The network adapter is not functioning after installing the FireWire card. Why?
Question
Why does the network adapter not work anymore after installing the FireWire card?
This applies to the following Operating System(s):
- Windows Millennium Edition (ME)
- Windows XP
Answer
When Windows Millennium (ME) or Windows XP detects the AFW-1430, AFW-4300, AUA-3020 or AUA-3121, it will often install a networking adapter for the 1394 bus. This installation is part of the operating system's support for networking through the 1394 bus and is not something that can be prevented. You can, however, disable the installation of the networking portion of the AFW-4300, AUA-3020 or AUA-3121 by renaming the appropriate 'INF' file for the component. This may help in some circumstances when the installation of the 'NDIS 1394 Network Adapter' or '1394 Net Adapter' causes an issue with other installed network adapters.
Here is how to keep the networking portion of the 'NDIS 1394 Network Adapter' or '1394 Net Adapter' from installing within Windows ME or XP prior to reinstalling the AFW-4300, AUA-3020 or AUA-3121:
Note:
Be sure, prior to renaming the Microsoft 'INF' files for 1394 networking, that System Restore run and set the System Restore Point to a time before the installation of the DuoConnect controller. After this is done (before the reboot process), be sure to remove the DuoConnect controller. After the restore is complete, rename the appropriate 'INF' file.
Go from the Start menu to 'Search' and then select 'For Files or Folders.'
Now go to the 'Tools' pull-down menu and choose 'Folder Options.'
Choose the 'View' tab and make sure that under the 'Hidden Files and Folders' section that "Show hidden files and folders" is selected.
Next uncheck the option beneath it labeled "Hide file extensions for known file types."
Now press the 'Apply' and then the 'Ok' buttons. Now search for hidden system files.
In the search text box, type in "nic1394w.inf" or "net1394.inf" (for XP) and 'Look in' the local hard drive(s). Perform the search.
The file "nic1394w.inf" or "net1394.inf" (XP) should be listed in the Windows 'INF' folder (c:\windows\inf).
Highlight the file listed on the right side of the Explorer window and go to the 'File' pull-down menu.
Choose "Rename." This will highlight the file name. Place cursor at the end of the file and add a second extension ".old" (so that the entire file would read "nic1394w.inf.old" or "net1394.inf.old").
Press 'Enter' for the change to take effect.
Note:At this point, change the 'Folder Options' (from the 'Tools' pull-down menu back to it's default settings.
Now shut down the system and install either the AFW-4300, AUA-3020 or AUA-3121.
On the restart of Windows, the operating system may still detect a '1394 Net Adapter' but without the proper 'INF' file (nic1394w.inf), it should not install that portion of it. At this point the component will be listed in the Device Manager as an 'unknown device.' The 1394 bus itself, however, should still be fully functional.
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