WiFi Status Incorrect

[pengc99]

On my T41 I'm having some weird problems with the WiFi status using the Lenovo hotkey utility (Fn-F5) - the Bluetooth turns on and off correctly and the status updates accordingly but the WiFi status always shows "OFF" and I can't turn it on with the hotkey utility. Clicking on the "Turn On" button does nothing.

However, the WiFi is on and working in Windows. I just don't have the ability to turn the WiFi on and off with the hotkey.

I've noticed this happen in Windows 7 AND Windows XP

Anyone ever also experience this problem?

[Neil]

Welcome to thinkpads.com pengc99!

Have you installed the ThinkPad HotKey features driver? If you are using a factory image of XP it should already be installed, but it wouldn't hurt to check and install again since it seems to be missing or dysfunctional.

[pengc99]

Welcome to thinkpads.com pengc99!

Have you installed the ThinkPad HotKey features driver? If you are using a factory image of XP it should already be installed, but it wouldn't hurt to check and install again since it seems to be missing or dysfunctional.

Yup, the HotKey features driver is installed. Currently running Windows 7 but I've seen this happen on Windows XP as well.

[Neil]

IDK then...I have very little experience with Win7, but this may not be a software issue anyway. Could be evidence of the Southbridge chip beginning to come loose...maybe.

[ajkula66]

I have the exact opposite problem on one of my T43p units, running W7.

BlueTooth can be turned on and off with Fn+F5, no problem.

Wireless, however, which is on by default in real life, shows as being "off" and whatever I do it stays on...

Not that I mind, but...

[Arturus]

Is the south bridge literally the answer to everything? XD

[ajkula66]

Is the south bridge literally the answer to everything? XD

SouthBridge controls way too many things on R5x/T4x generation, and since it's failure-prone, you'll see that it gets mentioned often.

I don't think that this particular issue is related to it, though...

[dandreye]

Hi All,

Wondering if anyone managed to fix it? In my case the problem is only there with Windows 7: I've never had it while running Windows XP on my T42. The WiFi card in it is Philips branded, likely IBM FRU 91P7301 as I'm also using driver 77wc38ww.exe with it as suggested here: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=111246

The most recent Hotkey package v3.89.0100 currently available at Lenovo Support won't install for some reason despite T42 and W7x86 support claimed (a known issue I think): https://download.lenovo.com/ibmdl/pub/p ... vu43ww.txt

So I'm using as recent Hotkey package as I managed to find and install: v3.81.0100 (no fixes in between seem relevant anyway, perhaps except just "Fixed minor issues that existed in wireless related modules" in v3.89.0100). The Hotkey package was installed at the final step after making sure all other drivers are installed.

Wondering which WiFi cards are known to be Fn+F5 friendly as 91P7301 doesn't seem to be one of those: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... 35#p732035

Having Fn+F5 manage WiFi would be quite instrumental as T42 doesn't have physical Wireless on/off switch.

Many thanks in advance!

[Johan]

.... in reply to the most recent question asked in this thead (in the post above, by dandreye), I just posted an answer in a whole new thead; the intention of this whole new thread being to provide updated (and not partially outdated!) information.

Please post comments and questions to the new thread...in the new thread --> T42/p under Windows 7: Getting Hotkey's and Fn+F5 to work correctly.

Johan