How to Install a PCI Serial Port Driver

If your PCI card is plug-and-play, it is not necessary that you install the PCI serial port driver. In this case the computer automatically detects, identifies, and locates the device. Once identified, the computer then checks if the device is already installed. If it is, the PCI serial port driver will be automatically loaded and the device is ready for use. Sometimes, however, the system doesn’t work that way. One of the reasons why this happens is that the PCI card is unknown to the computer. Installing a PCI serial port driver will solve this problem.

Step 1 – Plug the PCI Serial Port into a PCI Slot

Unplug the central processing unit (CPU) from the electrical outlet. Remove the CPU cover by unscrewing the screws or pulling the panel back. Look for the motherboard. This is the biggest board in the CPU and typically wears a green background. Find an empty PCI slot, also called a PCI bus. It looks like a bar with holes for the PCI serial port’s pins. Plug the serial port into the PCI slot by matching the serial port’s edge with the port. Cover the CPU and turn on the computer.

Step 2 – Wait for the Computer to Identify the PCI Serial Port

The computer’s system BIOS initiates the plug-and-play BIOS. This scans for any hardware connected to the PCI bus and then asks for the detected PCI serial port’s identification. The port identifies itself and the port slot sends the message to the BIOS, which will then check any configuration data for the PCI serial port. Normally, the operating system can identify the device and then find and load the drivers. The device is successfully installed and ready for use if a window opens up, correctly identifying the newly installed hardware. Otherwise, the operating system will respond differently.

Various operating systems have varying responses. In Windows XP, the “Found New Hardware Wizard” opens up. But in Windows 7, the official Windows update website will automatically search for the PCI serial port driver. Choose the traditional way of installing the PCI serial port driver instead.

Step 3 – Install the PCI Serial Port Driver

PCI serial ports come with installation CDs. Insert this CD and follow its installation wizard instructions. If the CD is unavailable, download the PCI serial port driver from the device’s official website. Also check file-sharing websites for the driver’s copy. Choose the PCI serial port driver made for your operating system. Once downloaded, unzip the file and look for the “setup.exe,” “install.exe,” or any similar file that could launch the device’s installation wizard. Install the PCI serial port driver by following the instructions on screen. Restart the computer after installing the driver.

Step 4 – Check the PCI Serial Port

The PCI serial port is successfully installed if your computer has correctly identified it. A window will open up telling you that the device is installed. If not, check the device on My Computer by right clicking on the icon and choosing “Properties.” Select the “Hardware” tab and click on “Device Manager.” The PCI serial port should appear in the list of devices.

Run the troubleshoot feature to scan and fix problems with the device. If you can’t still use it as expected, try to install the PCI serial port driver again. Consult a professional computer technician if the same problem happens.