Windows NT Does Not Recognize Second PCMCIA Network Adapter (163169)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
This article was previously published under Q163169

SYMPTOMS

When you have multiple identical PCMCIA (PC Card) network adapters installed, Windows NT recognizes only the first adapter.

CAUSE

This is a limitation of the NDIS support layer in Windows NT. This limitation does not exist with PCI, EISA, ISA, and MCA network adapters.

RESOLUTION

To use multiple PC Card network adapters simultaneously, the adapters must not be identical. PC Card network adapters from different manufacturers, or different models from the same manufacturer, work correctly.

MORE INFORMATION

The optional parameters in the database inform Pcmcia.sys how the slot is to be configured. This configuration information is required because most network adapters do not specify the correct information. The following parameters are valid in this section:

AttributeMemorySize: REG_DWORD: Size
CardMemorySize: REG_DWORD: Size

This information is stored in the driver section of the registry. Because only a single set of optional parameters can be associated with a PC Card adapter, only one card of a particular type can be used.

REFERENCES

Windows NT Device Driver Kit Design Guide for Network Cards:

Chapter 2: Miniport NIC Drivers
Chapter 7: NDIS NIC Driver Installation
Chapter 7.2: PCMCIA Network Interface Card Support in Windows NT
Chapter 7.2.1: Optional Parameters in the PCMCIA

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:5/14/2003
Keywords:kbHardware kbnetwork KB163169
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