SMC Networks Ethernet ISA Network Cards manual Appendix B Troubleshooting, Clean Boot

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APPENDIX B

TROUBLESHOOTING

"Clean Boot"

Many installation problems are caused by incompatible device drivers and resource conflicts. The best way to troubleshoot your installation is to boot your computer without the AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files.

Reboot your computer using the BIOS Option, such as pressing <F5>, which allows you to bypass all startup files. Otherwise, create a bootable system diskette or rename AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS to other names and re-boot your computer.

You may run the Microsoft Diagnostics program, which is avail- able from:

•DOS version 6.0 and later - by typing MSD at the DOS prompt

•Windows NT 3.x, 4.0 - by clicking on Windows NT Diagnostics icon in the Administrative Tools program group

•Windows95 - by typing MSD at the Windows95 DOS window

B-1

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Contents EZ Card User Guide For SMC’s EZ Card ISA Network Card Trademarks About this Guide Order Number DescriptionEZ Card 10 ISA Models Package Contents Installing the Card Configuring the CardQuick Start Program Menu Vii Viii NetWare Client Operating System Software InstallationOther Operating Systems Including Windows95 and NT Software Installation ScreenQuick Start Table of Contents Glossary Index Limited Warranty Compliances SpecificationsList of Tables List of FiguresChapter Hardware Description LAN ConnectorsActivity Status ACT Link Status LnkDefault Setup Chapter Hardware SettingsManual Setup Plug and Play Environment Manual SetupBase Address Jumperless Environment only Changing the SettingsMedium Type Full DuplexBoot ROM Interrupt Jumperless Environment onlyCommonly Used IRQ Channels Commonly Used Memory Addresses Figure A-1. Main Menu Appendix a DiagnosticsDiagnose the Card Figure A-2. On-Board DiagnosticsFigure A-3. Eeprom Test Network DiagnosticsFigure A-5. On-Network Diagnostics Initiator Screen Clean Boot Appendix B TroubleshootingSuggestions Problems and SolutionsSymptoms Possible CausePossible Causes SymptomPin Number Assignment RJ-45 ConnectorTable C-1. RJ-45 Connector Pin Assignments Appendix C PIN AssignmentsTable C.2. AUI Connector Pin Assignments AUI ConnectorGeneral Appendix D SpecificationsOperating Environment EMC/Safety ComplianceOperating Temperature Power RequirementsNetwork Drivers Boot ROM Appendix E GlossaryAUI Attachment Unit Interface Frame BroadcastCollision DriverRJ-45 Connector NetWareUnshielded Twisted-Pair Cable UTP Index Index Limited Warranty Limited Warranty Compliances FCC Class BCdoc Class B Vcci Class B Australia AS/NZS 3548 EC ConformityPrinted on recycled paper

Ethernet ISA Network Cards specifications

SMC Networks, known for its innovative networking solutions, produced Ethernet ISA network cards that made significant contributions to the realm of computer networking during the late 20th century. These cards represented a pivotal development in the transition from traditional networking to more modern, high-speed connections, catering to the needs of both businesses and home users.

One of the main features of SMC Networks Ethernet ISA network cards was their ability to provide a reliable wired connection using the Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus. This interface facilitated an easy installation process on compatible devices, ensuring plug-and-play capabilities and broad compatibility with various operating systems available at the time, such as DOS and early versions of Windows. Users appreciated the straightforward setup process, which allowed even less technical individuals to integrate networking functions into their computers seamlessly.

SMC's Ethernet ISA network cards typically supported a data transmission rate of 10 Mbps, which was the standard speed for Ethernet technology during their prime. This speed, while modest by today’s standards, represented a significant improvement over older serial and parallel communication methods, allowing for faster file transfers and improved networking capabilities among connected devices.

The cards also featured an onboard 12-pin connector for attaching an external transceiver, supporting twisted pair cabling and coaxial connections. This versatility allowed users to choose their preferred cabling solutions based on their specific network environment. Furthermore, the Ethernet ISA cards supported the CSMA/CD protocol, which effectively managed data collisions in a shared network environment, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of data transmission.

Durability and robust design characterized SMC Networks’ approach to network card manufacturing. The cards were built to withstand the demands of various operating environments, ensuring stable performance over extended periods. Additionally, the compatibility with several popular networking protocols made these cards suitable for a broad range of applications, from simple peer-to-peer networks to more complex enterprise systems.

Overall, SMC Networks Ethernet ISA network cards played a crucial role in evolving networking technologies. Their reliable performance, ease of installation, and compatibility made them a valuable asset for organizations and individuals looking to harness the power of computer networking effectively. As technology advanced, these cards paved the way for the development of faster and more sophisticated networking solutions that we rely on today.