R31 wireless mini-pci upgrade - FREEZES!

[kddbmurphy]

I have two R31’s (2656-L2U) that came without internal wireless. I installed antennas in them and I have two mini-pci cards (Atheros 5005GS and Intel 2915abg) that I have tried in both laptops in every configuration I can come up with – fresh install of XP Pro on one, reinstall preload on another, different manufacturer drivers/versions, using ONLY drivers from Lenovo, BIOS configurations etc… I have made sure every possible Lenovo update and Windows update has been applied as well – nothing works!

The same result occurs – they boot fine but inevitably freeze at some point, sometimes within minutes of booting. The freezing only occurs when network activity is happening with the mini-pci card enabled. The problem never happens with a wired connection or a pcmcia wireless card.

Any suggestions? I’m going crazy trying to make them work!

Thanks

[watchtower7]

I installed the intel 2200bg in my dell M70 workstation, but it already had an antennae. Still working great 2 1/2 years later.
I bought a bluetooth card for my r52 but sent it back after realizing the antennae wasnt installed so how hard was it to take the lcd apart for the antennae install?
I seem to feel that these thinkpads are very particular about addons, maybe on purpose, to eliminate aftermarket upgrades.
I couldnt even get a hard drive to install that installed fine on hp, averatec, toshiba, etc.
Good luck.

[kddbmurphy]

It was easy to install the antennas. I purchased generic antennas off ebay ( http://stores.ebay.com/Oldegg-Wireless-Depot ).

Instructions for your R52 are here http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 54932.html.

The way I understand Thinkpads to work, if either of the wireless cards I have are 'unauthorized', the R31 will not even boot. Not only do they boot fine, they work great - until they freeze the thing. The only way to recover is to reboot using the power button. Extremely frustrating!

Help!

[watchtower7]

your link gives a 404

[kddbmurphy]

Just google 'lenovo R51 hmm'.

[kddbmurphy]

I meant R51 obviously...