Pre-Installation Checklist; Nic Installation - 3Com EtherLink 3C985B-SX Installation And User Manual

2 Installing the NIC Hardware

Pre-Installation Checklist

1 Check that your system meets the hardware and software requirements listed in the table on
page 11.
2 Verify that your system is using the latest BIOS.
3 Review the information in the readme file on the CD-ROM for important information not available
at the time this manual was printed.
NOTE: If you acquired the NIC software on a floppy disk or from the 3Com Web site, please check the
appropriate source for the most recent information.
4 If your system is active, shut it down.
5 When system shutdown is complete, power OFF your system.
6 Holding the NIC card by the edges, remove it from its shipping package it and place it on an anti-
static surface.
7 Check the NIC for visible signs of damage, particularly on the card's edge connector. Never attempt
to install any damaged NIC.
If the NIC is damaged, report it to your 3Com Customer Support Representative. For more information, see
"Contacting 3Com" on page 1.

NIC Installation

To install the NIC in your system, perform the following procedure.
1 Observe all precautions and pre-installation instructions on page 11.
Before installing the NIC, ensure the system power is OFF, and proper electrical grounding procedures have
been followed.
2 Remove the system cover, and select any empty PCI slot.
If you do not know how to identify a PCI slot, refer to your system documentation.
3 Remove the blank cover-plate from the slot that you selected. Retain the screw so that it can be
replaced later.
4 Holding the PCI card by the edges, align the NIC's connector edge with the PCI connector dock in
the system.
NOTE: The connector dock in a 32-bit PCI slot is shorter than in a 64-bit PCI slot. Although the NIC is
designed to fit in either slot type, when installed in a 32-bit PCI slot, part of the NIC's connector edge will
remain undocked. This is perfectly normal.
5 Applying even pressure at both corners of the card, push the NIC card until it is firmly seated in the
PCI slot.
CAUTION: Do not use excessive force when seating the card, as this may damage the system or the NIC. If
the card resists seating, remove it from the system, realign it, and try again.
When properly seated, the NIC's port connectors will be aligned with the slot opening, and its faceplate will
be flush against the system chassis.
6 Use the screw removed in step 3 to secure the NIC in the PCI card cage.
12