file server not found message

Hi all, obtained 2nd pc for home - obtained 2nd hand 3com nic (3c509b) Thought i would network new machine to my existing pc (larger hd etc) Problem is - turned on machine after inserting 3com card into isa slot, on screen i get lots of info I/O address = 0300h, IRQ = 03, transiever = internal then RX2 RX2 RX2 12 times then message 'file server could not be found' appears. At this point the whole message block repeats over and over! I apoligise if i am doing somethig elementary i am a network novice.

Richard

 

What operation system are you using?

 

Windows ME

 

It sounds to me as if your nic has been configured to use its bootrom.

Are you familiar with your BIOS?

If so, check to see what order your computer is setup to boot from. It should be something to this effect:

floppy
cd-rom
hard-drive
any other choices should be after hard-drive


If not, what kind of computer do you have, and I will find step by step directions for you.

 

Hi thanks for your reply. Bios is configured thus, C, CD ROM, A - late last night i noticed a chip on the card marked - Bootware 3c5-trirom nw-rpl-tcp/ip. I removed this chip and the pc boots fine, but is the card still ok without the boot rom? I have tried to get drivers for the card which do exist, but compared to loading drivers for say a graphics card they seem pretty tricky, any advice?

Thanks, Richard.

 

Unless you like fiddling with old stuff, my best advice is to get a new PCI network card. Should run you about $10 and will be much easier to deal with.

The one you have was a major pain in the hind parts even when it was state of the art.

But to answer your other questions - it will do fine without that chip. And yes, the install can be tricky but you should do fine following the instructions that come with the drivers if you have the 2 floppy set.

 

If you don't have the option of a pci slot, the driver can be found here:

http://support.3com.com/infodeli/tools/nic/3c509/3c5096.1.htm

The install should be pretty streight forward. I am assuming you probably have windows 95/98? After seating the card well and booting, windows should find the card, prompting you for your disks, providing your bios is set to plug and pray. We will hope this is the case. It will be the easiest install.

Good Luck!