LC 575 and Comm Slot Ethernet not working

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Level 4

1,154 points

LC 575 and Comm Slot Ethernet not working

I just acquired an LC 575 and added a Comm Slot Ethernet 10BaseT card. I installed System 7.1 and Network Software Installer 1.5.1, which showed software for the Comm Slot Ethernet. It is connected to a Linksys WRT54G router. When I open the Network control panel to switch to Ethernet, it attempts to switch, then reverts back to LocalTalk saying an error occurred. The link light is lit on the Ethernet card. Not sure why it is not working. Any ideas? I was thinking of trying OS 8.1 with Open Transport to see if it is a software issue. Thanks!

iMac G5 20" 2.1 GHz, PowerBook G4 15" 867 MHz Ti, Mac OS X (10.5.1), iMac G4 17" 1 GHz, LC 575

Posted on Dec 11, 2007 1:02 PM

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Answer 1

Dec 11, 2007 1:45 PM in response to Peter Hillman

I have a LC 580 which is very similar to the LC 575. I had the best luck with Open Transport when running Mac OS 7.6.1. You also need to download & install the Open Transport 1.1.2 Update. It updates networking in the Mac OS so that you can get online & network with other Macs.

Here's a link to the download: http://download.info.apple.com/AppleSupport_Area/Apple_Software_Updates/English-North_American/Macintosh/Networking- Communications/Open_Transport/OT_1.1.2-NetInstall.sea.bin. In that same folder there's also a multi-part floppy version of the Open Transport 1.1.2 Update for in case your Mac doesn't have a CD-ROM drive.

You may also have other issues after installing the update like Logic Board issues. My LC 580's Logic Board has been acting up lately & probably needs to be replaced.

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Answer 2

Dec 11, 2007 2:10 PM in response to Peter Hillman

added a Comm Slot Ethernet 10BaseT card.

Was that a genuine Apple card? If it was another brand, you may need a Driver. Post more info about the card and maybe we can help you find a driver.

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Answer 3

Jan Hedlund

Level 7

24,235 points

Dec 11, 2007 2:29 PM in response to Peter Hillman

Also, in order to connect to the Internet via a router, TCP/IP software is needed. System 7.1 did not include such software. A MacTCP control panel had to be added separately.

The easiest and least expensive solution would probably be to download and install the free System 7.5.3 (e.g. the North American English version here). This system version has a Network Software Selector (in an Apple Extras folder), where you can choose between "classic" (with MacTCP and Network control panels) and Open Transport (with TCP/IP and AppleTalk control panels) networking. The Open Transport version of System 7.5.3 can be updated, if necessary. The whole system can be updated to 7.5.5.

Jan

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Answer 4

Peter Hillman Author

Level 4

1,154 points

Dec 11, 2007 8:36 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Here is more info. It is a Sonic Systems Comm Slot I Ethernet 10BaseT card. I found the Sonic Systems drivers through a webpage that was linked from another discussion thread. Installed and no luck. Under System 7.1, when I use the Network control panel to switch to Ethernet, it says an error occurred and switches back to LocalTalk. I installed Mac OS 8.1 with Open Transport, and same problem occurs in the AppleTalk control panel when trying to switch to Ethernet. I am guessing the card is defective.

I found an eBay auction for an Apple-branded Comm Slot I card, so I might get that and see if that fixes the problem.

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Answer 5

Peter Hillman Author

Level 4

1,154 points

Dec 11, 2007 10:48 PM in response to Peter Hillman

I think I have solved the problem. While running Mac OS 8.1, the Ethernet still failed when trying to switch the AppleTalk control panel. I downloaded both versions of the Sonic Systems NIC drivers from http://www.macdrivermuseum.net/network.shtml. I initially tried version 6.1, since the 7.8 version only stated an update for PCI cards. The Ethernet card failed with 6.1. On a whim, I decided to try version 7.8.

After 7.8 was installed, my Ethernet selection changed from Ethernet to Ethernet Slot 1 and Alternate Ethernet. Slot 1 failed, but Alternate Ethernet worked like a charm! I was able to see my HP LaserJet 6MP on the network as well as file share with my PowerBook G4 booted into OS 9. Due to changes to networking in Mac OS X, I cannot see the LC 575 with my iMac, and the LC 575 cannot see my iMac.

Now I am going to swap hard drives and see if the 7.8 Ethernet software works under System 7.1.

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Answer 6

Peter Hillman Author

Level 4

1,154 points

Dec 12, 2007 12:48 AM in response to Peter Hillman

Problem solved. The Sonic Systems NIC software version 7.8 fixed the error message under System 7.1, as well as Mac OS 8.1. The driver used is the Ethernet Alternative option in the Network control panel, and TCP/IP control panel from Mac OS 8.1.

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Answer 7

Dec 12, 2007 6:30 AM in response to Peter Hillman

I think it is possible that the cards with Sonic Systems chips may be genuine Apple cards. Now that you have things a bit more responsive, you could try removing the drivers and using the Apple drivers.

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Answer 8

Peter Hillman Author

Level 4

1,154 points

Dec 12, 2007 9:00 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

I don't know what software is installed with the Sonic Systems Drivers version 7.8. The Extensions folder still includes the Apple Ethernet drivers. Prior to installing version 7.8, the card did not work with the Apple drivers. I tried Network install 1.4.4 and 1.5.1, neither worked. So whatever was installed with the Sonic drivers, resolved the problem and the Ethernet card now works.

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