3

TROUBLESHOOTING

INSTALLATION PROBLEMS

This chapter explains how to use troubleshooting techniques and 3Com diagnostic programs to isolate and solve problems that may occur when you install the 3C900B NIC.

If you have trouble installing your 3C900B NIC, follow these basic troubleshooting tips before you run the diagnostic programs.

CAUTION: Before inserting or removing the NIC from the PC, turn the PC power off.

Check the NIC installation by reviewing Chapter 1. Make sure that the NIC is seated correctly in the slot. Check for specific hardware problems, such as broken traces or loose or broken solder connections.

Inspect all cables and connections. Check the length and rating of the cable. Make sure that the cable complies with 10BASE-T recommendations.

Make sure that you are running the latest BIOS for your PC. If your BIOS has not been upgraded in the previous 12 months, contact your PC manufacturer to obtain the current version of your BIOS software.

Replace the failed NIC with a working NIC and run the diagnostic tests again, using the same option 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 D.

Running Diagnostic Programs

This section provides information about how to run 3Com diagnostic programs to resolve problems that may occur during NIC installation. If you are running DOS, Windows 3.x, Windows for Workgroups, or Windows NT 3.51, use the 3Com DOS diagnostic program. If you are running Windows 95 or Windows NT 4.0, use the 3Com NIC Diagnostics program.

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3Com XLPCI manual Troubleshooting, Running Diagnostic Programs