PCMCIA Drivers

PCMCIA drivers are the link between the PCMCIA card device and the computer (usually a laptop). PCMCIA is an acronym for Personal Computer Memory Card International Association. Generally speaking, PCMCIA is no longer used; in fact the PCMCIA acquisitioned the rights to the term “PC Card” from IBM and officially uses it in their documentation since Version 2 of their specifications. Originally, a PC card was designed as a means for extending memory on most laptop computers. However, beginning with “Type II” PC cards, input/output (I/O) support was introduced which enabled a variety of peripherals that could be connected to a laptop (or desktop) computer. PC cards could now not only provide extended memory, but provide the computer with an interface to modems, external CD-ROM drives, network cards, TV cards, and many other devices.

However, none of these devices would be supported without PC card (PCMCIA) drivers. PC card drivers may contain the drivers for the devices that are connected to them. In this fashion they may differ, but as far as the actual card drivers, they generally contain about the same information. PC card drivers register the card with the operating system, define the operating state of the socket connection, request I/O ports and Interrupt Requests (IRQs) so their devices can communicate with the CPU or operating system, manage the card’s bulk memory services, and provide Card Information Structure (CIS) calls.

Every PC card has a small portion of its memory loaded with the CIS. The CIS describes the card to the operating system and tells it how it should be configured. Often, PC Card problems are not caused as much by the PC card drivers as is a corrupted CIS. A good PC card driver will contain a file or program that will supply the operating system with a substitute CIS should the one on the card be corrupt.

Common Problems Associated with PCMCIA Drivers

1) Conflicts with other device drivers competing for the same resources

2) Missing or corrupt drivers

3) Incompatibility with the operating system

4) Problems in the Windows Registry

Troubleshooting PCMCIA Drivers

If a PCMCIA device is plugged into the computer socket but no driver is present or the driver is corrupt, the computer may simply ignore the device. Occasionally, the computer may crash or freeze because there is no driver. As mentioned above, if the card’s CIS is corrupt the device may not function either, but a good driver will provide a substitute CIS to prevent failure of the card. The best solution for these driver problems is to remove the PC Card, reboot the computer, and install or reinstall the proper PCMCIA driver. Check with the card manufacturer for updated versions of the latest available driver.