T42 - Fn+F5 without AC issue

[d_omin]

Hello everyone,

I have read a lot of informations about this well known issue but I have't found the solution yet. I have to uninstall AC because of connectivity problem with my home wifi network (wpa2-psk/aes) and as You guess combo Fn+F5 stop working. I try to fix it but unsuccessfully.
Here are some parameters:
T42 2737 M44
WiFiCard: Intel Pro 2100 3b mini drivers version: 1.2.4.41
PM drivers version: 1.55
HotKey drivers version: 2.22

I have read that there is a problem with PM drivers but i couldn't find working one.
I will be really happy if someone help me
Sorry for my English but I`m not English native speaker.

Best Regards,
d_omin

[RealBlackStuff]

Welcome to the forum.
Your problems will go away if you throw out that "antique" wifi card, and replace it with a more modern version.
Your card does not do WPA, let alone WPA2.
You'd need e.g. an Intel 2200BG, Intel 3495ABG or an Atheros-based wifi card.
You might get an 1802 and/or 01C9 error, but these can be easily fixed.

[d_omin]

But without AC the card works correctly even on WPA2 only Fn+F5 doesn't work....

[RealBlackStuff]

Your correct Type/model = 2373-M44
What OS are you running?
Under XP it should work, under Vista or W7 probably not.
Install System Update 3.14 and run that: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-66956

[d_omin]

oh yes my fault I`m running Win XP pro. Installation of system update didn`t make any change...

[sktn77a]

Sounds like a power management issue. Have you looked at you wifi card power settings? I hate to say this but are you about ready for a fresh install of Windows....... ???????

The 2100b is an old dog - I'd update it.

[d_omin]

Which setting of PM should I change?
Yes I agree with you, but to change it I need time and skill and there is some problem with one of the screw (above touch pad) I`m not sure if I`m able to unscrew it... It is difficult to detach the disassemble this laptop? I disassembled Acer Aspire once or twice but this is a toy not a laptop...

[RealBlackStuff]

How to take a T42 apart: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-46464
It's very easy following the illustrated instructions.
Use a good quality small Phillips #1 (Kreuz-schlitz) screwdriver. Or if stuck, try it with a flat blade screwdriver.

[d_omin]

Ok Thank everybody for advices if only I have some free time I will try it.

EDIT
I reinstalled Windows and install the driver in correct sequence (PM,HK,WLAN) and everything works perfectly

[d_omin]

Hello again!
I have changed my WiFi card to IBM 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI Adapter (Atheros 5211) but I have problem with WPA2. Does it support WPA2 ?

[RealBlackStuff]

What's the exact P/N or FRU number of that card?

[d_omin]

Where can I find this? Is there any possibility to get this information without opening the laptop? Ok I can connect to WPA2 protected network, but when I turn on WiFi I have to restart Windows Xp SP3 to get IP from router Dlink DI 524. In other way laptop can`t get the IP from router.

[sktn77a]

There have been quite a lot of reports of wireless connectivity problems after installing XP SP3. Did you have the card installed and working before SP3? I think we would need the IBM FRU number to troubleshoot further.

[Terrahawk]

Also, consider downgrading the hotkey driver to 1.31 or thereabouts. Using 2.00+ has caused me many problems with the various Fn+Fx combinations.