Windows NT Does Not Recognize Second PCMCIA Network Adapter

 Last reviewed: March 28, 1997
Article ID: Q163169
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.1, 3.5, 3.51, 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.1, 3.5, 3.51, 4.0

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

Additional query words: prodnt
Keywords : kbhw kbnetwork nthw
Version : 3.1 3.5 3.51 4.0
Platform : WinNT

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Last reviewed: March 28, 1997
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