Will installing wireless pci card disable wired networking?

Question

I tried searching in support and on the forums, to no avail, so I appreciate any help!   I have a latitude c600 and my currently installed network adapter is a 3com 10/100 mini pci ethernet adapter. I currently connect to the internet with an ethernet cord to my cable broadband modem. (just so you know, I'm not very tech-knowledgeable, so a lot of this doesn't mean much to me!) Anyway, a year or so ago, I got a Dell Wireless TrueMobile 1300 wireless mini pci card. I have read all the user manuals and instructions, and when I went to install it, I realized I'd be removing my ethernet card. Do I want to do this? Will I not be able to connect to wired networks then?   Also, I wasn't sure how to disconnect the cables. All they say in the instructions is 'disconnect the cables'  Do you just yank them out? That didn't seem right as I was trying to do it.   FYI--The whole reason I'm doing this is to set up a wireless network for the main purpose of printing--my usb port is loose (there's only 1 on the c600), a problem that conveniently happened a few years ago right as my warranty was expiring. And, short of replacing the motherboard, there isn't much else I can do that I know of (do tell, if you have other solutions!). I'm trying to put off buying a new laptop as long as possible. I've already survived 2 years b/c I mainly surf the net. I connect my camera and ipod via the usb which has created some problems, but usually, I can manage just long enough for that. Now, I'm trying to print resumes, and going to kinkos is getting old!   Any advice on any of my issues would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

DELL-Donald K · Answer

return the mini-pci card, get a PCMCIA WIRELESS CARD  then you have both

oohlala · Answer

Thanks!!--I'm about to do just that. though, I can't return it because it was sent to me by Dell, I guess as an included system upgrade or something (it just showed up one day in the mail!), but since i need to buy a router anyway, I'm going to get a bundle and get the wireless pcmcia.

jrsc · Answer

I kinda did the opposite.  I really hate the position of the wired connection on my C800, which is on the side of the palm rest of mine.  So I got a PCMCIA 10/100 56k card a while ago so the network cabel would rout closer to the LCD screen instead of the palm rest area so I have more room for my mouse when its on my desk or table.   Now I'm using the wireless miniPCI card for my wireless connection.  Either way will work.  I say do what costs less.

oohlala · Answer

Another good suggestion. Thanks. I bought a wireless pcmcia card this weekend and installed it. I don't know if the router or card is to blame, but the it won't keep a wireless connection, but the good news is through the router, I was able to connect with a wire and print at least...so that's an improvement.  I think it's the cheap router/card I bought I might return it and get a more reputable one.

Locked Topics – Laptops General

Will installing wireless pci card disable wired networking?

Was this post helpful?