Compaq 1600 Series manual Vendor-Provided PC Card Software

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Vendor-Provided PC Card Software

PC Card vendors provide the following types of PC Card software:

Card-specific device driver – If needed, install a card-specific device driver in Windows. It is important to be certain you are installing only a card-specific device driver. Installing the wrong software can limit the card’s ability to work properly. If diskettes are not clearly labeled or the instructions are unclear, call your PC Card vendor for more specific information.

Direct or point enabler – An enabler is proprietary software, which means it is designed to support only the card it comes with. An enabler can prevent your computer from working with other PC Cards. When an enabler is used, you lose the benefits of your existing PC Card software. You lose features such as Power Management, Sleep, Hibernation, support for other PC Cards, and the ability to hot plug (to insert cards without restarting your computer).

Enabler software should only be installed by an experienced user. In fact, an enabler is rarely needed.

NOTE: An enabler can disable your computer’s ability to function with another PC Card. As a precaution, copy your important files to a diskette before installing an

+enabler.

NOTE: All Compaq computers with PC Card slots already have PC Card software loaded. Do not install vendor-provided Card and Socket Services.