Setup Incorrectly Detects Network Card Transceiver Type

• Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

When you install Windows 95, Setup may incorrectly detect the network adapter transceiver type.

CAUSE

This error can occur if you install Windows 95 to a new directory or over an existing Windows for Workgroups 3.11 installation running ODI drivers.

Setup does not detect the transceiver type directly by querying the network card, but rather searches for an existing PROTOCOL.INI file in the Windows directory. If this file is found, Setup imports the settings from this file into the registry, including the TRANSCEIVER= line. If no PROTOCOL.INI file is found, or if Windows for Workgroups is using an ODI MLID as the network adapter driver, the transceiver type value may be incorrect.

RESOLUTION

If the transceiver type is not detected correctly, you must set it manually. To do so, open the Network tool in Control Panel and change the network card's settings on the Advanced properties tab.

MORE INFORMATION

There are three transceiver types that can be set in Windows 95:

• Thinnet (BNC/COAX). This type often uses RG-58 coaxial cabling. A BNC connector and an internal transceiver are built into the network card.
• Thicknet (AUI/DIX). This type often uses RG-8 or RG-11 coaxial cabling. Computers are attached to a thicknet cable using a transceiver (drop) cable. The cable runs from the transceiver on the thicknet cable to the computer's network adapter and is attached using a DIX connector on both ends. Typically, thicknet is used as a backbone to connect smaller existing thinnet networks.
• Twisted-Pair (TPE). This type often uses twisted-pair cable with RJ-45 or RJ-11 telephone connectors. Each computer on a network using twisted-pair cabling is typically attached to a central hub.