3Com (R) Corporation
EtherDisk (R) Diskette for the
3C90X Fast EtherLink XL/EtherLink XL Bus Master NIC Family
DOS Configuration and Diagnostic Program Instructions Summary
Overview
--------
The configuration portion of the program allows you to change the
configuration parameters for the NIC to fit the specific environment
in which the NIC is installed.
The diagnostic portion of the Configuration and Diagnostic Program is
designed to make sure that the NIC is installed correctly and
functioning properly in your computer. The Group 1 tests check the
physical components, connectors, and circuitry of the NIC and
require only that the NIC be installed in the computer. The Group 2
tests check the NIC's ability to transmit data on the network and
require that the NIC be connected to a loopback plug or to a network
(for 3C900-COMBO or 3C900-TPC). The Group 3 tests check the NIC's
ability to correctly transmit and receive data over the network and
require that the NIC be connected to a network on which an echo server
has been set up.
The computer containing the NIC to be configured or tested must be
running DOS only.
NOTE: If this computer is an operating server, notify all users of the
server to save their work and log out from the network. The
Configuration and Diagnostic Program disrupts the normal operation
of servers and workstations, so work that is not saved may be lost.
Then shut down the server, and reboot with a DOS-only diskette.
(This way no drivers or TSRs will be running when the program
is started.)
Starting the Configuration and Diagnostic Program
--------------------------------------------------
There are two ways to start the program:
1. Automatically, from the INSTALL.EXE program, by selecting Configuration
and Diagnostic Program on the main menu.
2. Manually, from the root directory of the EtherDisk 1 diskette, by
typing the following command:
3C90XCFG [command keyword] [parameter list]
3C90XCFG represents the 3Com Configuration and Diagnostic Program name.
The brackets indicate that the command keyword and parameter list are
optional.
3C90XCFG without any arguments invokes the program in full windows
mode. This includes mouse support and context-sensitive help.
Press [F1] for help at any time.
Command Line Keywords
---------------------
You can use the first two characters of any command or parameter as a
shortcut. For example, 3C90XCFG HE RU means 3C90XCFG HELP RUN.
Also, the command keywords and parameters are not case-sensitive, so
CONFIGURE, configure, and Configure, for example, will all work.
CONFIGURE
Configures a NIC in one of three ways:
1. Automatically with the /auto parameter
2. Using a specified NIC configuration file
3. Using command line configuration parameters
ECHOSERVER
Enables a designated NIC to function as an echo
server.
HELP
Displays general or command-specific help information.
To get command-specific help, type:
3C90XCFG HELP [command keyword]
LANGUAGE
Invokes the program in full windows mode using a
specified external resource file. This option provides
support for multiple languages via a different resource
file for each language supported.
LIST
Displays a list of installed NICs and their recognized
NIC numbers.
RUN
Executes the diagnostic tests (which can also be specified
from a file) on a selected NIC and writes the results
to the screen, a file, or a printer.
Configuration
-------------
The NIC can be configured in either full-screen windows mode or
command line mode.
Full Screen Windows Mode
------------------------
To configure the NIC using full-screen windowing, type:
3C90XCFG [Enter]
Then select the Configure NIC option in the Install pull-down menu.
Command Line Mode
-----------------
Command Line Mode Defaults
--------------------------
Defaults: CONFIGURE has /AUTO and /ADAPTERNUM:1 as defaults.
So, for example, if only 3C90XCFG CONFIGURE is used, NIC
number 1 will be auto configured.
ADAPTERNUM:N and /SLOT:S parameters can be used with any of the
CONFIGURE options that follow. They are both intended for use
whenever multiple NICs are present in the computer and
recognized by the Configuration and Diagnostic Program.
/ADAPTERNUM:N specifies the number of the NIC to be configured for
PCI computers. Run the LIST command separately to determine the
NIC number to use here.
There are three different ways to configure the NIC using
command-line mode.
1. Command line with auto configuration
2. Command line with explicit parameters
3. Command line with configuration file
Command Line with Auto Configuration
------------------------------------
Command syntax: 3C90XCFG CONFIGURE /AUTO
The /AUTO parameter configures the NIC media type
automatically. All other options settings are left unchanged.
NOTE: The program attempts to detect what media type is being
used. Therefore, connect to the network first and then run
3C90CFG CONFIGURE /AUTO. The program will configure the
media type for you.
Command Line with Explicit Parameters
-------------------------------------
Command syntax: 3C90XCFG CONFIGURE [ /BSIZE:N /XCVR:N /TR:N
/FULLDUPLEX:N /OPTIMIZE:N /LINKBEAT:N ]
Command line configuration parameters are used to configure the
NIC using only the option settings you specify. Some
parameters are for all NICs; some are for PCI only. For
example, /BSIZE:N is a PCI-only parameter. In most cases, any
combination of parameters can be used. Therefore, it is possible
to modify only a few settings if needed.
/BSIZE
Boot PROM Size
Possible values - 8,16,32,64,disabled
/TR (or /XCVR)
Transceiver
Possible values - 100BASE-TX, TP, 10BASE-T (same as TP),
COAX, AUI, EXTERNAL (same as AUI)
/OPTIMIZE
Network Driver Optimization
Possible values - NORMAL, NETWORK, CPU
/LINKBEAT
Link Beat disable/enable (pre-10BASE-T standard only)
Possible values - disabled, enabled
NOTE: Try this setting ONLY if pre-10BASE-T standard hubs
are in use.
/FULLDUPLEX
Full Duplex disable/enable
Possible values - disabled, enabled
NOTE: Enable this setting ONLY when the NIC is
connected to a 100BASE-T or 10BASE-T repeater
supporting full duplex. Otherwise, it will bring
down the network.
Command Line with Configuration File
------------------------------------
Command syntax: 3C90XCFG CONFIGURE /CONFIGFILE:filename
/CONFIGFILE:filename is used to configure a NIC with the
settings specified in an ASCII configuration file that can be
created and modified by any text editor. The filename can be
a fully qualified DOS filename including a path. A standard
format for the file must be used, as follows:
- Variable names and values match the wording in the
full-screen Configure window in most cases.
- Begin each variable/value line with an "at" symbol (@),
followed by a variable name, a colon (:), and the value.
Example: @Media type: 100BASE-TX
- Blank lines and other white spaces are allowed between
variable lines.
- Start any comment lines with a semicolon (;).
- The variable names allowed are:
Boot PROM size
Media type
Network driver optimization
Full duplex
Link beat
- The values allowed are the same as those shown in the
full-screen Configure window.
Example 1: @Network driver optimization:Normal
Example 2: @Media type:On-board Coax
Diagnostic
----------
Full-Screen Windows Mode
------------------------
To run the diagnostic tests using full-screen windowing, type:
3C90XCFG [ENTER]
Then select the Run Tests option in the Tests pull-down menu.
Command Line Option - RUN
-------------------------
Command syntax: 3C90XCFG RUN [/TESTFILE:filename] [/RESULTS:[filename
| PRN | PRNHP]] [/ADAPTERNUM:N]
The RUN parameter executes the diagnostic tests on a selected NIC
and displays the results on the screen. The defaults are NIC
number 1 and Group 1 tests. The parameters below are all optional.
/TESTFILE:filename
Specifies a test file that contains a specific test setup
description.
/RESULTS:[filename or PRN or PRNHP]
Specifies an alternative location to store the test results.
This location can be a DOS path and filename, PRN printer port
(same as LPT1), or PRNHP, which is an HP LaserJet printer
connected to LPT1.
/ADAPTERNUM:N
Specifies the NIC number to be tested, in the case of
multiple NICs installed in the computer and recognized by
this program. Run the LIST command separately (see LIST below)
to determine the NIC number to use.
Other Command Line Options
--------------------------
HELP
Command syntax: 3C90XCFG HELP [Command Keyword]
HELP is an on-line summary of commands. Without a command keyword,
it gives a summary of the command keywords. With a command keyword
specified, it gives the parameter choices for that particular command.
For example, 3C90XCFG HELP CONFIGURE gives details about the
parameter options for the CONFIGURE command.
LANGUAGE
Command syntax: 3C90XCFG LANGUAGE /LANGFILE:filename
LANGUAGE invokes the program in full windows mode using a specified
external resource file. This option provides support for multiple
languages through a different resource file for each language supported.
/LANGFILE:filename is a required parameter with this command.
The filename is the name of the resource file that is loaded by the
program. The filename can be a fully qualified DOS filename.
NOTE: At this time, there are no alternative resource files included
on the EtherDisk diskette.
LIST
Command syntax: 3C90XCFG LIST
LIST displays a list of currently installed NICs (and their
assigned NIC numbers) that are recognized by this program. The
NIC number is then used as the N value for the /ADAPTERNUM:N
parameter when multiple NICs are installed. There are no
parameters associated with the LIST command keyword.
ECHOSERVER
Command syntax: 3C90XCFG ECHOSERVER [/ADAPTERNUM:N]
ECHOSERVER enables a NIC to function within an echo server.
/ADAPTERNUM:N specifies the NIC to be configured in the
echo server, in the case of multiple NICs.
Further Assistance
------------------
If the NIC fails any of the diagnostic tests, see the TROUBLE.TXT file
in the \HELP directory on the EtherDisk diskette for troubleshooting
procedures.
The SUPPORT.TXT file in the \INFO subdirectory on the EtherDisk diskette
provides information about obtaining product support for the NIC.
3Com, EtherDisk, and EtherLink are registered trademarks of 3Com
Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective
owners.
(%VER INSTRUCT.TXT - Configuration and Diagnostic Program Instructions v1.0e)
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.