T42 Wireless problem

[d_omin]

Hi,

I didn`t solve a problem on my own so maybe you can help me.
I cannot connect with my Home WiFi Network. I have tried almost everything with WiFi card and network setup (router) but WiFi don`t work properly. When I turn on the wifi card it connect to the network but network is recognized as not secured always (even if it`s secured with some protocol WPA, WEP). Although connection is established, there is no access to local network and Internet. Next card disconnect from network and connect again (and repeat it constantly). I noticed that sometimes when I restart Windows with WiFi card turned on, network work properly after restart. But it`s really random attitude. I have tried many solutions so far:
-I checked the influence of network security protocol (WPA1, 2, WEP, not secured) - no results
-I checked the influence of card/network settings (DNS, TCP/IP -IP dynamic, static etc.) - no results
-I checked the influence of log in/out way - no results
-SP3 was removed and installed again - no results
-Windows WiFi manager was removed and installed again - no results
-Drivers were reinstalled - no results
-I changed the WiFi card to Samsung (Atheros) - no results
-I changed router to Ovislink 1600GL (with Tomato) - no results

T42 2737 M44, Windows XP prof. SP3

Have you got any suggestions for me ? I`m really resigned with this problem.
Sorry for my English.

[Mike Blake]

I have a similar problem with my T42 and am becoming convinced it's either the built-in adapter or its slot. Does yours, as mine does, work OK if you use an exterior wireless adapter via either USB or the card slot?

Can you connect to the wireless access point or the actual router via IP? 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.100.1 here, though your mileage may vary.

[d_omin]

I have bought USB WiFi card so I`ll check it and report about results soon

[tim S]

Does the Internet work when you plug through the ethernet slot?
What was the original wireless card in your machine? I'd put it back in for testing purposes.
Are both antenna wires snapped in correctly on the card and positioned correctly in the screen?

Tim S

[d_omin]

Does the Internet work when you plug through the ethernet slot?

Yes

What was the original wireless card in your machine? I'd put it back in for testing purposes.

Intel PRO 2100, doesn't work properly.

Are both antenna wires snapped in correctly on the card and positioned correctly in the screen?

Yes

[tim S]

If as you say all is connected properly you can narrow it down to 3 areas.
1. The wireless card itself. But no other cards work either.
2. The wireless card slot. Perhaps, but I have no idea how to test it.
3. The north or southbridge chipsets are starting to fail. Which unfortunately, is the probable answer.

Tim S

[d_omin]

In my opinion it is OS problem when I try it on Linux all works fine. SB is after reballing but 'wireless problem' has started before reballing.

[tim S]

You didn't mention that it works in Linux. So it's the OS, or there are two programs trying to control the wireless card.
On my T42 I let Windows manage the wireless and only install the drivers from Intel or whatever card you have, not the full software.
So try this. Uninstall all wireless software. Download the Intel software for the original 2100 card from Lenovo. Unpack it into the Drivers directory. Do not install them. Go into the directory and look for the drivers only and install them.
Now see if it works.

Tim S

[d_omin]

Yes that`s true I didn't mention about Linux. It may be OS or some driver issue so I asked if someone else has similar problem. I tried numberless combination of driver installation without any success. Now I have ThinkPad 802.11bg wireless LAN Mini PCI adapter on board, but I`ll try your method maybe it`ll be working fine. Thanks for your help.

[lotusbawa]

Any solution worked for you?

[d_omin]

Not yet, I'm still waiting for USB WiFi card and have problem with deleting of old wifi drivers, windows always find old drivers after hardware detection and I cannot install pure Intel`s driver for a card. Any suggestion how to remove all the old driver ?

Edit 07.08.2010 14:30
Clean driver installation didn't help.

[d_omin]

So, I tested the USB WiFi Card and it has the same problem with connection, but I noticed some dependence between "home made" network switch (based on netsh command) and connection problems. Now I'm testing new network configuration and it has been working fine so far I'll report my observations soon.

[mikeh420]

I have a similar problem with my T42, wireless worked fine for Win 7 but in Win XP it repeatedly connects and disconnects. I'm going to open it up and check the card slot and wiring anyway.

[d_omin]

You don't have to check card slot because I confirmed that it's a OS problem (USB WiFi card - Linksys WUSB54GC behaved in the same manner/way). Now I also can confirm that it may be a problem with 'Switch' functions of Access Connection or home made programs. When I stopped to use 'netsh' command all works fine however I still have to restart Windows after connection.

[mikeh420]

It seems the wireless card works fine, it was user error! I wasn't waiting long enough for the access point to fully come up.