EEPROM failure in 3com 3c920

Question

After some months of waiting, finally I got my broadband installed. Unfortunately the connection did not work since then(I was not home during the installation). And after some days of research and testing, finally I digged out the problem. It was the checksum of the network card mismatch with what it should be when I do the hardware test. Below is the result of the test. Test Errors3C920 TX Int NIC 0 - NIC Register Test                     : Fail  Status: Fail  Status Code: DOS DDG-D NIC 010 032  Device: 3C920_TX_Int_NIC_0  Test: NIC_Register_Test  Release: 1070 Module(s): Nic  Msg: EEPROM failure detected.  Expected a 'data' checksum of A8E7h but found A913h. I have tried to reinstall various version of the 3Com driver but did not yeild any favourable result. By the way, my system is Inspiron 4100 running on Windows XP with a 3Com 3c920 network adapter. Can anyone enlight me whether this is a fix-able situation or shall I get a new card? Thanks in advance. Chan

speedstep · Answer

3C920 is integrated onto the motherboard. This means the System Bios has the EEPROM for the Onboard NIC.

The troubled · Answer

Are you suggesting updating the BIOS would fix the problem?

MasterSlave · Answer

File Title: Optiplex FlashBIOS 
File Date: 2/17/00 
Library: FlashBIOS Updates 
File Size: 214851 bytes 

Additional Information:

The following changes have been made to BIOS 
1. Adjust ACPI support to work better with Windows 2000 and Windows 98.
2. Fix 7-digit service tag support to allow more valid service tags.
3. Add SMBIOS structure for system board information, correct other structures.
4. Change bottom right SETUP info window to indicate CPU version and stepping.
5. Update to latest intel CPU microcode patches.
6. Update POST code for supported CPU's.
7. Halt system if unsupported CPU installed.
8. Get rid of possible delay in POST on system board without a NIC.
9. Allow F12 as POST Boot-from-Network key, as well as F3.
10. Fix possible hang going into SETUP if parts of CMOS are corrupted.
11. Adjust INT 13 extensions to NOT state LBA support on a user-defined drive.
12. Remove force of 1.44mb mode on a diskette if more than 15 sectors defined.
13. Adjust User Password prompting code.

3COM 3C905C or 3C920 integrated NIC on Dell

 Network connectivity is dropped every two to three minutes or 
the network card must be reinitialized several times to gain network connectivity.
 A 3C905C or 3C920 integrated NIC on Dell may experience network 
connectivity issues when running Windows 2000 due to a power management issue.
 Disable all power management functions. Contact Dell for details on disabling 
power management or more details surrounding this issue. 
For more documentation, see 3COM tech support reference: 2.0.47464140.2853794


3C905CX-TX-M
 The link fails to come up when the switch port is hardcoded to 100/FD or 100/HD,
 and the NIC is set to auto-negotiate.
 Reference Cisco bug ID CSCdz32789.

 Upgrade to driver version 5.4, and in the advanced NIC properties set LnkChk 
to enable. The driver can be found at:

ftp://ftp.3com.com/pub/nic/3c90x/3c90x1.exe

3COM 3C905C
 Layer 2 (L2) errors reported on switch port (FCS, alignment, CRC, and runts),
 and slow performance on high speed workstations.
 Under normal operating conditions, a Catalyst that will report numerous L2 
(physical) errors on ports connected to 3C905C NIC adapters.
 Load latest driver and diagnostic tools available from 3COM. 
Test performance back-to-back between two PCs, and note errors on 
diagnostic tools. Errors reported such as transmit underrun and receive 
overun will result in physical layers being reported by switch 
and minor performance issues. For more details, refer to Cisco bug ID CSCdt68700 
( registered customers only) .

3COM 3C905B
 Slow performance when receiving large files.
 Notable slow performance when receiving large files. 
Problem only occurs with standard Microsoft NT 4.0, regardless of service pack.
 Download latest driver from 3COM tech support.

3COM 3C905/3C905B
 Intermittent DHCP Issues. 
 Despite configuring Catalyst switch ports correctly, workstations still 
experience some intermittent DHCP issues.
 Upgrade to driver version 4.01b or later which resolves DHCP issues.

The troubled · Answer

I tried to upgrade the BIOS as well as reseat the RAM (as adviced by Dell) but still did not see any improvement. Various version of BIOS are trialed and dozen of article from internet are downloaded, none solves the problem.

After many sleepless nights in attempt to fix the network card, finally I decided to roll out a hundred buck for a new card (my apology to those who has offer their help). It is indeed a relieve without having to take a second look at the old card.

Many thanks to all.

Chan

xmiller · Answer

The EEPROM of the 3COM NIC on the Inspiron 4100 is not programmed by the NIC driver, not programmed by BIOS either. It is programmed by an utility used in Dell factory.

wsfang · Answer

I have the same problem now.   Is there any solution other than replacing the card?   Thank you very much and Merry Christmas!

The troubled · Answer

Not that I know. At last I gave up trying and shell out a hundred bucks to get a new card, once and for all.

wsfang · Answer

That price is for the same network card?

The troubled · Answer

Well, I got a a 100Mbps pcmcia card for something around RM125, can't remember the brand though.

wsfang · Answer

You put your new card on the place where the old one occupied?

The troubled · Answer

It's a pcmcia network card, slot it in PCMCIA slot (2 avaialbe in Inspiron 4100)

wsfang · Answer

Hi, I reinstalled the system. Everything is OK. The network card is working now!

The steps to install system is important, I think. ( I installed twice)

1. Windows XP Home

2. DELL Drivers

3. Windows XP SP1a

4. Other applications

Although I bought a 20 bucks USB 10/100 Ethernet Adapter first.

The troubled · Answer

I tried those steps too, many times but it didn't work for me. Lucky you.

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