Network Errors Using 3COM 3C590 NIC In Windows NT (139731)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
This article was previously published under Q139731

SYMPTOMS

When you use the 3Com 3C590 network interface card (NIC) with Windows NT, network errors occur.

CAUSE

This problem occurs in any network operating system. There is a problem with the PCI busmastering on the 3Com 3C590 NIC.

RESOLUTION

To correct this problem, disable the PCI busmastering of the NIC by modifying the registry:

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide problems that may require you to reinstall Windows NT to correct them. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use this tool at your own risk.
  1. Run Registry Editor (REGEDT32.EXE).
  2. From the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE subtree, go to the following key:

    \SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\EL59X1\Parameters
  3. From the Edit menu, select Add Value.
  4. Add the following:

    Value Name: Busmaster
    Data Type: REG_SZ
    Data: no
  5. Choose OK and quit Registry Editor.
  6. Shutdown and restart Windows NT.

MORE INFORMATION

This problem may be observed when a client computer is opening a Microsoft Access database on a network share from a client computer.

NOTE: Other network access methods may not result in the symptoms for example, file copy, opening Microsoft Word documents, and so on). Specifically, the client may see one of the following messages from a client:
disk or network error
Fatal Exception Error
General Protection Fault
Dr Watson - access violation
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:5/7/2003
Keywords:kb3rdparty kbHardware kbnetwork KB139731
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