Knowledge Base

Bus-Mastering SCSI Controller Problem with Etherlink 16/16TP

Article ID: 122959

Article Last Modified on 10/10/1999

Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.11

This article was previously published under Q122959

SYMPTOMS

When you are using a 3Com EtherLink 16 (3C507) or EtherLink l6 TP (3C507TP) network adapter, one or more of the following problems may occur:

Windows for Workgroups stops responding (hangs) when you try to quit Windows.
Your machine displays time-out errors or hangs during the LOGON process.
Large file transfers to and from the servers result in data corruption.

CAUSE

The 3Com EtherLink 16 (3C507) and EtherLink l6 TP (3C507TP) adapters are incompatible with bus-mastering SCSI hard disk controllers in Intel EISA- based personal computers.

RESOLUTION

3Com has created a hardware upgrade to correct this problem. The upgrade requires replacing the programmable array logic (PAL) chip on the 3C507 adapter. This upgrade lengthens the amount of time the network adapter waits for a signal from the bus. Contact 3Com for information about obtaining this upgrade.

MORE INFORMATION

When a bus-mastering device takes over the PC bus, it may hold the bus for an indefinite period of time, causing the 3C507 to experience a time-out.

The 3C507 adapter relies heavily on the PC bus for timing information.

The 3C507 network interface card is manufactured by 3Com, a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.

Additional query words: 3rdparty 3.11 fix netcard nic interface adaptec bustek scsi controller 1740 1742 2740 2742

Keywords: KB122959