PCMCIA.SYS Driver Fails to Load During Boot on NEC Versa P-75

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 3.51, 4.00
• Microsoft Windows NT Server version 3.51, 4.00

SYMPTOMS

When you boot Windows NT on an NEC Versa P-75 or M-75 Laptop, event Id 7026 is written to the system log. A service fails to start. Using Event view to view Event Id 7026 shows:

   The following boot-start or system-start driver(s) failed to load
   PCMCIA

CAUSE

This problem occurs when you turn off the PCMCIA power option in the auto setup power management menu. This disables the PCMCIA Bus. Consequently, none of the PC Cards work and the PCMCIA driver fails to load during startup.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, enable PCMCIA power on the Versa:

1. Press F1 right after (on some computers, press F1 before) the memory count has completed to start Auto Setup.

2. Press ALT+P to go into the CMOS power management menu.

3. Press A to go to the PCMCIA Power management option. To enable it, press ALT+DOWN ARROW, highlight Enable, and then press ENTER.

4. Press ENTER again to exit the power management menu.

5. Press ALT+X.

6. Select Exit and Save Changes and then press ENTER.

7. Select "Enter to update your system" and then press ENTER.

NOTE: Although Windows NT 3.51 does not support power management features built into the BIOS, this power management option must be enabled to support the PC Cards in the computer.