Mac OS X: Kernel Panic When Using PC Card Modems

Symptom

A kernel panic occurs when you switch network locations or when you eject a PC card (PCMCIA) modem. If you need help identifying this symptom, see technical document 106227, "Mac OS X: What is a Kernel Panic?".

Solution

This resolved in Mac OS X 10.2 or later. Users of Mac OS X 10.1.5 may use the following workaround.

For each network location you use, enable the port for the PC card modem. Follow these steps:

1. Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu.
2. Choose Network from the view menu.
3. Choose the desired location from the Location pop-up menu.
4. Choose Active Network Ports from the Show menu.
5. Be sure that the checkbox is selected for the PC card modem. The name of the port should be "pccard-modem-port" or something similar.

Alternatively, you may eject the PC Card modem while the computer is in sleep mode.