Transmit-underrun error with 21143 based CardBus LAN-Adapters

Symptom: While copying files over the local Ethernet network, the following Message appears: "The specified network name is no longer available". The command "netstat -e" reports send-errors.

Hardware: Sony Vaio PCG-F270 Notebook. Network adapters Kingston CB4TX or AboCom FE2000 (Intel/DEC 21143 based, PC Card / CardBus).

Software: Windows 2000 SP2 or Windows XP. Default driver dc21x4.sys V5.05 (Intel) for "Intel 21143 Based PCI Fast Ethernet Adapter".

Cause: When the "store and forward" option is disabled (default), the Network adapter starts transmitting a packet as soon as it receives the first data block from the CPU. If the CPU does not deliver the rest of the packet data in time, a transmit underrun error occurs and the dc21x4.sys driver does not recover properly.

Solution: Enable the "store and forward" option for the Network adapter (Device Manager / Properties / Advanced).

Author: Christian d'Heureuse (chdh@inventec.ch, www.source-code.biz)
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