Troubleshooting The Network Connection - 3Com 3CR990-FX-97 User Manual

7 Troubleshooting the NIC

Troubleshooting the Network Connection

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If you are prompted for 3Com files when Windows restarts, open the drop-down box
and select the following path:
\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.
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
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connection
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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
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databases
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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
Inspect all cables and connections. Make sure the cable complies with
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 100BASE-FX
recommendations.
3Com Knowledgebase
3Com NIC Help system
Release Notes and Frequently Asked Questions