How to Install the Realtek RTL8187 Wi-Fi Card on a Windows XP System

====================================================================

The Realtek RTL8187 is an older IEEE802.11b/g wireless network card that was widely used in budget laptops and desktops during the early 2000s. Although its popularity has waned with newer, faster standards like dual-band 5GHz AC devices becoming more common, there are still many systems out there running Windows XP which may require this particular piece of hardware for internet connectivity.

In this article, we'll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to install the Realtek RTL8187 Wi-Fi card under Microsoft's defunct operating system. Please note that these instructions assume your computer has an available PCI or Mini-PCI slot and can boot from a CD/DVD drive; if not, please consult with a professional for assistance.

Hardware Requirements

----------------

* A compatible motherboard with a free PCIe/Mini-PCIe slot (depending on the card type)

* An empty 32-bit IDE hard disk (if using an older laptop model without onboard storage)

Software Requirements

-------------------

### Operating System

* Windows XP Service Pack 2 or higher (SP3 recommended for better stability and security patches)

### Drivers & Utilities

1. Download 'Realtek RTL8187 drivers'(https://www.realtek.com/en/driver) from the official Realtek website.

2. Extract all files to a temporary folder on your desktop.

Installation Steps

--------------

Step 1: Physically Install the Card

1. Shut down your computer completely by pressing and holding both power buttons for at least 10 seconds if it won't turn off normally.

2. Remove any expansion cards from their slots (e.g., graphics, sound).

3. Locate the PCIe/Mini-PCIe slot(s) on your motherboard depending on whether you have a desktop or laptop system respectively.

For desktops:

- Remove all screws holding down the case panel to expose internal components.

- Carefully disconnect any cables connected to the onboard Wi-Fi module (if present).

4. Insert the Realtek RTL8187 card into one of these available slots at an angle, then gently push it in until you hear a click.

Step 2: Install Drivers & Utilities

1. Reinsert all expansion cards removed earlier and reattach any cables connected to them.

2. Turn on your computer by plugging the power cord back in or pressing the power button if using an ATX form factor motherboard.

3. Enter BIOS setup (usually F8/DEL key during boot) and disable both onboard Wi-Fi modules under 'Advanced'/'Integrated Peripherals'.

4. Save changes & exit without rebooting.

Step 3: Install Realtek RTL8187 Drivers

1. Insert the Windows XP installation disc into your optical drive.

2. Navigate to 'Start' > 'Control Panel'

3. Double-click on 'Device Manager'

4. In Device Manager, right-click on 'Network Adapters', then select 'Update driver...'

5. Choose 'Browse my computer for drivers (recommended)'

6. Browse to the folder containing the extracted Realtek RTL8187 drivers and double-click on the INF file ending with '.inf'.

7. Follow any prompts presented by Windows to complete the installation process.

Troubleshooting Tips

----------------

* If you encounter issues during driver installation, try running the Device Manager as an administrator by right-clicking it in 'Start' > 'All Programs', then selecting 'Run as Administrator'.

* Ensure that both onboard and Realtek drivers are completely removed before attempting to reinstall.

* For systems with dual or quad core processors: Enable Hyper-Threading (HT) under BIOS if available for improved performance.

-------

With these steps, you should now have successfully installed the Realtek RTL8187 Wi-Fi card on your Windows XP system. Remember that older hardware may not be supported by newer operating systems and software vendors; thus it's essential to keep both drivers & utilities up-to-date whenever possible for optimal functionality.

Hope this article has been helpful! If you experience any further difficulties or have additional questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.

Atheros wlan xp