3C0M 3C59X.SYS Driver Fails to Initialize in Windows NT 3.51

• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 3.51
• Microsoft Windows NT Server version 3.51

SYMPTOMS

When you choose to Shutdown and Restart from the Windows NT 3.51 logon screen, the 3Com 3C59X.SYS driver fails to initialize the 3Com 3C590 or 3C595 network interface card (NIC). The system reboots, but when you log into Windows NT, you are notified that "a service or driver has failed to start," and the network is unavailable. The following events may also appear in the Event Log:

   EVENT ID 5000:
   Source: El59x
   Type: Error
   Error: El59x1 : Has encountered a conflict in resources
          and could not load.

   EVENT ID 7000:
   Source: Service Control Manager
   Type: Error
   Error: The 3Com Fast Etherlink/Etherlink III Adapter
          Driver service failed to start due to the following
          error: A device attached to the system is not
          functioning.

CAUSE

This problem occurs because the 3Com 3C59X.SYS driver does not reset the NIC on Windows NT shutdown. When Windows NT restarts, the driver is not able to locate the NIC.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, do one of the following:

• Restart the computer by turning the power off, and then back on.

  -or-

• Enable the resetting of the PCI bus during "warm boots" in the computer's CMOS setup (This feature is available on some computers).

  -or-

• Use another supported NIC. Refer to the latest Windows NT 3.51 Hardware Compatibility List (HCL).

STATUS

3Com Corporation is aware of this problem. For more information, contact 3Com Corporation at (800) 876-3266.

The 3Com product discussed here is manufactured by 3Com Corporation, a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.