3Com 10/100 & V.90 LAN Mini-PCI HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Question

I have the 3Com 10/100 & V.90 LAN Mini-PC Modem/Ethernet combo card. I tried installing it into my Inspiron 4000 and when I go to turn the computer on it won't boot up. I know I have the right card (I did my research), what could be wrong? I know it is installed correctly, both the modem and ethernet cables are hooked up to it.

Anybody got any suggestions? I am running Windows XP Pro.

Thanks

johnallg · Answer

If it happened after installing the mini-pci card, reseat that card and the memory modules.

rmortenson · Answer

I did that many times.  Still won't boot up.  What next.  I even exchanged the Mini PCI card thinking that maybe it was a bad card.   ???

johnallg · Answer

The mini-pci connector could be bad.  If you have a different mini-pci card available to try, do so, hopefully not a 3Com.  I doubt it will make a difference as you have tried two 3Coms.  Probably the socket if you are sure you are seating the cards in the connector fully and correctly.

james.k. · Answer

I'm having the same problem with my inspiron 4000 so I know how it feels.  I came to this message forum looking for the same answers you are.  I've tried everything and still can't get it to work.  The first card I bought I returned thinking it was messed up.  Now on my second and I still can't get it to work.

Akule50 · Answer

Aloha James,Some users have reported this problem when replacing their mini-PCI with the 3Com 1556B series, but using a 1556 (no 'B') series mini-PCI instead, did work, as mentioned 'here'.If it does boot … Have you tried removing any listing 'for the modem and NIC' from Device Manager and Add/Remove Programs, also from the Registry, 'before' physically installing the mini-PCI?You could also try and see if you can use RegCleaner to uninstall the driver. You can download it 'here'After installing it, boot to Safe Mode and run RegCleaner. From the 'Software' section, see if there’s a listing for the 3Com modem. Right click on it and it should show the registry files that will also be removed, when you use RegCleaner to uninstall it. Then from the 'Tools' drop down list, select 'Auto Registry Cleaner', 'OLE cleaner', and 'Orphan file reference finder' (remove any references to the modem and NIC).Remove any listing 'for the modem and NIC' from Device Manager and Add/Remove Programs.Reboot several times, then shut down and install the mini-PCI card and hopefully… it’ll work.Aloha,Rod

johnallg · Answer

I use the 3CN3AC1556B card in my 4000 with the 002UH oldest motherboard.

Walfanski · Answer

Ironically I just installed the 3CN3AC-1556B card today in my Inspiron 4000 as an upgrade to the standard modem only card from ActionTec that was factory installed. Windows XP recognized it right away and it works like a charm. Sorry you guys are having so many problems.

I heard this card was reflashable to the V.92 spec. Has anyone tried that? I want to do it even though I never use dial up...LOL

ejoev · Answer

I have the exact same problem on my I4000 as described here with the B card.  Nothing I've tried so far  solved it, such as disabling the current internal Actiontec Modem in the BIOS before removing and installing the 3Com.  It's not clear to me why the B card works on some I4ks and not others --- would seem to indicat a setting problem but I sure haven't figured out what it might be.  Has anyone found a solution?  Or is the answer to just buy the nonB version?

ejoev · Answer

Folks, the way I resolved the issue with the 3Com 3CN3AC1556B was to use the 3CN3AC1556 instead.  I tried two of the B types on two different I4000 and neither computer would boot.  I tried and tried reseated and reseated the cards all to no avail.  I gave up and ordered two of the non-B cards and they worked right from the start -- I use Win XP and didn't have to load any driver.  Hope this helps those still having problems with the B card.  Joe

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

3Com 10/100 & V.90 LAN Mini-PCI HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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