Thinkpads Forum

Can you run into problems if you install wireless adapter drivers directly from Intel? For the 3945ABG, Intel may have a more recent driver than Lenovo does, at least for the T60.

I use the adapter in an area with very poor signal strength. Windows XP drops the connection periodically. Would a driver update have any impact on this issue? I'm using v. 12.4.021 from 3/4/2009 right now.

Is there anything else I can do to improve signal strength, short of buying a new adapter? I don't have access to the router and can't use the computer in a different location.

It would certainly be worth a try, you should be able to use the Intel client software also - which may improve on the built in XP software

james2008 wrote:Is there anything else I can do to improve signal strength, short of buying a new adapter?

If you have marginal WiFi signal strength and no access to the router, there's really nothing much you can do about with an internal WiFi card - changing drivers or cards is unlikely to produce a different outcome.

Cheers,

Bill B.

The problem is the Intel 3945 card -- all other Intel WLAN cards are perfectly fine ... but the 3945 ... let's just say that any other card would be preferable. Replace it with the Thinkpad 11a/b/g card, and you will be pleasantly surprised at the difference it will make in the situation you describe. The card (FRU #39T5578) costs almost nothing! See below:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R4 ... kw=39T5578

EOMtp wrote:The problem is the Intel 3945 card....

There nothing wrong with Intel 3945 cards for 802.11 a/b/g operation.

Cheers,

Bill B.

james2008 wrote:I use the adapter in an area with very poor signal strength.

For this specific issue, the Atheros-based Thinkpad 11a/b/g is superior to the Intel 3945. At $5 + a few minutes of work, a real-world test in your setting seems like the clear "no-brainer" next step.