IBM MPA/A (MCA) SDLC Adapter Not Detected on Dual-Bus Servers
ID: Q161776
|
The information in this article applies to:
-
Microsoft SNA Server, versions 2.11, 2.11 SP1, 2.11 SP2, 3.0, 3.0 SP1
SYMPTOMS
When you install the IBM SDLC link service on an IBM PC Server 320 or 350,
SNA Server Setup fails to detect the IBM SDLC Multifunction adapter /A
(Microchannel) adapter. If you ignore this error, Setup adds the SDLC link
service, but the link service remains pending and will not activate.
CAUSE
When detecting the IBM MPA/A adapter, SNA Server Setup only
looks for the first hardware bus record in the Windows NT registry.
However, these servers have both a PCI and an MCA bus. The first bus is
identified as PCI, so this fails to match the expected MCA entry.
RESOLUTION
To resolve this problem, either apply the fix referenced below (see
"STATUS") or use the following workaround:
WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide
problems that may require you to reinstall Windows NT to correct them.
Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of
Registry Editor can be solved. Use this tool at your own risk.
- Start Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe or Regedit.exe, as appropriate for
your version of Windows NT).
- Go to the following key in the registry:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\HARDWARE\DESCRIPTION\System\MultifunctionAdapter\0
- Change the Identifier value from PCI to MCA, as follows:
Identifier: REG_SZ: MCA
- Quit Registry Editor.
- Re-run the SNA Server Setup program. Do NOT restart the computer first;
Windows NT dynamically sets this registry value when starting and will
change it back to PCI.
Setting the value to MCA allows the Setup program to detect the adapter and
configure the correct CardCfg entries for the adapter. The SDLC link
service will continue to function even after the computer is restarted.
STATUS
Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in SNA Server versions 2.11,
2.11 Service Pack 1 (SP1), and 2.11 SP2. A supported fix is now available.
Contact Microsoft Technical Support for more information.
Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in SNA Server versions 3.0 and
3.0 Service Pack 1 (SP1). This problem was corrected in the latest SNA
Server version 3.0 U.S. Service Pack. For information on obtaining this
Service Pack, query on the following word in the Microsoft Knowledge Base
(without the spaces):
S E R V P A C K
MORE INFORMATION
A fix for this problem is available from Microsoft for both 2.11 and 3.0.
With the fix applied, the Sync card detection module (syncdtct.dll) loops
through all NetworkCard registry keys.
IBM PC Server 320 and 350 are manufactured by IBM, a vendor independent of
Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these
products' performance or reliability.
Additional query words:
Keywords : kbnetwork snasdlc kbfix3.00.sp2
Version : WINDOWS:2.11,2.11 SP1,2.11 SP2,3.0,3.0 SP1
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbbug