X31 Wireless...

[jpaolini]

Hello

I have an ThinkPad X31 (among other ThinkPads, but this is my nicest one) that has issues when I changed the internal wireless card.

I bought a brand new Intel 2915 a/b/g card directly from IBM to replace the old 2100 "B" card that was in there. But when I put the card into the laptop, it fails to boot saying "Illegal/Unauthorized Network Device Detected" - or something like that.

Huh? It came directly from IBM themselves...what's going on here? It's not like I can just install drivers for it...the card is preventing the computer from booting.

Is there any way to get this card working on my machine? I would settle for an Intel 2200 b/g card (I really just want this machine to have "G" capabilities) if I can be assured it will work...


Thanks

[tselling]

Do you have the latest bios installed?

[tfflivemb2]

The error that you rec'd probably said 1802. This is a widely known problem with "non-IBM" cards and can apply to cards that were made for a different system.

This link will discuss the issues, and it will provide the link to use this patch. I have had to use it on a T30 and an R40. No problems....very easy.

[RS_003]

Yes well, I had the same problem.

Run the no 1802.com fix.

Atheros A/B/G cards boot perfect, but now I get Code 10 Driver error, tried 2 different cards (same chipset, other date) and al the drivers there are, but It wont start


stupid protection...

[jpaolini]

Cool, thanks for the replies everyone!

I've read through the post that tfflivemb2 suggested, and learned a lot. However I'm worried about messing with the BIOS on my laptop. I really, really do not want to be in a situation where I screw it up and it doesn't boot at all. I dont have any experience updating BIOS.

Is it safe? Is it difficult? Is it something that I should be doing with my lack of knowledge on how the BIOS stuff works?


Joe

[Gustavo]

The software installer program does all the work when updating Bios and the program will walk you through it.

***Important when updating Bios****
Full battery!
Have the machine plugged in to AC power when updating!

And dont make any sudden moments when updating(no just kidding)

Good luck

[zfzwoods]

Oh, I think if you brought this card from IBM, it should can be used in your X31 very well.

So, please call them and complain for this!

[_erazor_]

I have a b/g in my X31 that works flawlessly.

but then again, it`s in there by factory default

[christopher_wolf]

If you got the card via IBM, then you shouldn't be getting the 1802 Error or the 01C9 Error. Otherwise, check to make sure you have the latest BIOS. If all that doesn't work, you should follow the instructions and the LiveCD which is used to flash the bit in CMOS that checks for the SV PCI ID, which contains info on who made the card.

It is actually quite safe to be done as long as you follow the instructions and should work on your system.