C-Port networking doesn't!

Question

Bought a used c600 to replace my CP latitude, figuring I could reuse all the accessories I've accumulated.  Downloaded and ran quickinstall for C/port from Dell Website before docking.  When C600 is docked, the dock NIC does not work; the built-in NIC works fine.  Checking W2K Pro hardware manager, I see a 'ethernet controller' driver not loaded message.  Can't find a driver (I assume its in the Quick Install program), but while searching around I got a hint that there was a problem when upgrading drivers that it might corrupt the existing docking driver.  Can anyone elaborate on how to fix this?

tmurph1810 · Answer

I assumed (and I should never assume) that you get link lights on the port NIC.  If you don't, hook it up to a known good jack and cable.  If you still don't get link lights, chances a re excellent that you have a hardware issue.

tmurph1810 · Answer

If you go to http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/pjet/ you can find the specs on the C/port.  Here are the specs for the NIC:   Ethernet Network Controller Chip set 3Com 3C916B; 10/100 BASE-TX (PC97-compliant) Data bus width32-bit PCI host bus interface IRQ 10   If you have something else, go to http://support.dell.com/ --> Research and Training --> User Guides --> Accessory --> Docking Stations/APR

rainman4774 · Answer

Don't think it is a hardware issue.  The left (facing the conn) green light is steady and the right orange flickers like it is trying to comm.    Thanks for the posts, but I already looked there.  I found a driver for the NIC on the 3com site but it doesn't appear to help.    I am resigned to using the built in port and having to disconnect whenever I undock.  I'll probably trash this system after this computer dies on me.

JersWork · Answer

I missed the beginning of this thread,  but is your 'docking NIC' enabled in the BIOS?  On some Dell notebooks,  you could disable the docking station NIC in the BIOS,  IIRC.

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