PowerBook: Modem/Ethernet PC Card Not Recognized (2/97)

I just did a clean install of my system software and now when I insert my Global Village Platinum Pro modem/Ethernet PC card, I get the following message.

"The correct software you need to use the PC Card in the Lower PC Card slot is not installed. Do you want to eject the card now?

I thought that the system software came with the necessary software to recognize modem cards. Why am I getting this message?

The system software does include software which enables it to use standard Type II modem cards. However, the Global Village Platinum Pro and other "combo" cards need additional software to be recognizable by the PowerBook computer.

"Combo" or combination cards include cards that have functionality in addition to being a modem, such as Ethernet. These cards require additional software to be recognized by the computer even if you are just using the modem and not using the Ethernet or other capabilities. In addition to Global Village, some examples of the other vendors making these types of cards are Farallon, Dayna and Asante.

To resolve this situation, you simply need to install the software that came with your PC card. After you install the necessary software the card should be functional again.


This article was published in the Information Alley on 5 February 1997.
Published Date: Feb 18, 2012