Linksys EtherPCI LAN Card II
Game Setup Instructions
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Contents
Introduction
General Software & Hardware Considerations
About the the IPX Driver
Installing the IPX Driver
in Windows 95
in DOS, Windows 3.x, and Windows for Workgroups
Customer Support
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Introduction
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Your Linksys LAN card allows you to take advantage of the newest
multi-user interactive games that let you play across a network.
Games like Doom, Marathon, and Duke Nukem can be networked together
so that multiple users at different computers can "see" each other in
the same virtual game space.
Most networkable games are IPX compatible, which means they are fully
compatible with the full line of Linksys LAN cards. IPX is simply a
common standard of communication that allows different computers to
"talk" with each other. Before installing your networkable game, make
sure that it is IPX compatible.
The instructions below explain how to install and use the Linksys IPX
drivers with your game(s) in Windows 95, DOS, Windows 3.x, and Windows
for Workgroups.
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General Software & Hardware Considerations
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As for hardware, a faster computer is always better for smooth game
play. A 486/66 with 16MB RAM and a sound card is strongly recommended
as the bare minimum, although a Pentium of any speed will go faster.
Your video display should support at least 16 colors, although be aware
that some games will not run with fewer than 256 colors. If you are
using Windows 95, you can check or change your display's color mode:
right-click anywhere on your desktop with your right mouse button,
select Properties, and finally, the Settings tab. Be sure to save any
changes you make.
Games typically use a lot of RAM memory when they are running. If you
can, shut down as many programs as possible before running your game.
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About the IPX Driver
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Most networkable games support IPX, which is a popular network
communication protocol that was developed by Novell. IPX allows an
installed copy of a game on one computer to "talk" with a second copy
of the game on another computer somewhere else.
The IPX driver must be loaded into memory each time your start up
your computer, and always before you run your IPX-compatible game.
If you are using Windows 95, you can use the IPX driver that is
built into 95, which will load itself automatically each time
you start up your computer. When you install your Windows 95
network for the first time, simply choose to install the IPX
protocol along with any other protocols that you need. If you've
already installed your Windows 95 network software, you can always
go back and add the IPX/SPX protocol.
If you are using DOS, Windows 3.x, or Windows for Workgroups, you'll
need to run the IPX drivers on the Linksys LAN Card disk under the
GAMES directory. All of the IPX files need to be run in the same order
every time your computer is started up. If you want, you can make
a batch file that runs the files in the right order---when you want
to play a game, you just run the batch file, then launch your game.
A working batch file called IPX.BAT has been included in the GAMES
directory as an example.
If you have questions or problems with the installation or use of
a game, please don't hesitate to contact the its manufacturer.
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Installing the IPX Driver
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Follow the steps below to get your network up and running with the
appropriate IPX driver.
_____ Windows 95
If you are not using Windows 95 for networked game play, skip to
the section below that covers DOS and Windows 3.x.
1. Install your network card. See your Linksys LAN Card User Guide for
complete installation instructions. If you are using 10BaseT,
make *sure* that cable is connected to a hub. If you are using
thin coax, be sure that your cabling, T-connectors, and terminators
are all in place.
2. Configure the LAN card hardware. Some versions of the LAN card
may come with a setup program that allows to you to configure
the card's connector type, IRQ, I/O base, and other settings.
If your User Guide doesn't mention these things, skip this step.
3. Follow the directions in your User Guide for installing your 95
network drivers.
When the time comes for you to choose the network protocols that
you want to use, make sure to select the IPX/SPX protocol.
IF YOU HAVE ALREADY INSTALLED YOUR NETWORK SOFTWARE, BUT FORGOT
TO ADD THE IPX/SPX PROTOCOL, DO THIS:
- start up Windows 95
- go to Control Panel -> Network -> Protocols
- click on the Add button
- select the IPX/SPX Compatible Transport
- follow any directions that appear on your screen
- restart your computer
Don't forget to turn on File and Printer sharing. THIS IS MOST
IMPORTANT. See your User Guide for step-by-step instructions.
The Windows 95 games *will not work* without sharing turned on.
You'll find complete instructions in your User Guide.
Repeat the above steps for *all* of the computers that you plan
on networking together.
4. Test your network. Each computer should be able to see the other
computers'files, hard drives, etc. If you have problems, check
your cabling. If you need further help, refer to your Linksys
LAN Card's User Guide.
5. After the IPX/SPX Transport has been added, AND your computers are
able to see each other, you're ready to install and use your game(s).
With the IPX driver running transparently in Windows, your games
will now be able to communicate with each other. Follow the
installation and usage instructions that came with your game.
_____ DOS, Windows 3.x, and Windows for Workgroups
The following instructions apply to DOS-based games that will be
run in DOS, Windows 3.x, or Workgroups. You will be installing
a DOS-based IPX driver from your Linksys Program Disk that came
with your LAN card. If you don't have a disk, or if you want the
latest version, feel free to download a copy from the Linksys
web site. You'll find the address at the end of this file.
If you are playing a DOS game, and you are a Windows 3.x or WFW
user, we suggest *closing down* Windows before launching your
game. Windows takes up a lot of RAM memory, and your game may
run faster without Windows.
The IPX protocol is loaded by running a series of files in a particular
order. All of the files can be found in the GAMES directory on the
Program Disk. A batch file called IPX.BAT is included in the directory
that will run the files in the proper order for you. The files must be
run in the proper order, and always *before* you attempt to run your
IPX-compatible game.
For best results, copy the files from the Program Disk to your hard
drive. To install the IPX drivers onto your computer:
1. Start up your computer. Get to a DOS command prompt (example: C:\>).
2. When the prompt appears, put the Linksys Program Disk into drive A:
(or B:, depending on the number of floppy drives that you have).
3. Make a directory for the IPX files on your hard disk by typing:
MKDIR C:\IPX (and press the Enter key)
4. Copy the drivers from the GAMES directory of the floppy disk to the
new directory you just created. Type the following and press Enter:
COPY A:\GAMES\*.* C:\IPX
or, if the floppy is in drive B, type:
COPY B:\GAMES\*.* C:\IPX
DOS will automatically copy all of the IPX drivers to the newly
created IPX directory on your hard disk. You're ready to go!
5. Install your IPX-compatible game now.
When you're ready to play your game, follow the steps below. You
must do this each time your start up your computer, and always
before you run your game. Repeat for each PC with a Linksys LAN
card that needs to be networked:
1. Get to the DOS command prompt. If you are using Windows, we
recommend closing it down completely before continuing: just
click on File, Exit, then OK at the Program Manager menu.
2. Load your IPX driver. Type each of the following commands,
pressing Enter after each one:
C:
CD C:\IPX
IPX
The IPX driver is now loaded and ready for use.
3. When you're ready to play, switch to the directory on your hard
disk where your game is located and begin playing.
If your game is called MYGAME, for example, and it is stored
on your C: drive under the FUN directory, you could type this
to get it started:
CD C:\FUN
MYGAME
In this example, the "CD C:\FUN" command tells DOS to switch to
the FUN directory on your C: drive. The MYGAME command tells
DOS to find the program called MYGAME and run it.
Read your game's documentation to find out where your game is
stored on your hard disk and how you should run it for best results.
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Customer Support
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There are a variety of methods that you can use to get FREE technical
help or sales information about Linksys products.
Voice & FAX
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The Linksys voice line is open during normal business hours, 7-5 p.m.,
Pacific Standard Time. The fax line is available 24 hours a day. When
sending a fax, be sure to include a detailed description of any
problem(s) that you are experiencing.
Technical Support Hotline (949) 261-1288
Fax (949) 261-8868
Internet Access
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You can also use your World Wide Web or FTP browser to visit Linksys on
the Internet.
Web Site http://www.linksys.com
FTP File Transfer Site ftp.linksys.com
Bulletin Board System (BBS)
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To access the Linksys Bulletin Board System (BBS), set your modem to
8 bits, No parity, 1 stop bit, and call (949) 261-2888. Use a speed
setting of 33.6bps or slower. When downloading files, use the "Z-modem"
download protocol for best results.
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.