T42 1802 error suddenly appeared when backup battery failed

[lather]

A few days ago, my T42 that I've had for about 3 years suddenly refused to boot up, giving the BIOS codes I recognised as indicating that the backup battery needed replacing. However, it also gave another code I didn't recognise, which was "1802 - Unauthorized network card is plugged in—Turn off and remove the miniPCI network card."

When I first got the machine, I had to use an external PCMCIA wireless card to connect to WiFi. However, after a short while, it picked up a really nasty virus that couldn't be removed, so I had to wipe the HDD and reinstall Windows completely from a full set of recovery disks obtained from a certain popular online auction site. The reinstall went really well, but gave me a bit of a surprise when I rebooted the machine afterwards and saw that the internal WiFi card (which I didn't know was fitted!) had started working. Since then, I've always used the internal card to connect to WiFi.

Reading up on the 1802 code, it told me that it usually meant the presence of a non-IBM card. However, as the machine had been working fine for over 2 years before this issue, ever since the full reinstallation of Windows and all drivers, and the fact that I'm pretty sure the card is a genuine IBM one fitted at the factory, it has me a bit puzzled.

So I'm looking for a bit of help and advice to get the machine working again, as I'm now having to use my backup machine (an R32), which isn't ideal. Does anyone have any ideas or advice as to what to do to get the machine working once more?

[ajkula66]

You need to re-apply the "no-1802" hack with the wireless card removed from the system and re-insert it after reboot.

[RealBlackStuff]

ajkula66 is right, you probably unknowingly did a BIOS update, which annulled the previous (?) NO-1802 mod

[lather]

OK, that's fixed it!

Took the card out, ran no-1802, reinstalled the card and it all booted up smoothly.

Thanks for the help!

[MrMaguire]

Do you mind if I ask for the type number of your T42?