T40p and T43 loose Wifi connection

[MTyn]

Hi all,

Im fighting a strange problem with 2 Thinkpads now:

My T40p 2373-CG6 looses sometimes the Wifi connection. A wifi reset of the Wifi don´t work, a reboot work. sometmes after 2 times.
When there is no connection it is like don´t get a IP from my Router (Linksys WRT54GL). I see router in list, signal is very good, but no internet connection. Installed card is a Atheros 11 a/b/g. I have it 2 or 3 times a day and sometimes it works for the whole week...

Tried several things including reset router, put off Windows Firewall, choose other Wifi channel, even wifi without any security wont work.
I used Access Connections too, same problem. Also with a Linksys PCMCIA card it still can´t connect.
The Wifi connection comes back by itself after a wile. It seems like it gets back faster when i plug in a LAN cable.

The ´new´ T43 2668-F5G do the same but after a wifi reset of the Wifi it immediately works again.
Installed card is a Intel R Pro 2915 a/b/g. Already updated the driver for latest one from Intel site but problem stays.
Sometimes it works a few hours, sometimes 10 minutes.

My other Thinkpads, include a R31 2656-??? and a T43 2669-CTO (VSU) never loose wifi connection at same time connected.
My internet connection is stable. Have radiostream running so notice direct when its gone.



Maybe not related to this but about drivers..
On my R31 and T40p the drivers where mostly detected and installed by Windows when installing XP.
It asked for internet connection already at setup.

The install of XP on the T43´s did not even detect any hardware like the LAN card, had to do it by USB stick..
For installing drivers i use mostly Thinkvantage or manually the drivers from the IBM site.

Any suggestions?

[ausmike]

Hi MT.....

sounds like the same issues i had when I my T40s with Linksys router...many years ago...I assume you running Windows XP pro still ?

I have a T43 now (Win& Ulti + heavly modificed with SSD etc etc) and it works nicely!
My other half dont want to log around newer 15' T510 which sits there doing nothing!

Here are a few things you can do (( which is what I did many years ago to fix my 'similar issues i had at that time))
1) BIOS UPDATE - link below
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MOE-3VAM8Y

2) Uninstall software
a) Thinkvantage acess connections
b) Wireless drivers etc ,,,,

3) Check Physical parts
I would open the panels and check the physical CARD you have - just so that you can be sure the DRIVERS match with HARDWARE you have! ( i found a big suprise on my T40 I remember)

4) Download DRIVERS to match your hardware (Driver Matrix below)
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... yle=lenovo

(note - Do not install Thinkvantage sofware yet)

5) Connect to Wireless using WiNDOWS
(if it works nicely ,,,,,,,i would suggest NOT TO INSTALL THINKVANTAGE ACCESS CONNECTIONS - as I found it to be not much good and often caused problems with older machines)




Hope this helps...
Cheers
Mike

[MTyn]

Many thanks for the nice and clear reply Mike.

I´m going to follow all your steps. Hope it works. I let you know.

My previous Linksys router was a WRT54G and that type did´nt work well with my internet connection.
Since i have a WRT54GL - The L is something with Linux software, don´t know details- its ok, exept of those 2 TPs.

What is the best type Wifi card for a T4x ? The Atheros or the Intel? Have a donor T42 (MB rip) will check whats in there.

[goofyGAguy]

What is the best type Wifi card for a T4x ?

As Patrick Swayze might say, opinions vary, but the Intel 2200 has always worked well for me.

[ausmike]

yips ,,, I would stick to "ibm/lenov0" wifi cards (as there are known issues with non APPROVED ones) and intel Pro series seems to work well in T4x...

ALso , there is always good idea to update the FIRMWARE (linux is nice but..) on your Linksys, they often have big fixes ..... but I grew tired of linksys,,,, and all my 'wireless gear' = NETGEAR now ..... and they seem to work nicely for me in various parts of world etc ...

Cheers

[sjthinkpader]

Check if your neighbor is using the same WiFi channel. Check to see if the power control is set to highest performance (lowest power saving).

[MTyn]

Thanks guys, really happy with all support and ideas!


My Linksys router uses the latest Firmware.

In the configuration of the Atheros card there is no option to change channel.
If i change channel on my router, i can connect normal. And get sudden disconnected too..

The connection problem seems to be somewhere in the two laptops because other TPs always keep connected.

Tried on the T40p also a static IP address, Connection to router seems to be ok but got no internet connection.

I can get Intel card with several numbers. Whats difference of 2200 and 5100/5300 models?
The 2200 has FRU 93p3485
Maybe someone knows the FRU numbers of the real, approved, IBM/Lenovo cards for me?

[RealBlackStuff]

The 2200 is MiniPCI and will fit in a T4x, the 5100/5300 are MiniPCI-e(xpress) and won't fit in a T4x.

[MTyn]

Thanks. 2200 will be the one.

Found on eBay ..this now-buy of Intel 2200 for IBM.. one for really fair price. Think its worth a try.
My supplier here wants almost 3x that money for it..

//Edit :

Can choose 2 types of Intel 2200 cards :
- From supplier : FRU 93p3485 (made in china)
- From eBay : FRU 39T0079 (made in Malaysia)

Supplier is more expensive but if its a better one i dont mind that. My TPs are more as just ´things´ for me...

[MTyn]

After i got my T40p back from Reflow Repairs i took out the Philips Wifi card (FRU91P7301) and put a Intel 2200 card in.
connection keeps stable now

Only question is why it did´nt connect with a PCMCIA Wifi device also in the past... never mind, its solved!

[poshgeordie]

I think it's because your Southbridge was unsoldered and which we sorted out for you.

The SB chip is very busy (unlike the northbridge!) and controls just about everything on the motherboard. So basically if it's not working it's probably due to the SB!!!

[hhmcsv]

Well, a while ago I had similar issues with my T40 and T41. What solved it for me was not to let XP connect but using software called Intel(R) PROSet (found on Intels website)for the Intel 2100 wireless card. Works stable and pics up all available networks.

[MTyn]

Old topic, i know... but same TP having again problems.. (but still love my cute 40p! )

After it has been stored for while the WiFi won´t connect anymore.. The connection is switching from ´get connection´ to ´automatic´ every few seconds. Tried on different WiFi routers but every time same problem. I did try a re-seat and re-install of the driver (by XP) but no success. Guess my card died.

Now i did a search on the FRU that was on my Intel BG2200 card : 39T0079.
The site called Thinkpad-parts tells me that FRU number do not match a T40P. Its for a R52 T42 and X40...

So before i buy another one... do i really need the Intel BG2200 with exact FRU according to the IBM site? Or should every Intel BG2200 card that has a IBM FRU number work?

[ajkula66]

No need to get another card just yet, all IBM-issued 2200BG cards are the same.

Boot a "live" Linux CD and see if you can connect there...

[MTyn]

I dont understand.. Whats is a "Live" Linux CD?

[ajkula66]

I dont understand.. Whats is a "Live" Linux CD?

One that runs OS from your media drive, without being installed on a hard drive.

[MTyn]

Ok thanks! I never used Linux or Live CD but will search and give it a try.