7Troubleshooting the NIC
If you are prompted for 3Com files when Windows restarts, open the
\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 | |
| 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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