3. If you are installing a new PCI Express x16 card or DVI-card, remove the filler bracket to create a card-slot opening. Then continue with step 5.
   
   
4. If you are replacing a PCI Express x16 card or DVI-card, remove the installed card (see Removing a PCI Express x16 Card or DVI-Card). If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card. Then continue with step 6.
   
   
5. Prepare the card for installation.
   
   

NOTE: See the documentation that came with the card for information on configuring the card, making internal connections, or customizing it for your computer.

1	release tab	2	card retention latch	3	card
4	card-edge connector	5	card connector

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.

6. Place the card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is fully seated in the slot.
   
   

1

PCI Express x16 or DVI card

2

PCI Express x16 card connector

1

PCI Express x16 card

2

DVI card connector

3

PCI Express x16 card connector

1	fully seated card	2	not fully seated card	3	bracket within slot
4	bracket caught outside of slot

NOTICE: Do not route card cables over the cards. Cables routed over the cards can prevent the computer cover from closing properly or cause damage to the equipment.

7. Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.
   
   
8. Before you close the card retention mechanism, 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.
     
     
9. Secure the card(s) by closing the card retention latch and snapping it into place.
   
   
10. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
    
    

NOTE: See the documentation for the card for information about the card's cable connections.

11. If you installed a sound card:
    
    
    1. Enter system setup, select Integrated Audio from the Onboard Devices group, and change the setting to Off (see System Setup).
       
       
    2. Connect external audio devices to the sound card's connectors. Do not connect external audio devices to the line-in connector on the back panel of the computer (see Back-Panel Connectors).
       
       

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

12. If you installed a network adapter card and want to turn off the integrated network adapter:
    
    
    1. Enter system setup, select Integrated NIC from the Onboard Devices group, and change the setting to Off (see System Setup).
       
       
    2. Connect the network cable to the network adapter card's connectors. Do not connect the network cable to the integrated network connector on the back panel of the computer.
       
       
13. Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation.
    
    

Removing a PCI Express x16 Card or DVI-Card

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
   
   
2. Gently lift the release tab on the card retention latch from the inside to pivot the latch open. Pivot the latch until it snaps into the open position.
   
   
3. If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.
   
   
4. Press the lever with your thumb until you release the securing tab.
   
   

If you are removing a PCI Express x16 card, go to step 5.

If you are removing a DVI card, go to step 6

5. While pressing the lever, pull the card up and out of the card connector.
   
   

1	PCI Express x16 card	2	lever	3	securing slot (not all cards)
4	securing tab	5	PCI Express x16 card connector

6. While pressing the lever, pull the removal pull tab up and remove the card out of the card connector.
   
   

1	PCI Express x16 DVI-card	2	removal pull tab	3	DVI card connector
4	lever	5	securing slot	6	securing tab
7	PCI Express x16 card connector

7. If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening.
   
   

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.

8. Before you close the card retention mechanism, 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.
     
     
9. Secure any remaining card(s) by closing the card retention latch and snapping it into place.
   
   

NOTICE: Do not route card cables over the cards. Cables routed over the cards can prevent the computer cover from closing properly or cause damage to the equipment.

10. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
    
    

NOTE: See the documentation for the card for information about the card's cable connections.

11. Uninstall the card's driver. See the documentation that came with the card for instructions.
    
    
12. If you removed a sound card:
    
    
    1. Enter system setup, select Integrated Audio from the Onboard Devices group, and change the setting to On (see System Setup).
       
       
    2. Connect external audio devices to the audio connectors on the back panel of the computer.
       
       

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

13. If you removed a network-adapter card:
    
    
    1. Enter system setup, select Integrated NIC from the Onboard Devices group, and change the setting to On (see System Setup).
       
       
    2. Connect the network cable to the integrated network connector on the back panel of the computer.
       
       

Installing a PCI Express Card in the Riser-Card Cage

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
   
   
2. If applicable, remove the card installed in the PCI3 connector on the system board (see Removing a PCI Card).
   
   
3. Remove the riser-card cage:
   
   
   1. Check any cables connected to cards through the back-panel openings. Disconnect any cables that will not reach the riser-card cage once they are removed from the computer.
      
      
   2. Rotate the riser-card cage up and gently pull on the handle and lift the riser-card cage up and away from the computer.
      
      

1

riser-card cage

2

handle

4. If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket to create an empty card-slot opening.
   
   

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 corners, and ease it out of its connector.

NOTE: See the documentation that came with the card for information on configuring the card, making internal connections, or customizing it for your computer.

5. Prepare the new card for installation.
   
   

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.

6. Gently lift the release tab on the card retention latch from the inside to pivot the latch open. Pivot the latch until it snaps into the open position.
   
   

1	release tab	2	card retention latch	3	card
4	card-edge connector	5	card connector

7. Insert the card firmly into the card connector on the riser-card cage.
   
   

1

PCI Express x16 card

2

PCI Express x16 card connector

8. Secure the card(s) by closing the card retention latch and snapping it into place.
   
   
9. Replace the riser-card cage:
   
   
   1. Align the tabs in the side of the riser-card cage with the slots on the side of the computer, and slide the riser-card cage down into place.
      
      
   2. Ensure that the riser-card connectors are fully seated in the connectors on the system board.
      
      
   3. Rotate the riser-card cage handle to the down position.
      
      

1	riser-card cage	2	slots	3	riser cards (2)
4	system board connectors (2)

NOTICE: Do not route card cables over the cards. Cables routed over the cards can prevent the computer cover from closing properly or cause damage to the equipment.

10. Reconnect any cables that you removed in step 3.
    
    
11. Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.
    
    
12. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
    
    
13. If you installed a sound card:
    
    
    1. Enter system setup, select Integrated Audio from the Onboard Devices group, and change the setting to Off (see System Setup).
       
       
    2. Connect external audio devices to the sound card's connectors. Do not connect external audio devices to the line-in connector on the back panel of the computer (see Back-Panel Connectors).
       
       

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

14. If you installed a network adapter card and want to turn off the integrated network adapter:
    
    
    1. Enter system setup, select Integrated NIC from the Onboard Devices group, and change the setting to Off (see System Setup).
       
       
    2. Connect the network cable to the network adapter card's connectors. Do not connect the network cable to the integrated network connector on the back panel of the computer.
       
       
15. Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation.
    
    

Removing a PCI Express Card From the Riser-Card Cage

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
   
   
2. Remove the riser-card cage:
   
   
   1. Check any cables connected to cards through the back-panel openings. Disconnect any cables that will not reach the riser-card cage once they are removed from the computer.
      
      
   2. Rotate the riser-card cage handle up and gently pull on the handle and lift the riser-card cage up and away from the computer.
      
      

1

riser-card cage

2

handle

3. Gently lift the release tab on the card retention latch from the inside to pivot the latch open. Pivot the latch until it snaps into the open position.
   
   
4. If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the card.
   
   
5. Press the lever with your thumb until you release the securing tab.
   
   
6. While pressing the lever, pull the card up and out of the card connector.
   
   

1	PCI Express x16 card	2	lever	3	securing slot (not all cards)
4	securing tab	5	PCI Express x16 card connector

7. If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening.
   
   

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.

8. Before you close the card retention mechanism, 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.
     
     
9. Secure any remaining card(s) by closing the card retention latch and snapping it into place.
   
   

NOTICE: Do not route card cables over the cards. Cables routed over the cards can prevent the computer cover from closing properly or cause damage to the equipment.

10. Replace the riser-card cage:
    
    
    1. Align the tabs in the side of the riser-card cage with the slots on the side of the computer, and slide the riser-card cage down into place.
       
       
    2. Ensure that the riser-card connectors are fully seated in the connectors on the system board.
       
       
    3. Rotate the riser-card cage handle to the down position.
       
       

1	riser-card cage	2	slots	3	riser cards (2)
4	system board connectors (2)

11. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
    
    
12. Uninstall the card's driver. See the documentation that came with the card for instructions.
    
    
13. If you removed a sound card:
    
    
    1. Enter system setup, select Integrated Audio from the Onboard Devices group, and change the setting to On (see System Setup).
       
       
    2. Connect external audio devices to the audio connectors on the back panel of the computer.
       
       

NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then plug it into the computer.

14. If you removed a network-adapter card connector:
    
    
    1. Enter system setup, select Integrated NIC from the Onboard Devices group, and change the setting to On (see System Setup).
       
       
    2. Connect the network cable to the integrated network connector on the back panel of the computer.
       
       

PS/2 Serial Port Adapters

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

NOTICE: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer's electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.

Installing a PS/2 Serial Port Adapter

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
   
   
2. Gently lift the release tab on the card retention latch from the inside to pivot the latch open. Pivot the latch until it snaps into the open position.
   
   
3. Remove the filler bracket (if applicable).
   
   

NOTE: See the documentation that came with the adapter for information on configuring the adapter, making internal connections, or customizing it for your computer.

4. Align the PS/2 serial-port adapter bracket in the retention slot and press down firmly. Ensure that the adapter is fully seated in the slot.
   
   
5. Before you close the card retention mechanism, 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.
     
     
6. Secure the card(s) by closing the card retention latch and snapping it into place.
   
   

NOTICE: Do not route card cables over the cards. Cables routed over the cards can prevent the computer cover from closing properly or cause damage to the equipment.

1	release tab	2	adapter retention latch	3	serial-port adapter bracket
4	serial port adapter connector	5	serial port adapter system board connector (PS2/SER2)

7. Connect the adapter cable to the PS/2 serial port adapter connector (PS2/SER2) on the system board (see System Board Components).
   
   

NOTE: See the documentation for the PS/2 serial port adapter for information about the cable connections.

8. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
   
   

Removing a PS/2 Serial Port Adapter

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
   
   
2. Gently lift the release tab on the card retention latch from the inside to pivot the latch open. Pivot the latch until it snaps into the open position.
   
   
3. Disconnect the PS/2 serial-port cable from the system board (see System Board Components).
   
   
4. Grasp the PS/2 serial-port adapter bracket by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.
   
   
5. If you are removing the adapter permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening.
   
   

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.

6. Before you close the card retention mechanism, 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.
     
     
7. Secure any remaining card(s) by closing the card retention latch and snapping it into place.
   
   
8. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
   
   

Installing a Serial Port Adapter in the Riser-Card Cage

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
   
   
2. Remove the riser-card cage:
   
   
   1. Check any cables connected to cards through the back-panel openings. Disconnect any cables that will not reach the riser-card cage once they are removed from the computer.
      
      
   2. Rotate the riser-card cage handle up and gently pull on the handle and lift the riser-card cage up and away from the computer.
      
      

1

riser-card cage

2

handle

3

riser cards (2)

3. Gently lift the release tab on the card retention latch from the inside to pivot the latch open. Pivot the latch until it snaps into the open position.
   
   
4. If you are installing a new serial port adapter, remove the filler bracket to create an empty card-slot opening.
   
   
5. If you are replacing an adapter that is already installed in the computer, remove the adapter.
   
   
6. If necessary, disconnect any cables connected to the adapter.
   
   
7. Grasp the serial port adapter by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.
   
   
8. Prepare the serial port adapter for installation.
   
   

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, be sure to unplug your computer from its electrical outlet before installing any cards or adapters.

9. Align the PS/2 serial-port adapter bracket in the retention slot and press down firmly. Ensure that the adapter is fully seated in the slot.
   
   
10. Before you close the card retention mechanism, 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.
      
      
11. Secure the card(s) by closing the card retention latch and snapping it into place.
    
    

NOTICE: Do not route card cables over the cards. Cables routed over the cards can prevent the computer cover from closing properly or cause damage to the equipment.

12. Connect the adapter cable to the PS/2 serial port adapter connector (PS2/SER2) on the system board (see System Board Components).
    
    
13. Replace the riser-card cage:
    
    
    1. Align the tabs in the side of the riser-card cage with the slots on the side of the computer, and slide the riser-card cage down into place.
       
       
    2. Ensure that the riser-card connectors are fully seated in the connectors on the system board.
       
       
    3. Rotate the riser-card cage handle to the down position.
       
       
14. Connect any disconnected cables.
    
    
15. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
    
    
16. Install any drivers required for the serial port adapter.
    
    

Removing a Serial Port Adapter From the Riser-Card Cage

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
   
   
2. Remove the riser-card cage:
   
   
   1. Check any cables connected to cards through the back-panel openings. Disconnect any cables that will not reach the riser-card cage once they are removed from the computer.
      
      
   2. Rotate the riser-card cage handle up and gently pull on the handle and lift the riser-card cage up and away from the computer.
      
      

1

riser-card cage

2

handle

3

riser cards (2)

3. Gently lift the release tab on the card retention latch from the inside to pivot the latch open. Pivot the latch until it snaps into the open position.
   
   
4. Disconnect the PS/2 serial-port cable from the system board (see System Board Components).
   
   
5. Grasp the PS/2 serial-port adapter bracket by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.
   
   
6. If you are removing the adapter permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening.
   
   

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.

7. Before you close the card retention mechanism, 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.
     
     
8. Secure the card(s) by closing the card retention latch and snapping it into place.
   
   
9. Replace the riser-card cage:
   
   
   1. Align the tabs in the side of the riser-card cage with the slots on the side of the computer, and slide the riser-card cage down into place.
      
      
   2. Ensure that the riser-card connectors are fully seated in the connectors on the system board.
      
      
   3. Rotate the riser-card cage handle to the down position.
      
      
10. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
    
    
11. Uninstall the adapter's driver. See the documentation that came with the adapter for instructions.
    
    

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