Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: How do I use a PC Card in my notebook?

A: Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) is an international trade association and standards body. PCMCIA is also used to describe PC Cards themselves, often referred to as PCMCIA Cards. PC Cards are small form factor devices that are used in a variety of applications and devices.

Some types of PC Cards include: ATA Flash, PC Card Read-Writers, CompactFlash®, PC Card Ethernet Adapters, PC Card Fax/Data Modems, PC CardBus IEEE1394 FireWire™ Adapters, PC Card Hard Drives, Linear Flash, PC Card MIDI Interfaces, MultiMediaCard, PC Card SCSI Adapters, PC Card Serial I/O, SmartMedia®, Software for Card and Socket Services, PC Card SRAM, PC CardBus to USB Adapters, PC CardBus to USB Adapters, and PC Card Video Interfaces.

You do not need to restart the computer when changing most cards, because this computer supports hot-swapping. Hot-swapping means that you can insert a PC Card while your computer is running. If your PC Card does not work after hot-swapping, see the PC Card manufacturer's documentation for further information.

Note: Some notebooks ship with a slot protector in the PC Card slot. To protect the open slot, replace this protector when the PC Card is not in use.

Inserting a PC Card

  1. Release the PC Card eject button by pressing the PC Card eject button once.

  2. Press the eject button again to remove any slot protector from the PC Card slot.

  3. Push the card firmly into the PC Card slot label-side up until the outer edge of the card is flush with the side of the computer.

    Note: To have the eject button recessed back into the case while using the PC card, press the eject button in before inserting the PC card.

Removing a PC Card

  1. On the taskbar, click the remove hardware icon Remove Hardware icon. Click to select the PC Card name, and then click Stop.

    Note: If the remove hardware icon does not appear on the taskbar, click the show hidden icons button Show Hidden Icons.

  2. Release the eject button by pressing the PC Card eject button once.

  3. Eject the PC Card by pressing the eject button again.

  4. If applicable, replace the PC Card slot protector.

Note: Unless using the PC eject button to remove a card, verify that the eject button is not extended. Protruding ejector button may be damaged when moving or transporting your notebook.