Stupid wireless connection problem - can't figure this out

[matt613]

I can't seem to connect this stupid thing wirelessly. It connects via ethernet okay. It's a T41 with Windows XP Pro SP3. As far as I know it has a wireless card in it. I assume some standard one by Intel, but I don't know. I got it off ebay. I've tried downloading drivers for wireless... it's very confusing because there seems to be multiple "intel pro wireless" type packages, -- like at least four to choose from (does installing multiple versions of these create problems?) I've tried uninstalling them all and then just installing them again. The files I most recently used are wireless_7.1.4.7_generic_125891 and 77wc39ww, but the little icon thing in the tray doesn't show up and going into Network Connections from Control Panel, it only shows "Local Area Connection" which refers to the ethernet cable that's connected to my router. "Internet Connection" says connected, but it goes out when I pull the cable out. Meaning that it doesn't have wireless to switch to. I've used a T42 and X31 before and set these things up (installing Windows on them, having to install all the drivers) and I've figured it out before, so I don't get why I can't figure this one out. Seems like wireless should work on this thing. Can you give me any ideas? thanks

[UPDATE]: Maybe I don't have a wireless card. I just downloaded some program called Network Stumbler, which was mentioned in another thread here, and it gives an alert that says "No wireless adapter found." Should I be able to see it in Device Manager? "Intel PRO/1000 MT Mobile Connection" refers to the ethernet, right?

I wish computers made sense. How am I supposed to know what things like "MT" and "PRO/1000" and "Mobile connection" means? Everything in computers is confusing, cryptic and doesn't make sense. I hate computer programmers and computer designers.

[ajkula66]

Welcome to the forum!

What's the 7-character model number of that T41, 237?-???

[goofyGAguy]

Welcome to the forum, neighbor!

When you installed the wireless drivers, did you run the setup.exe file after you extracted the files to the hard drive?

[matt613]

Welcome to the forum, neighbor!

When you installed the wireless drivers, did you run the setup.exe file after you extracted the files to the hard drive?

Yes.

And the model number is 28R7077.

[goofyGAguy]

And the model number is 28R7077.

[ajkula66]

Let's try that again...

On the bottom of your T41 is a sticker with serial number (don't post that), production date and full model number that would look something like 2373-75U...that last piece of info is what I'm looking for...

[matt613]

Maybe 2373-8SU S/N 99-A7HW5 04/11

or X10-60256

I don't know what string of numbers is what.
or do you want the "Pin number" ?

[goofyGAguy]

2373-8SU is correct. The description says "wireless upgradeable", so your T41 did not leave the factory with a wireless card.

[ajkula66]

Very good, now remove the serial number starting in 99 from your post...

[matt613]

2373-8SU is correct. The description says "wireless upgradeable", so your T41 did not leave the factory with a wireless card.

Okay, thanks

What kind of wireless card should I get?

[goofyGAguy]

I have a Linksys PCMCIA wireless adapter I could let you have cheap.

[ajkula66]

Any card listed under # 14 will work, but try to go with bg or abg ones:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-46474

[matt613]

Any card listed under # 14 will work, but try to go with bg or abg ones:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-46474

But what's the best?

[ajkula66]

Intel 2200BG or IBM (Atheros) bg or abg won't let you down.

[matt613]

I just looked at an auction for an Intel 2200BG and it said it didn't come with the antenna and also mentioned something about it not fitting in Thinkpad minipci slots.

So which one do I get for a T41 and do I have to buy an antenna and do I really care that much anyway to solve this stupid problem? I hate computers, they are a waste of time. think i'm switching to apple or just going to spend less time with these things

[Neil]

The "wireless upgradeable" part of your machines description means that the antenna are already installed in the lid, and all you will have to do install a card and drivers, and you are ready.