Plug and Play computers
v3.13
Overview
--------
- Plug and Play
- PnP computers running a PnP-capable operating system (i.e. Windows 95)
- Legacy computers (non-PnP) and PnP-capable OS
- PnP computers running DOS with a PnP Configuration Manager
- Legacy Computers (non-PnP) running DOS with a PnP Configuration Manager
- Non-Plug and Play configurations
- If you have flash
- Locking the configuration
- Changing the configuration
- Hints and tips
- Troubleshooting
Plug and Play
-------------
Plug and Play (PnP) is a system architecture for ISA bus computers that
automatically configures PnP hardware devices, such as your
EtherExpress(TM) PRO/10+ adapter, when you turn on the computer.
Currently, the following four types of computers can be called "Plug and
Play":
- Plug and Play computers running a Plug and Play-capable operating
system, such as Windows 95
- Legacy computers (non-Plug and Play) running a Plug and Play-capable
operating system
- PnP computers running DOS with a PnP Configuration Manager
- Legacy Computers (non-PnP) running DOS with a PnP Configuration
Manager
For all four types of computer, install the adapter according to the
instructions in the Installation Guide.
PnP computers running a PnP-capable operating system (recommended)
------------------------------------------------------------------
If you have a Plug and Play computer running a PnP-capable operating
system (OS), such as Windows* 95, the computer and OS work together to
configure the EtherExpress PRO/10+ adapter when you turn on the computer.
Legacy Computers (non-PnP) and PnP-capable OS (recommended)
-----------------------------------------------------------
If you are using a PnP-capable OS, such as Windows 95, on a non-PnP
computer, the adapter is configured when the OS loads.
PnP Computers running DOS with a PnP Configuration Manager (recommended)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Configuration Manager is a DOS-based program (a device driver) that
controls system resource assignments such as IRQ and I/O address.
When you turn your PnP computer on, it automatically configures the
EtherExpress PRO/10+ adapter (before the operating system starts). The CM
functions as a backup, configuring any system resource the compute
doesn't assign.
You can change the adapter's configuration using the Configuration
Manager's ISA Configuration Utility (ICU). For more information, see
"Locking the configuration" and "Changing the configuration" at the end
of this file. You can view your adapter's configuration and enable or
disable Plug and Play using SoftSet2.
Legacy Computers (non-PnP) running DOS with a PnP Configuration Manager
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
If you want PnP features, but don't have a PnP computer, you must have a
Configuration Manager. The CM automatically configures your EtherExpress
PRO/10+ adapter when DOS boots.
PnP Configurations on OS/2 and NetWare
--------------------------------------
If you have a PnP computer and are running OS/2 or a NetWare* server,
make sure you DISABLE Plug and Play on your adapter using SoftSet2
(Advanced Options menu). Having Plug and Play enabled may cause
configuration problems because these environments don't currently support
Plug and Play. Contact IBM or Novell for PnP compatibility information of
future releases.
If you have Flash
-----------------
After the PnP computer 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.
Locking the configuration under a DOS and Plug and Play CM environment
----------------------------------------------------------------------
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
EtherExpress PRO/10+ 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 your Configuration
Manager's ISA Configuration Utility (ICU) to lock the configuration.
Changing the configuration
--------------------------
If you have a PnP OS and PnP computer, it is highly recommended that you
not change the adapter's resource settings.
If you don't want to accept the configuration settings the PnP computer
or CM chose for the adapter, however, you can disable Plug and Play on
the adapter and configure it yourself.
1. Insert the Configuration disk into a drive, switch to that drive, and
type SOFTSET2.
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.
Hints and tips
--------------
If you want to change any Plug and Play-assigned settings without
disabling Plug and Play, use the PnP software that came with your
computer (i.e. ICU). Use SoftSet2 to change any other adapter settings.
If you want to set the adapter's settings manually, you must disable Plug
and Play on the adapter. To do so, run SoftSet2, choose Change adapter
configuration, choose Advanced, then set Plug and Play to Off.
Troubleshooting
---------------
If Plug and Play doesn't seem to be working, SoftSet2 can help you
isolate the problem.
From SoftSet2's 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 environment Additional information
------------------------- ----------------------
Windows 95 Your computer is running a PnP capable OS.
PnP CM X.XX This is the version number of your
PnP Configuration Manager.
PnP BIOS only You have a compliant PnP BIOS, but no
Configuration Manager. Contact your
computer vendor to get 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.
* Third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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.