Thomas Conrad 5043 May Not Emulate NE2000 Properly (92992)

SUMMARY

The Thomas Conrad TC5043 series of network adapters are built to be 100- percent compatible with the Novell NE1000 and NE2000 network interface cards.

The NDIS driver provided with Windows for Workgroups (WFWG) does not function properly with revision A of this board when operating in NE2000 compatibility mode. Thomas Conrad now has ROM upgrade that works with one version of this board.

As a temporary workaround for this problem, place the adapter in NE1000 compatibility mode and then use the NE1000 NDIS driver from Windows for Workgroups.

MORE INFORMATION

Thomas Conrad has confirmed this to be a problem with revision A of this series of network adapters. For additional information, contact Thomas Conrad technical support.

You can determine the revision number of the TC5043 series adapters by examining the Serial number on the back edge of the network adapter. The revision letter is located at the end of the serial number.

Updated ROM

Thomas Conrad has an updated ROM for the TC5043 that allows the board to operate as fully NE2000-compatible. The problem with revision A of this board resulted from 2 bytes of code that had to be corrected in their ROM.

Contact Thomas Conrad technical support to obtain this ROM update.

NOTE: There are two versions of the TC5043: one uses SMT (Surface Mount Technology) and one uses the standard DIP (Dual Inline Package) technology. The SMT boards CANNOT be upgraded, since the ROM is not a removable chip. The cards that can be upgraded have the ROM chip in a socket on the left side of the card, just above center. The ROM has a white sticker on it with a number. Thomas Conrad needs this number when you request your update.

The TC5043 series of network adapters are manufactured by Thomas Conrad, a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.