T43 and Docking Station question

[tdb1977]

Hi all. I have a question about the IBM Thinkpad T43 and a docking station question. Hope someone might be able to help me out. I have an IBM T43 laptop (Type 2668) and a ThinkPad Port Replicator II (Type 2878). When I go into the EasyEject application, I do not see the docking station listed. To see if the docking station is suppose to show up under the EasyEject application, I have an IBM T61 laptop attached to a docking station. I opened up that systems EasyEject application and the docking station is showing up. I then went under the device manager and I found the docking station listed on the T61 under system devices, but on the T43, there is no docking station listed. Is there a driver or a setting that I am missing that is not allowing me to see the docking station listed on the T43 so that it shows up on the EasyEject application? Any help on this, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks all for helping me.

TDB1977

[CZOLG]

Like you mentioned, you have a Thinkpad Port Replicator II, not the docking station, therefore it will not show in EasyEject as a docking station.
At least this is my understanding. Advanced Port Replicator and Mini Dock only appear to be the same. There is 4usb hub and external power supply on the Dock.

[user17600]

I have these port replicators for several of my T2* and T4* TPs and just use the eject button to shoot the TP out at any time... I do seem to recall getting a message upon first use with XP (maybe a Fn+F9) to use some command for some reason, but never do.

The only problems I've ever encountered is the T41 sometimes not picking up the hardwired network upon re-dock, mostly solved at a subsequent un- and re-dock. This problem does not occur when running Kubuntu on this same machine, so it's probably a XP issue.

[tdb1977]

Do you have a problem with any open application freezing when you undock the TP from the port replicator? It seems like whatever I have open, they freeze and I have to power the system off and then power it back on in order to get the TP to work correctly again.

[user17600]

No, no problems with app freezing at all. The only issue is the connectivity.

Did you try the Fn+F9 thing? On my T41 it brings up an EZ-eject menu, perhaps this is what you're looking for?

[tdb1977]

I've gone under the EasyEject application and it shows no devices connected. Is there a way that I can search for connected devices?

[user17600]

Hmm, when I do Fn+F9 I get a choice "Eject ThinkPad PC from MiniDoc" so clearly something is different between our set-ups.

Under the EasyJect I only see my DVD, so the dock does not appear in that listing, just the FN+F9. What pops up when you do Fn+F9.

Are your USB ports, PS2 port, mouse, etc. recognized by Windows? Seems like there might be a problem with the dock...

[tdb1977]

When I press Fn + F9, the only things that I show in the window are Run EasyEject Actions and Stop MATSHITA UJDA765 DVD/CDRW. I have multiple docking stations that I can try. They are all the type 2878. When I push the button to configure the Configure EasyEject Actions, and in the next window that comes up, I push the button Fn+F9 settings, I have the radio button selected for Eject ThinkPad PC from Dock, Mini Dock or UltraBase. I'm wondering if there is a Windows driver that I might be missing for this?

[user17600]

Perhaps it is a driver. After using your system on battery, when you put it in the dock does it charge? If so, then clearly the TP is recognizing the dock and yes, it would seem to be missing some driver or some setting. If it does not charge, then perhaps it is the dock (or maybe the key position... e.g., does the TP dock completely).

I put my T41 into an different dock of the same model and the Fn+F9 shows the eject from minidock choice. Fn+F9 out of the dock gives the same pop-up window as you state (run easyeject options).

I seem to recall that there was a post in a different subject that had a utility from IBM/Lenovo that would scan your system for all required drivers and notify you which were missing. I think this was even beyond the Thinkpad Software Installer, but it may have been a link to the latest version of that software.

[dr_st]

I have a T42, that has been spending 99% of the time in the dock during the past few months. In the Fn+F9 I do not have the "Eject from dock" option. I don't recall ever having it, or ever using it. I just eject it using the button, whether it's on or off. Usually nothing freezes.

[mred30]

I have learned that you need to put the laptop into sleep mode before undocking. I found that when I do not do this, weird things happen to my laptop such as:

1. Wireless card not kicking in automatically
2. Ultranav pad scroll function will not work (need to reboot)
3. If you have special settings you use when attached to a docking station (such as an external monitor you are using and have the LCD screen off) the LCD screen will not come back on after undocking. I need to perform FN+F7 to get my LCD to go back on.

I found by simply putting the laptop to sleep first eliminated a headache for me.

[davidspalding]

There seems to be some confusion ... there are three different "docks" for the T43 ... the Port Replicator, the MiniDock, and the Dock II. The latter two have keys, additional USB ports, etc. the Dock II has a power supply and fan internally, PC Card slots, yeada yeada yeada. I have one or more of each. (IMHO, the Dock II rocks.)

I've only ever seen the higher two docks recognized by Windows as something you can eject from with the OS. So if you're in a Port Replicator, ensure you have any peripherals more complicated than keyboard/mouse ejected already. That means flash drives, external USB drives, scanners, printers (not so sure about that).