PCI firewire card install w/XP home sp2 ?

[Mary Fowler Leek]

To install a new PCI firewire card with XP home sp2, will it require anything other than seating it properly in the open PCI slot (and perhaps installing included drivers)?

There are no internal power cables for this type of card, are there?

Is one brand pretty much the same as another if specs are equal?

I'm assuming most new firewire cards are plug and play but thought I'd best ask before ordering.

These are ones I'm considering:
http://www.provantage.com/YSIIG15K.htm

http://www.provantage.com/buy-22070262-addonics-firewire-pci-host-adapter-3-port-shopping.htm

Thank you for your help.

Mary

 

[mark]

Mary,
When using WinXP, it is always best to consult the Hardware Compatibility
List first to see if the hardware has passed Microsofts testing for that
product. I did not see either one of your chosen cards on that list. This
doesn't mean they won't work, but it does mean you could experience problems
with them after installation or later on. You can review the list here if
you would like...

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ca...ryl3&pgn=c74c344f-8bf6-45fb-b261-7ec209f12050

Also, when you find a card, make sure you are grounded before placing it in
the open slot. You can do this by ensuring the computer is plugged into a
power strip--and the power strip into the outlet. Turn the power strip OFF,
but keep it plugged in. That will keep the system grounded. Then, after
you remove the cover to the case, always make sure you are touching or
holding the metal case. That will ground you. If your machine is connected
to a UPS, you will have to unplug it from the UPS and plug it into the power
strip directly. Just make sure the power strip is off before you reach into
the case.
If you buy a PCI Firewire card (which is like what you originally chose),
then the power comes from the slot itself. There are no internal power
cords.
After you install the card, close the case and reboot, Windows will
recognize new hardware found. It will either install its own drivers, or
prompt you for a driver disk if it doesn't have the correct drivers.
Hope this helps,

mark



To install a new PCI firewire card with XP home sp2, will it require
anything other than seating it properly in the open PCI slot (and perhaps
installing included drivers)?

There are no internal power cables for this type of card, are there?

Is one brand pretty much the same as another if specs are equal?

I'm assuming most new firewire cards are plug and play but thought I'd best
ask before ordering.

These are ones I'm considering:
http://www.provantage.com/YSIIG15K.htm

http://www.provantage.com/buy-22070262-addonics-firewire-pci-host-adapter-3-port-shopping.htm

Thank you for your help.

Mary

 

[Bob Davis]

To install a new PCI firewire card with XP home sp2, will it require
anything other
than seating it properly in the open PCI slot (and perhaps installing
included
drivers)?

No drivers needed for XP, just install the hardware, power on the computer,
and XP will theoretically install the card seamlessly. Make sure you are
grounded and static is released before handling any hardware.

There are no internal power cables for this type of card, are there?
No.

Is one brand pretty much the same as another if specs are equal?

These are ones I'm considering:
http://www.provantage.com/YSIIG15K.htm
http://www.provantage.com/buy-22070262-addonics-firewire-pci-host....

You can find generic FW adapters on eBay for less, and all that I've seen
use either Via or TI chipsets, which are industry standards. There may be
differences in quality of construction, but it would be hard to tell which
are better. Indeed, the cheapies may be the same as the others without the
brand name.