Farallon Ethernet Network Card Problem/Solution

Question

BACKGROUND I have a Dell Dimension 4100 with Windows Me. When purchased in 2001, I did not buy a Network Card. Recently, I had Time Warner Roadrunner Cable and a Cable Modem connected to the computer. I was given a Farallon Network Card labeled 8960785-00-02 with two 3.5 inch disks with no documentation, but labeled as follows: (1) Ethernet PCI Card, EtherMac and EtherWave, Installer Disk, Windows Driver Disk, Farallon v.896 5000392-00-01 v4.4.2 ; and (2) Ethernet PCI Card, EtherMac and EtherWave, Installer Disk, Farallon v.896 5000296-00-02 v1.1. The Copyright year was 1996. I tried to view each of the contents of the two disks but got read errors. Apparently the disk drive was dirty. I cleaned it and was still unable to view the contents. The disks must have been damaged during the initial attempts to read. INSTALLATION Nevertheless, I went ahead using Windows Me and installed the Farallon Network Card. I clicked on Add New Hardware and used the Add New Hardware Wizard. I may have gone through a complete self install by Windows Me. I also went through the routine which led me to the choice of Network Adapters, Manufacturer, Farallon with three Model choices as follows: Farallon Ethernet PCI-ISA Card; Farallon Ethernet PCMCIA Adapter; Farallon Ethernet Plug and Play PC-ISA Card. I clicked on the first and third choices (really not knowing what to do) respectively and proceeded with the Wizard to completion.  I was then able to access the Internet using Roadrunner Cable and Cable Modem. Everything seemed to be working OK. PROBLEM However, I thought I should do some checking for completeness. I clicked on Start, Control Panel, System, Device Manager, Network Adapters. My findings were as follows:   1. I saw an entry of Farallon Etherwave PC-ISA Card with the 'yellow exclamation mark'. When I right clicked on it, I was provided a Selected Resource Report and saw C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\elnk3.sys. Using Search, For Files or Folders; seeing the listing; and then clicking on General, Properties I saw the Product Name of 3Com 3c5x9 Etherlink III Adapter Driver. I then left clicked on it. Under Properties, General: I saw 'This device is either not present, not working properly or does not have all the drivers installed (Code 10). Try upgrading the device drivers for this device'.  Under Driver, Driver File Details: I saw C:\Windows\System\NDIS.VXD and C:\Windows\System\vmm32.vxd (ntkern.vxd). When I click on Update Driver, the display comes back with 'The best driver Windows found is already installed ......'   2. I also saw and entry of Intel 2104 PCI Ethernet Adapter with 'no exclamation mark'. When I right clicked on it, I was provided a Selected Resource Report on it and saw C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\dc21x4.sys. Using Search, For Files or Folders; seeing the listing; and then clicking on General, Properties I saw the Product Name of Intel 2104x/2114x10/100mbps Ethernet Controller When I left clicked on it. Under Properties, General: I saw 'This device is working properly.' Under Driver, Driver File Details: I saw C:\Windows\System\NDIS.VXD and C:\Windows\System\vmm32.vxd (ntkern.vxd). In a System Information report I saw that these two files as line items with 'Not Available' at the end. Can anyone interpret that for me?   SOLUTION: RESOLVING THE YELLOW EXCLAMATION MARK The Farallon Network Card is evidently an old card. I tried to find some details from the Internet. The Farallon Communications website isn't available anymore. Proxim, who bought Farallon, does mention Farallon cards in a Proxim Tech Note write-up entitled 'Windows ME Support' and mentions several PN numbers, none of which resemble mine. I saw a few of the old cards with my number for sale and actually saw a picture of the network card which shows the digital 21041-PB component mounted on the card. The picture was at  computersforstarters.com/For%20Sale_files/WebSiteForSalePics/FalleronNic.jpg. While troubleshooting and viewing the yellow exclamation mark in two places: first, as mentioned above; and second under System, Network, Configuration, I noticed a Remove option at each screen display. I clicked on it to remove the 'yellow exclamation mark' lines at those two places and restarted the computer. I am then left with only the Item 2 result. No yellow exclamation marks. I believe my problem is now resolved. I was still able to access the Internet using Roadrunner Cable and Cable Modem. Everything continues to work OK.    QUESTIONS I believe the card was actually Plug and Play. Does anyone agree? To complete my learning  experience, could there have been a complete self install without making choices that were mentioned above? Can anyone share any documentation and the contents of the two disks which I could not read as mentioned in the first paragraph?    Thanks in advance. RLK

byker49 · Answer

Most computers come with the network card(NIC), already installed. It is not something you purchase separately. They are cheap. Saw one at best buy for $9.95. So now you have 2 network cards. What's your point? I guess if your intel card fails you might be able to use the other one. In the meantime I would probably disable the Farallon card or whatever it is.

jmwills · Answer

Just remove it totally and use the Intel card.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

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