Hi all, i'm new here and i'm not exactly sure if this should go here or in the networking section, but i'm gonna post it here. Basically, I don't know how to get my 3Com Etherlink 10 100 pci nic driver to work (the model is 3C905C-TX-M). I downloaded the contents of the first cd here: http://www.nodevice.com/driver/company/3Com/Network.html (under the 3C90X Adapter family), and when i opened it, most of the files were compressed (such as .sy_ and .do_), and no instructions on how to install them. Any help on what I need to do to get ethernet on my windows 98SE computer would be greatly appreciated

Edited March 7, 201115 yr by danielw89

First, 3Com has a newer version of the EtherCD (v5.4) so why you didn't go to the manufacturer... ?(dunno)

Second, all you have to do is "unpack" the file and direct the Device Manager to the folder where it's unpacked. There's some INF files there and the files necessary will automatically be installed based on the contents of the INF. Just select the Folder and the INF when asked for the location of the driver.

Here is the latest including documentation.

edit - oops! looks like HP bought 3Com - a shame! Here...

FWIW, the FTP site still exists.

Edited March 7, 201115 yr by submix8c

the newer one doesn't work on my Windows 98SE computer (says the windows version is too old), and i tried using the .inf but nothing was installed. should i unpack all the files first? btw sorry about sounding like a complete newbie

Hmmm, try a google on "Unknown Device Identifier", download it, and transfer to the Win98SE PC.

While on the 98SE PC, remove the Network Adapter in Device Manager , and run the transferred "UDI" program. Post what it finds for the Network Card (or just attach the whole TXT output).

Above assumes a method of transferring between PC's (floppy/USB/CD-RW/etc.)

Something is amiss. The FTP site has file "3C90x1.exe" (v5.4) which has within it a file named "w9x90xbc.inf". It should work if selected during "find new hardware" (this is the INF to be selected, not the others). It specifically states "3Com EtherLink 10/100 PCI For Complete PC Management NIC (3C905C-TX)". Is this an Integrated LAN (i.e. LOM/LAN-On-Motherboard) and not an add-in PCI? (Where did you get the info on "type of NIC"?)

BTW, the version you're using also has that in it - just that the v5.4 has more "cards" (including LOM) listed. I have both versions.

im going to try out the file in just a minute, and it was an add-on (i.e. it didn't come on the motherboard)

edit: ok I ran Unknown Device Identifier, and i got an error stating "Text exceeds memo capacity"

Edited March 8, 201115 yr by danielw89

woot!! alright I was able to get it working. I figured out what I was doing wrong. thank you so much for your help!!

Well, then please explain how you "got it to work" and change the Title of this topic to "Solved".