when you do a fresh installation of windows nt 4.0, microsoft recommends that you install the microsoft loopback adapter driver, and then verify that networking is operating normally before installing any nics. the loopback adapter driver enables the computer to connect to local network resources that then allow alerter and messenger services to start on a stand-alone system.

    failure to install the loopback adapter driver before installing a service pack can result in a corrupted operating system. 3com has tested and supports only service pack 6a.

    to install the driver, do the following:

    1 start the windows nt 4.0 fresh installation and proceed as usual.

    2 in the windows nt 4.0 server setup window, click select from list.

    3 in the list, locate and select ms loopback adapter and click ok.

    4 in the windows nt server setup window, click next.

    5 bind protocols (tcp/ip, netbeui, or ipx/spx) to the loopback adapter driver, and then click next.

    6 continue the installation as usual.

    7 when prompted, click yes to restart the computer.

    8 install the service pack.

    9 when prompted, click yes to restart the computer.

    10 install the 3com gigabit ethernet nic, its driver, and advanced server features.

    11 bind protocols (tcp/ip, netbeui, or ipx/spx) to the 3com gigabit ethernet nic driver.

    12 when prompted, click yes to restart the computer.