Q163169: Windows NT Does Not Recognize Second PCMCIA Network Adapter

Article: Q163169
Product(s): Microsoft Windows NT
Version(s): 3.1 3.5 3.51 4.0
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kbhw kbnetwork kbHardware
Last Modified: 09-AUG-2001

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.1, 3.5, 3.51, 4.0 
- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.1, 3.5, 3.51, 4.0 
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SYMPTOMS
========

When you have multiple identical PCMCIA (PC Card) network adapters installed,
Windows NT recognizes only the first adapter.

CAUSE
=====

This is a limitation of the NDIS support layer in Windows NT. This limitation
does not exist with PCI, EISA, ISA, and MCA network adapters.

RESOLUTION
==========

To use multiple PC Card network adapters simultaneously, the adapters must not
be identical. PC Card network adapters from different manufacturers, or
different models from the same manufacturer, work correctly.

MORE INFORMATION
================

The optional parameters in the database inform Pcmcia.sys how the slot is to be
configured. This configuration information is required because most network
adapters do not specify the correct information. The following parameters are
valid in this section:

  AttributeMemorySize: REG_DWORD: Size
  CardMemorySize: REG_DWORD: Size

This information is stored in the driver section of the registry. Because only a
single set of optional parameters can be associated with a PC Card adapter, only
one card of a particular type can be used.

REFERENCES
==========

Windows NT Device Driver Kit Design Guide for Network Cards:

  Chapter 2: Miniport NIC Drivers
  Chapter 7: NDIS NIC Driver Installation
  Chapter 7.2: PCMCIA Network Interface Card Support in Windows NT
  Chapter 7.2.1: Optional Parameters in the PCMCIA

Additional query words: prodnt

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Keywords          : kbhw kbnetwork kbHardware 
Technology        : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNTWsearch kbWinNTW400 kbWinNTW400search kbWinNT351search kbWinNT350search kbWinNT400search kbWinNTW350 kbWinNTW350search kbWinNTW351search kbWinNTW351 kbWinNTW310 kbWinNTSsearch kbWinNTS400search kbWinNTS400 kbWinNTS351 kbWinNTS350 kbWinNTS310 kbWinNTS351search kbWinNTS350search kbWinNTS310search kbWinNT310Search kbWinNTW310Search
Version           : 3.1 3.5 3.51 4.0

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