WFWG Err Msg: Windows File Server... with SMC3000 Series (95396)

SYMPTOMS

If you use the Standard Microsystems Corporation (SMC) 3008 and 3016 Ethernet network interface cards (NICs), the following error message may be displayed when you start Windows for Workgroups or launch applications from Windows for Workgroups:

Windows File Server

This application attempted to access a device that is being used by another application. If you continue running this application it may cause your system to lock up.

If you choose not to continue at this point, the system may stop responding (hang). If you choose to continue, Windows for Workgroups may appear to function normally. If you quit and then restart Windows for Workgroups, the system may function and behave normally without generating the error.

WORKAROUND

To eliminate the error message, use a text editor (such as Microsoft Windows Notepad) to add one of the following lines to the [MS$SMC3K] section of the PROTOCOL.INI file in the Windows directory:

MICRO_CHANNEL=0 ; For ISA bus machines

-or-

MICRO_CHANNEL=1 ; For MCA bus machines

NOTE: You may need to change the MICRO_CHANNEL= setting to the opposite value of the actual machine type (that is, for an MCA machine, choose ISA; for an ISA machine, choose MCA).

MORE INFORMATION

The setting MICRO_CHANNEL=0 informs the Protocol Manager that the computer is an ISA bus machine and that all network card settings should be retrieved from the PROTOCOL.INI file. The setting MICRO_CHANNEL=1 informs the Protocol Manager that the computer is an MCA bus machine and that all network card settings should be read from the network card itself. The SMC 3000 Series network interface cards are manufactured by Standard Microsystems Corporation, a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.