Windows 95 Hangs with Two PCMCIA Network Adapters

• Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

When you are using Windows 95 on a computer with a DATABOOk PCMCIA controller and two network adapters installed, Windows 95 may stop responding (hang) when you start the computer or "hot swap" the network adapters.

CAUSE

The DATABOOK PCMCIA controller does not handle bus contention on its card slots properly when two network adapters are installed and network traffic is high.

RESOLUTION

The first network adapter's lites must go out to enumerate the second device off the controller. This may not happen on a busy network. If the lites do not go out, remove the second apapter to prevent Windows 95 from hanging.

NOTE: Do not unplug the cable, as you might not be able to re-establish the connection when you plug the cable back in.

Contact DATABOOK for more information.

MORE INFORMATION

According to DATABOOK, when you insert two network adapters into the PCMCIA slots, the first adapter is initialized by the controller and activated, but you cannot insert the second adapter until the first adapter's lights go out. On a busy network where the first adapter is constantly in use, the controller may hang when you insert the second adapter, causing Windows 95 to hang when you start Windows 95 or when you "hot swap" a network adapter.

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