3Com 3CR990-FX-97 manual Troubleshooting the Network Connection, Tip Description

7Troubleshooting the NIC

If you are prompted for 3Com files when Windows restarts, open the drop-down box and select the following path:

\options\cabs

See Chapter 3, “Installing NIC Drivers and Diagnostics For Windows,” for information about confirming that the NIC and driver are properly installed.

After the driver has been reinstalled, reinstall the 3Com NIC Diagnostics program. See “Installing the 3Com NIC Diagnostics Program” on page 26 for instructions.

Troubleshooting the Network Connection

If you encounter problems with using the NIC or connecting to the network, check the table below for troubleshooting tips.

CAUTION: Before inserting or removing the NIC from the computer, turn the computer power off and unplug the power cord.

Tip	Description
Check the NIC	Make sure the NIC is installed correctly in a PCI slot. Check for specific
hardware installation	hardware problems, such as broken traces or loose or broken solder
	connections. See “Installing and Connecting the NIC” on page 14.
Check the NIC	Make that the NIC software is installed correctly in the computer.
software installation	See Chapter 3, “Installing NIC Drivers and Diagnostics For Windows,” for
	information about confirming that the NIC and driver are properly installed.
Check the network	■ Inspect all cables and connections. Make sure the cable complies with
connection	length and rating specifications described in “Installing and Connecting
	the NIC” on page 14.
	■ Examine the cable for obvious signs of damage, wear, or crimping.
	Substitute a known working cable. Check the length and rating of the
	cable. Make sure that the cable complies with 100BASE-FX
	recommendations.
Check the	Make sure you are running the latest BIOS for your computer. If the BIOS has
computer BIOS	not been upgraded in the previous 12 months, consult the computer
	manufacturer to obtain the current version of the BIOS software.
Run the NIC	Run the NIC and Network Tests, as described in Chapter 8, “Running NIC
diagnostic tests	Diagnostics.”
	If the tests fail, replace the NIC with a known working NIC and run the tests
	again, using the same configuration settings as those used on the failed NIC. If
	the working NIC passes all tests, the original NIC is probably defective. For
	information on product repair, see Appendix E, “Technical Support.”
Check the	Review the known problems and solutions found in the following areas:
3Com support	■ 3Com Knowledgebase
databases
	■ 3Com NIC Help system
	■ Release Notes and Frequently Asked Questions
	See “Accessing 3Com Support Databases” on page 56 for instructions on
	using these databases.
Download the latest	The 3Com Software Library is your World Wide Web connection to software,
NIC driver	drivers, and INF files for all 3Com products. Point your browser to the 3Com
	Web page (http://www.3com.com/). Under Service and Support, click
	Software, Drivers & INFs.
Run the Clean Up	The Clean Up Failed Installation program is located on the EtherCD. See
Failed Installation	“Cleaning Up a Broken Installation” on page 57 for instructions.
program

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