x20 error 0188: is this the end?

[tom lightbody]

error 0188 "Invalid RFID Serialization Information Area or Bad CRC2"
The x20's HMM doesn't list this code; however from another post I gather
IBM's idea is, replace the motherboard. Model number 2662-12u.

over in T(2*,3*) ray kawakami has suggested checking the CMOS battery
I did: 2.804 volts. Tried w/out CMOS battery: same error.

any other low budget fix ideas?

best in thinkpadding