3Com Windows CE 2.0 Network Drivers Installation without a CE Services CD

Applies To

• Windows CE 2.0, SP1

Overview

When running the driver installation for the 3Com 3C589 series (3C589, 3C589B, 3C589C, 3C589D) on your Host PC you are promoted to insert the Microsoft Windows CE Services CD that came with your Windows CE 2.0 Device / Windows CE 2.0 ROM Upgrade.

The 3Com installer will not proceed without access to the Windows CE 2.0 Services CD, irrespective of whether or not the CE 2.0 Network Service Pack is already installed on your H/PC.

Downloads

• 3Com 3C589x drivers for Windows CE 2.0

Solution

This behaviour is by design. The files that the 3Com installer searches for on the CE Services 2.x CD are a required component in order to complete your network device installation.

3Com do not offer a work around for this problem.

Given the age of Windows CE 2.0 devices, many users may be unable to make use of Networking functionality because of this issue. Either because they purchased their device as second hand, without the original CE Services CD, or the CE Services CD has become lost of damaged.

HPC Factor has created a work around patch to resolve the Installer problem. It is intended only to address the issue described above. The patch contains the 3Com drivers as well as the Windows CE 2 Network Components Service Pack. That patch does not include the Network Redirector files required for Network browsing. These may be added in a later version
NB: The fix is not official, as such it is NOT supported by 3Com. The patch is provided as is with no warranty.

Windows CE 2.0 SH3

1. Download setup_sh3.cab from the download link
2. Upload the setup_sh3.cab file to your Handheld PC through ActiveSync, External storage or by downloading the cab file from the internet onto your Handheld PC
3. Exit all open programs
4. Double tap the setup_sh3.cab file to begin the installation process. Follow the instructions on the screen
5. Once installed power down and Soft Reset your Handheld PC
6. With the card properly attached to the network insert the 3C589x card into the PCMCIA slot of your device
7. If you are prompted to specify a driver name type 3c589.dll and tap OK
8. After a few seconds the 3Com tray icon should appear and an active Network connection will be established

Windows CE 2.0 MIPS

A MIPS environment patch has now been created and is available from the CESD Download centre.

1. Download setup_mips.cab from the download link
2. Upload the setup_mips.cab file to your Handheld PC through ActiveSync, External storage or by downloading the cab file from the Internet onto your Handheld PC
3. Exit all open programs
4. Double tap the setup_mips.cab file to begin the installation process. Follow the instructions on the screen
5. Once installed power down and Soft Reset your Handheld PC
6. With the card properly attached to the network insert the 3C589x card into the PCMCIA slot of your device
7. If you are prompted to specify a driver name type 3c589m.dll and tap OK
8. After a few seconds the 3Com tray icon should appear and an active Network connection will be established

Uninstalling the update

To uninstall the HPC Factor 3C589x Driver update:

1. Remove the 3C589x Network Interface Card from you Handheld PC
2. Tap Start
3. Settings
4. Control Panel
5. Open the Remove Programs Applet
6. Select 'HPC Factor 3COM 3C589 Ethernet Drivers'
7. Tap Remove. The Update will now be uninstalled
8. Soft reset your Handheld PC

Links

3Com - http://www.3com.com/

Acknowledgements:

With thanks to Matt Gillard & Odintsov O for working with us on this support article.