Technical Information

PCI Installation Tips

PCI computers are designed to automatically configure add-in cards each time the computer starts. Your PCI computer sets the I/O address and IRQ level for your network controller when the computer starts. These values cannot be changed by Intel adapter software. If you experience a problem when the computer starts, additional configuration steps may be required.

On these computers, manual configuration is possible through the computer’s PCI BIOS setup utility. Refer to your computer’s documentation. You may need to verify or change some BIOS settings.

Some common PCI solutions are listed here.

•Busmaster-enabled slots. On some computers, all slots are not busmaster enabled by default. Check your BIOS PCI bus setting. It will be set to either Busmaster or Non-busmastered. Choose Busmaster.

•Reserve interrupts (IRQs) and/or memory addresses for ISA adapters. This prevents PCI cards from trying to use the same settings ISA cards are using. Check your PCI BIOS setup program. There may be IRQ options such as Enable for ISA, Reserve for ISA, or Disable for PCI.’ This option is sometimes in the Plug and Play area of the BIOS setup.

•Enable the PCI slot. In some PCI computers, you must use the PCI BIOS setup program to enable the PCI slot. This is especially common in PCI computers with the PhoenixBIOS*.

•Update your PCI BIOS. An updated PCI system BIOS can correct some PCI configuration problems. Call your computer manufacturer to see if an updated BIOS version is available for your computer. Phone numbers for the top PCI computer manufacturers are listed in the PCI Installation readme file on the Configuration and Drivers disk.

28 Intel EtherExpress PRO/100+ TX PCI LAN Controller User’s Guide