Plug and Play computers v1.01 Overview -------- - Plug and Play - PnP computers running a PnP-capable operating system (i.e. Windows 95) - Legacy Computers (non-PnP) and PnP-capable OS - PnP Computers running DOS with a PnP Configuration Manager - Legacy Computers (non-PnP) running DOS with a PnP Configuration Manager - Non-Plug and Play Configurations - Locking the configuration - Changing the configuration - Hints and tips - Troubleshooting Plug and Play ------------- Plug and Play (PnP) is a system architecture for ISA bus computers that automatically configures PnP hardware devices, such as your EtherExpress(TM) 10 ISA adapter, when you turn on the computer. Currently, the following four types of computers can be called "Plug and Play:" - Plug and Play computers running a Plug and Play-capable operating system, such as Windows 95 - Legacy computers (non-Plug and Play) running a Plug and Play- capable operating system - PnP computers running DOS with a PnP Configuration Manager - Legacy Computers (non-PnP) running DOS with a PnP Configuration Manager For all four types of computer, install the adapter according to the instructions in the Installation Guide. PnP computers running a PnP-capable operating system (recommended) ------------------------------------------------------------------ If you have a Plug and Play computer running a PnP-capable operating system (OS), such as Windows* 95, the computer and OS work together to configure the EtherExpress 10 ISA/10 adapter when you turn on the computer. Legacy Computers (non-PnP) and PnP-capable OS (recommended) ----------------------------------------------------------- If you are using a PnP-capable OS, such as Windows 95, on a non-PnP computer, the adapter is configured when the OS loads. PnP Computers running DOS with a PnP Configuration Manager (recommended) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ A Configuration Manager is a DOS-based program (a device driver) that controls system resource assignments such as IRQ and I/O address. When you turn your PnP computer on, it automatically configures the EtherExpress 10 ISA adapter (before the operating system starts). The CM functions as a backup, configuring any system resource the computer doesn't assign. You can view or modify your adapter's configuration using EX10Set or the Configuration Manager's ISA Configuration Utility (ICU). For more information, see "Locking the configuration" and "Changing the configuration" at the end of this file. You can view your adapter's configuration and enable or disable Plug and Play using EX10Set. Legacy Computers (non-PnP) running DOS with a PnP Configuration Manager ----------------------------------------------------------------------- If you want PnP features, but don't have a PnP computer, you must have a Configuration Manager. The CM automatically configures your EtherExpress 10 ISA adapter when DOS boots. PnP Configurations on OS/2 and NetWare -------------------------------------- If you have a PnP computer and are running OS/2 or a NetWare* server, make sure you DISABLE Plug and Play on your adapter using EX10Set (Advanced Options menu). Having Plug and Play enabled may cause configuration problems because these environments don't currently support Plug and Play. Contact IBM or Novell for PNP compatability information of future releases. Locking the configuration under a DOS and Plug and Play CM environment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Every time you add a Plug and Play device to the computer, the Plug and Play software re-analyzes the system and may assign a new I/O address (or other system resource) to the Plug and Play devices you've already installed. In most cases, this isn't a problem. But when you have more than one EtherExpress 10 ISA adapter installed, the network driver uses the I/O address to identify each adapter. If Plug and Play assigns a new I/O address to the old adapter, the network driver won't be able to find the adapter. To make your adapter's I/O address permanent, use your Configuration Manager's ISA Configuration Utility (ICU) to lock the configuration. Changing the configuration -------------------------- If you have a PnP OS and PnP computer, it is highly recommended that you not change the adapter's resource settings. If you don't want to accept the configuration settings the PnP computer or PnP CM chose for the adapter, you can disable Plug and Play on the adapter and configure it yourself. 1. Insert the Configuration disk into a drive, switch to that drive, and type EX10Set. 2. From the main menu, select CHANGE ADAPTER CONFIGURATION. 3. Select ADVANCED OPTIONS, then PLUG AND PLAY, then DISABLE. 4. Return to the Change Adapter Configuration menu, select the configuration settings you want, and press F10 to save those settings. Hints and tips -------------- If you want to change any Plug and Play-assigned settings without disabling Plug and Play, use the PnP software that came with your computer (i.e. ICU). Use EX10Set to change any other adapter settings. If you want to set the adapter's settings manually, you must disable Plug and Play on the adapter. To do so, run EX10Set, choose Change adapter configuration, choose Advanced, then set Plug and Play to Off. Troubleshooting --------------- If Plug and Play doesn't seem to be working, EX10Set can help you isolate the problem. From EX10Set's main menu, select VIEW ADAPTER CONFIGURATION. Look for the "Plug and Play version" entry and use the following table to get more information about your computer's Plug and Play configuration. "Plug and Play environment" Additional information --------------------------- ---------------------- Windows 95 Your computer is running a PnP capable OS. PnP CM X.XX This is the version number of your PnP Configuration Manager. PnP BIOS only You have a compliant PnP BIOS, but no Configuration Manager. Contact your computer vendor to get a CM. Noncompliant PnP BIOS Your computer's PnP BIOS isn't Plug and Play compliant. Contact your computer vendor and see about getting a new PnP- compliant BIOS. ----------------------- ---------------------- * Third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.