Fixing AMD PCnet-ISA Errors In 86Box: A Troubleshooting Guide

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Hey guys! Having trouble with your AMD PCnet-ISA or PCnet-ISA+ cards in 86Box? You're not alone! Many users have encountered issues like "not found" errors, hardware problems, and failed diagnostics. This guide will walk you through the common problems and how to fix them, so you can get your retro networking up and running.

Common Issues with AMD PCnet-ISA and PCnet-ISA+ in 86Box

Let's dive into the nitty-gritty. AMD PCnet-ISA cards, including the Am79C960 and Am79C961 (PCnet-ISA+), can be tricky to configure. These cards, which were formerly known as the LANCE series and are 16-bit ISA PnP network cards made by AMD, are essential for networking in older systems. If you're unfamiliar, check out the Wikipedia overview for more info: AMD LANCE Am7990.

Users often run into the following problems:

  1. Loopback Test Failures: The diagnostic loopback test fails, indicating a problem with the card's ability to send and receive data internally. This is a crucial test, and a failure here means your card isn't communicating properly.
  2. Hanging on 286 Systems: The AMD PCnet-ISA (non-PnP) card can cause a 286 system to hang. This is particularly frustrating because these cards are supposed to work on older systems, including 286s. According to the AMD datasheets (AM79C961.PDF and AM79C960.PDF), these cards should be compatible, so this is definitely a bug.
  3. "PCnet Device Not Found" Error: The AMD PCnet-ISA+ may display the error message: "Sorry, there was no PCnet device found in the system. Exiting!" This can be a real head-scratcher, especially when you've installed the card correctly.
  4. Diagnostic Test Failures (I/O, Loopback, EEPROM): Running diagnostics often leads to failures in I/O, loopback, and EEPROM tests. These failures suggest deeper hardware or configuration issues. The EEPROM checksum failure, in particular, can be a sign of a significant problem, and the T-MAU (Medium Attachment Unit) error points to a core Ethernet issue.

Digging Deeper: Understanding the Technical Details

To really get to the bottom of these issues, let's break down what each error means and how it affects your system. We know that diagnosing network card issues can be a pain, but with a bit of understanding, we can tackle these problems effectively. When dealing with AMD network card problems, it’s essential to look at a range of factors, including hardware compatibility and software configuration.

The loopback test failure typically indicates that the network card cannot communicate with itself, which is a fundamental issue. This could be due to a faulty chip, incorrect settings, or conflicts with other hardware.

The hanging issue on 286 systems suggests a problem with the card's initialization or resource allocation on older architectures. The AMD PCnet-ISA card, designed to support older systems, should not cause such hangs. This issue often arises from how the card interacts with the system's BIOS and memory management.

The "PCnet device not found" error typically occurs because the system doesn’t recognize the card or there’s a conflict with another device using the same resources. This can be especially perplexing when the card appears to be correctly installed. Identifying and resolving resource conflicts is crucial in these cases.

Diagnostic test failures in I/O, loopback, and EEPROM tests highlight various potential problems. I/O failures suggest issues with the card’s ability to send and receive data. Loopback test failures, as mentioned earlier, indicate problems with internal communication. EEPROM failures, particularly checksum errors, point to potential corruption or hardware malfunctions. The T-MAU error (Medium Attachment Unit) is a core Ethernet technology issue, signaling severe problems with network connectivity.

Understanding these technical aspects helps in pinpointing the root cause of the problems, enabling more targeted and effective solutions. To troubleshoot AMD PCnet-ISA errors, it’s critical to go through these details step-by-step.

Expected vs. Actual Results

Ideally, you'd want to:

  1. Install network drivers like PCNTNW (Novell NetWare ODI driver for DOS). This driver is crucial for establishing network connections in DOS environments.
  2. Create a NET.CFG file with the correct IRQ, DMA, and other settings. This configuration file is the backbone of your network setup, specifying how the network card interacts with the system.
  3. Have the network driver ready to connect to the network. This is the ultimate goal – a functional network connection.

But instead, you're seeing system lockups and error messages. The AMD PCnet-ISA+ error, "Sorry, there was no PCnet device found in the system," is a common roadblock. In some cases, removing conflicting hardware, like a Sound Blaster Pro v2 sound card, can resolve this. However, running diagnostics often reveals more issues, like failing I/O, loopback, and EEPROM tests.

Troubleshooting Steps

Okay, let's get our hands dirty and fix this! Here's a step-by-step guide to troubleshooting these issues:

  1. Check for Hardware Conflicts:

    • IRQ and DMA Conflicts: This is often the first culprit. Ensure your network card's IRQ (Interrupt Request) and DMA (Direct Memory Access) channels aren't being used by other devices. Sound cards, especially older ones, are notorious for causing conflicts. Start by examining the system's configuration and identifying any potential clashes. Use diagnostic tools or the system's setup program to check current assignments.
    • Resource Allocation: Make sure the I/O address range isn't overlapping with another device. This kind of conflict can prevent the network card from being recognized by the system. Common areas of conflict include serial ports, parallel ports, and other expansion cards. Refer to the documentation for your other devices to determine their I/O address ranges and ensure there are no overlaps.

  2. Verify Card Installation:

    • Proper Seating: Ensure the card is firmly seated in the ISA slot. A loose connection can cause all sorts of problems. Remove the card and carefully reinsert it, ensuring it clicks securely into place. This simple step can often resolve issues caused by poor physical connections.
    • Slot Compatibility: Try a different ISA slot. Sometimes, certain slots may have issues. Testing the card in multiple slots can help rule out slot-specific problems. If one slot works and another doesn’t, it suggests an issue with the slot itself or the motherboard’s trace lines connected to it.

  3. Software Configuration:

    • NET.CFG Settings: Double-check your NET.CFG file. Incorrect IRQ, DMA, or I/O settings can prevent the driver from loading correctly. Ensure the settings in your NET.CFG file match the actual configuration of the network card. Common errors include typos, incorrect values, or missing parameters. Compare your settings with the card’s documentation to ensure accuracy.
    • Driver Compatibility: Use the correct drivers for your card and operating system. Old or incorrect drivers can cause all sorts of headaches. Obtain the latest drivers for your specific network card and operating system from a reliable source. Check compatibility lists or forums to verify that the drivers are known to work with your hardware and software configurations.

  4. Run Diagnostics:

    • AMINSTAL Utility: If the diagnostics fail, pay close attention to the error messages. They often provide clues about the problem. The AMINSTAL utility diagnostics results, such as the loopback test failure and EEPROM checksum error, are crucial indicators of hardware issues. Note any specific error codes or messages, as they can help you narrow down the problem.
    • Interpreting Errors: Loopback failures might indicate a hardware problem with the card itself. EEPROM checksum errors suggest potential corruption or failure of the EEPROM chip. The T-MAU error points to a severe problem with the card’s Ethernet communication capabilities. Use these error messages as starting points for more in-depth troubleshooting.

  5. Hardware Inspection:

    • Visual Check: Look for any physical damage on the card, such as burnt components or broken traces. Physical damage is a clear sign of hardware malfunction and may necessitate card replacement. Examine the card closely under good lighting, looking for any signs of heat damage, loose components, or cracks in the circuit board.
    • Chip Integrity: Check the chips for signs of overheating or damage. Overheated chips can cause erratic behavior. Feel the chips to check if any are excessively hot. If any chips show signs of damage, such as discoloration or swelling, the card may need repair or replacement.

Example Configuration Snippet

Here's an example of a configuration section from a user's 86Box configuration file. Let's break it down:

[AMD PCnet-ISA #1]
base = 0300
irq = 3
dma = 5
mac = 64:fc:d5
  • base = 0300: This sets the I/O base address to 0x300.
  • irq = 3: This assigns Interrupt Request 3 to the card.
  • dma = 5: This sets the DMA channel to 5.
  • mac = 64:fc:d5: This is the MAC address of the network card.

Make sure these settings match your NET.CFG and the card's actual configuration.

The Importance of a Clean Configuration

A clean and organized configuration is key to resolving issues with AMD PCnet-ISA network cards. By methodically checking each aspect of the setup, you can pinpoint and address the root causes effectively.

When troubleshooting, always start with the basics. Ensure the card is properly seated in its slot, that there are no physical damages, and that the drivers are correctly installed. Reviewing the settings in the NET.CFG file is crucial. Incorrect configurations are a common cause of problems. Ensure that IRQ, DMA, and I/O address settings do not conflict with other devices in the system. Hardware conflicts can lead to a range of issues, from the card not being recognized to system-wide crashes.

For instance, the user’s initial configuration showed that the AMD PCnet-ISA+ card was not being detected, leading to the "Sorry, there was no PCnet device found" error. This was resolved by removing a conflicting Sound Blaster Pro v2 sound card, illustrating how hardware conflicts can directly impact network card functionality. Diagnostic tests failing, such as loopback and EEPROM tests, indicate more severe hardware issues that need closer inspection.

By diligently working through each potential issue, from hardware conflicts to software configurations, you can significantly increase your chances of successfully resolving AMD PCnet-ISA card problems. A well-structured approach not only fixes immediate issues but also helps prevent future problems by ensuring a stable and reliable system.

Case Study: Solving the "PCnet Device Not Found" Error

One of the most common issues is the "Sorry, there was no PCnet device found in the system" error. Here’s a breakdown of how to tackle it:

  1. Identify Conflicts: As mentioned earlier, sound cards are often the culprit. Remove any unnecessary cards and test.
  2. Check I/O Addresses: Ensure the card's I/O address doesn't conflict with other devices. Use a diagnostic tool to scan for conflicts.
  3. Verify Drivers: Make sure you're using the correct drivers. Sometimes, a generic driver can cause this error.

In the original case, the user found that a Sound Blaster Pro v2 sound card was the problem. Removing it allowed the PCnet-ISA+ card to be recognized.

Addressing Diagnostic Test Failures

When running diagnostics, failures in the I/O, loopback, and EEPROM tests are significant indicators of problems. Each of these tests checks a different aspect of the card’s functionality, and understanding the failure points can help in targeted troubleshooting.

I/O Test Failures

I/O (Input/Output) test failures indicate issues with the card’s ability to send and receive data. This could be due to several factors, including:

  • Hardware Conflicts: As discussed earlier, IRQ, DMA, or I/O address conflicts can prevent the card from communicating properly.
  • Driver Issues: Incorrect or outdated drivers can cause I/O errors. Ensure you are using the correct drivers for your specific card and operating system.
  • Physical Damage: Damage to the card's components or traces can disrupt data transmission.

To address I/O test failures, start by verifying the card’s resource settings and checking for hardware conflicts. Use diagnostic tools to confirm that the card is assigned unique IRQ, DMA, and I/O address ranges. Next, update or reinstall the network card drivers, ensuring they are compatible with your operating system. Finally, inspect the card for any signs of physical damage, such as burnt components or broken traces.

Loopback Test Failures

Loopback tests verify the card’s ability to send and receive data internally. A loopback test failure typically suggests a hardware problem within the card itself. Common causes include:

  • Faulty Chip: A malfunctioning network chip can disrupt the internal communication loop.
  • Component Issues: Problems with other components on the card, such as resistors or capacitors, can also lead to loopback failures.

When a loopback test fails, the first step is to visually inspect the card for any signs of damage or overheating. Check the chips and other components for physical damage or signs of burnout. If possible, try the card in another system to rule out issues with the motherboard or other system components. If the card continues to fail the loopback test in multiple systems, it likely has a hardware fault and may need to be replaced.

EEPROM Test Failures

The EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) test checks the integrity of the card’s firmware and configuration settings. An EEPROM checksum error, in particular, indicates that the data stored in the EEPROM may be corrupted or the EEPROM chip itself may be failing. Causes for EEPROM test failures include:

  • Data Corruption: Data corruption can occur due to power surges, static electricity, or other electrical disturbances.
  • Hardware Failure: The EEPROM chip may fail over time, leading to data loss or corruption.

To address EEPROM test failures, first try reflashing the EEPROM with the correct firmware. This can sometimes restore the card to a working state if the data corruption is not severe. If reflashing the EEPROM does not resolve the issue, the EEPROM chip may be faulty and need to be replaced. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the entire network card.

By systematically addressing each type of diagnostic test failure, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve issues with AMD PCnet-ISA cards. Understanding the potential causes and implementing the appropriate solutions will help you maintain a stable and reliable network connection.

Final Thoughts

Troubleshooting AMD PCnet-ISA cards can be a journey, but with a systematic approach, you can conquer these issues. Remember to check for conflicts, verify your settings, and inspect the hardware. And hey, if you're still stuck, don't hesitate to ask for help in the 86Box community. We're all in this retro computing adventure together!

Hopefully, this guide has been a lifesaver for you. Happy networking, and may your packets always reach their destination! You guys got this! Solving network card problems can be challenging, but with a methodical approach, you’ll get there. Good luck!