Plug and Play computers
Overview
========
- Plug and Play
- Computers with a Plug and Play BIOS
- Computers without a Plug and Play BIOS
- Locking the configuration
- Changing the configuration
- Troubleshooting
Plug and Play
=============
Plug and Play (PnP) is a new system architecture for ISA bus
computers that automatically configures PnP hardware devices,
such as your TokenExpress(TM) PRO adapter, when you turn on
the computer.
Currently, two types of computers can be called "Plug and Play."
The first type has a PnP BIOS, while the second doesn't. Both
types need a PnP Configuration Manager (CM). When you buy a
computer with a PnP BIOS, it should come with a CM. If it doesn't,
contact your computer vendor.
A Configuration Manager is a DOS based program (a device driver)
that controls system resource assignments such as IRQ and I/O
address. The CM functions as a backup to the PnP BIOS -- it
configures any system resource that the PnP BIOS doesn't assign.
In the case where you don't have a PnP BIOS, the CM configures all
the system resources.
For both computers, install the adapter according to the
instructions in your Installation Guide.
Computers with Plug and Play BIOS (recommended)
===============================================
The ideal Plug and Play computer has a PnP BIOS and a PnP
Configuration Manager. The PnP BIOS automatically configures
your TokenExpress PRO adapter when you turn on your computer
(before the operating system starts).
After the PnP BIOS configures the adapter, the Flash memory
receives control before the operating system loads. Flash
updates the adapter's default system resources (such as IRQ
and I/O address) with the values the PnP BIOS assigned.
Warning: Disabling Flash cancels this updating process.
If you have a Plug and Play BIOS and are running OS/2*, Windows NT*,
or a NetWare* server, make sure you DISABLE Plug and Play
on your adapter using SoftSet2 (Adavanced Options menu). Having
Plug and Play enabled may cause configuration problems because these
environments don't support Plug and Play (they don't support a
Configuration Manager.)
You can view or modify your adapter's configuration using
TokenSet or the Configuration Manager's ISA Configuration
Utility (ICU). For more info, see "Locking the configuration"
and "Changing the configuration" at the end of this file.
Computers without Plug and Play BIOS (not recommended)
======================================================
If you want PnP features without a PnP BIOS, you must have a
Configuration Manager. The CM automatically configures your
TokenExpress PRO adapter when DOS boots.
This type of computer isn't recommended for a file server because
the CM is DOS/Windows based and won't work in other environments
such as Netware* or OS/2*.
Locking the configuration
=========================
Every time you add a Plug and Play device to the computer, the
Plug and Play software re-analyzes the system and may assign a
new I/O address (or other system resource) to the Plug and Play
devices you've already installed.
In most cases, this isn't a problem. But when you have more than
one TokenExpress PRO adapter installed, the network driver uses
the I/O address to identify each adapter. If Plug and Play assigns
a new I/O address to the old adapter, the network driver won't be
able to find the adapter.
To make your adapter's I/O address permanent, use the Configuration
Manager's ISA Configuration Utility (ICU) to lock the configuration.
Changing the configuration
==========================
If you don't want to accept the configuration settings that
the PnP BIOS or PnP CM chose for the adapter, you can disable
Plug and Play on the adapter and configure the adapter yourself.
1. Insert the Configuration disk into a drive, switch to that
drive, and type TOKENSET.
2. From the main menu, select CHANGE ADAPTER CONFIGURATION.
3. Select ADVANCED OPTIONS, then PLUG AND PLAY, then DISABLE.
4. Return to the Change Adapter Configuration menu, select the
configuration settings you want, and press F10 to save those
settings.
Troubleshooting
===============
If Plug and Play doesn't seem to be working, TokenSet can help you
isolate your problem.
From the TokenSet main menu, select VIEW ADAPTER CONFIGURATION.
Look for the "Plug and Play version" entry and use the following
table to get more information about your computer's Plug and Play
configuration.
"Plug and Play version" Additional information, possible solution
----------------------- -----------------------------------------
X.XX This is the version number of your PnP BIOS.
PnP BIOS only You have a compliant PnP BIOS, but no
Configuration Manager. Contact your computer
vendor and see about getting a CM.
Noncompliant PnP BIOS Your computer's PnP BIOS isn't Plug and Play
compliant. Contact your computer vendor and
see about getting a new PnP compliant BIOS
----------------------- -----------------------------------------
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Download Driver Pack
After your driver has been downloaded, follow these simple steps to install it.
Expand the archive file (if the download file is in zip or rar format).
If the expanded file has an .exe extension, double click it and follow the installation instructions.
Otherwise, open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start menu and selecting Device Manager.
Find the device and model you want to update in the device list.
Double-click on it to open the Properties dialog box.
From the Properties dialog box, select the Driver tab.
Click the Update Driver button, then follow the instructions.
Very important: You must reboot your system to ensure that any driver updates have taken effect.
For more help, visit our Driver Support section for step-by-step videos on how to install drivers for every file type.