TCP/IP Fails with SMC Ultra Elite 32 EISA Adapter

- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 3.5 - Microsoft Windows NT Server version 3.5

SYMPTOMS

The TCP/IP protocol will not function with the SMC Ultra Elite 32 adapter if an EISA SCSI adapter is installed on your computer. Windows NT 3.5 boots without problems, but PING results in a "request time-out" message. If you boot Microsoft Windows or Microsoft Windows for Workgroups first, and then soft-boot Windows NT 3.5 (by pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL), this configuration will work as expected. It is only after you cold boot Windows NT 3.5 (turn the power off) that TCP/IP malfunctions. If no SCSI EISA adapter is present, TCP/IP works as expected.

TEST

This problem was reproduced under the following configurations:

• Dell 466Me, SMC Ultra Elite adapter, Adaptec 2742 or BUSLOGIC SCSI EISA Adapter
• ALR SMP Revolution Dual Pentium, BUSLOGIC SCSI EISA Adapter

RESOLUTION

Run EISA configuration and disable Bus Mastering on the SMC adapter. Install the SMC patch, SMC8232N.SYS (file size: 45,344, file date: 11/16/94). This patch can be found on SMC's BBS at (516) 434-3162. The file to look for is called CNT105.EXE, a self-extracting zip file.

NOTE: If you use the Micronics EISA configuration utility to disable bus mastering, the option is labeled "ADAPTER TIMING" with choices of "PRIMARY" or "ALTERNATE". ALTERNATE is the required choice.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 3.5. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.