ThinkVantage Access Connections v 4.0

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akhavan · #1 Post by **akhavan** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 7:32 am

Hi,

I upgraded my access connection from 3.81 to 4.0 this morning. After the upgrade my boot up took for ever (On welcome screen it would almost stopped/ looking for something) so I went back to version 3.81 and everything is OK anybody else had boot up problem with v 4.0

Thanks

Sepehr

byron · #2 Post by **byron** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 11:56 am

i don't even seen AC 4.0 on the driver matrix for a T4x... that might be why it doesn't work. lol.

Zeitgeist · #3 Post by **Zeitgeist** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 12:25 pm

4.0 works excellent on my t43, I even like the new gui.
Here is the link
http://www-306.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-61984

byron · #4 Post by **byron** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 12:29 pm

hrmm.. wierd that software installer nor the T4x driver matrix show it... wierd.

Porsche · #5 Post by **Porsche** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 1:45 pm

Even though the interface is slightly different, the software works fine for me on my T40p, T42p, and X41T. I experience no booting delay.

akhavan · #6 Post by **akhavan** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 2:06 pm

Strange, then I will try it again later.

christopher_wolf · #7 Post by **christopher_wolf** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 2:33 pm

It might take some time before it hits the Software Installer Database.

Ashiaveli · #8 Post by **Ashiaveli** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 4:26 pm

not working for me but then again AC wasnt working before either. having driver issues, have to use windows' wireless app blaah.

any ideas guys? t42. I did a clean install of windows and downloaded all the thinkvantage software. everything works except my AC and fn+f3-f7 buttons.

i've read on the forum about other ppl having driver issues but couldnt figure it out.

DIGITALgimpus · #9 Post by **DIGITALgimpus** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 5:47 pm

no problems here. Silky smooth.

Actually seems to switch faster. Not sure if that's just the GUI faking me out or actual speed improvement.

#10 Post by **jdhurst** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 11:30 pm

I have it working, but I prefer the 3.81 interface. That said, the new one is simpler, and I'll see if I get used to it. It takes a couple of days across my clients for any new version of A/C to settle in and switch properly. This new version seems ok so far. ... JD Hurst

Paul Unger · #11 Post by **Paul Unger** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 3:58 pm

I read this thread and thought, "Hey, why not give it a try?" I just ran Software Installer this morning and it didn't find any 'Access Connections' updates for my T42 2373-3UU (like Byron), so I followed Zeitgeist's link, downloaded and installed. I was assured that it would transfer all my profiles. Well, not only did it not transfer my profiles, but it won't even let me in!!!! It tells me I don't have Administrator priveledges (to create a new profile). I most certainly do so!

So now what? Roll back the driver, or does someone know what I can do to make it work?

davidspalding · #12 Post by **davidspalding** » Thu Nov 24, 2005 5:54 pm

There's a read-me on the same page as the download, it's got some pretty specific prereq's. Of course, always good to do a backup and system restore point before upgrading.

Me ... I'm hesitant ... dot-oh releases are for the bravest of upgraders.

s0larian · #13 Post by **s0larian** » Fri Nov 25, 2005 8:39 am

AC 4.0 is a huge improvement. Switching profiles feels faster, GUI is improved, and the best thing is that I don't get the annoying "QTray.exe failed" error every 2nd boot with AC 3.81 installed. I downloaded the new AC manually, but did the install with the Software Installer. No problem, everything went fine. But of course I made a backup before, you never know what happens.

davidspalding · #14 Post by **davidspalding** » Fri Nov 25, 2005 12:28 pm

I, too, like this new version. The readme makes clear that there really aren't many fixes or patches like in the last 2-3 versions (3.81, i recall, really just added support for newer hardware, &c.). The big change is the UI improvement and ... drum roll please ... performance.

Can't speak for performance, but I can confirm that the UI has been "cleaned up." More of the annoying -- and probably confusing for most users -- buttons, options and such have been moved to menu choices, and a customizable toolbar. The animated (or not) status display has been streamlined, and looks more like the other "flat" 2D imagery on the TP software utilities. In all, no functionality has been lost or truncated, it's just moved to a new place. Even the casual user of Access Connections 3.8x will probably not be disoriented for very long.

Only "new" feature that I've noticed is that, now, proxy and TCP/IP connection stuff is an option ... I think before it pretty much overrided the "LAN Connections" configuration in IE. Now it either can set profile-specific options, or leave it alone. I'd been annoyed with that in 3.81, so 4.0 is a welcome upgrade.

Anyone wondering, Do I NEED to upgrade to 4.0? can rest easy, there doesn't appear to be anything fixed in this release. Tray icon's still there, it can still be a tab in FN + F5 utility, etc.

Safety on upgrading tip: someone mentioned losing profiles. No need to worry. Before you upgrade, or uninstall and install the new version as I just did this morning, just use Import/Export to save all your profile information to your desktop. You can import it all in 4.0, and it works fine. When I uninstalled 3.81, it left behind a .REG registry file with all the profile details from

Code: Select all

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\Qwtp.ad\NumProfiles

. If you have to roll back to 3.81 for any reason, that .REG file will be a handy backup of your precious profile details. And BTW ... it probably wouldn't hurt to export and backup your profiles on a regular basis.

davidspalding · #15 Post by **davidspalding** » Fri Nov 25, 2005 12:39 pm

Paul Unger wrote:I read this thread and thought, "Hey, why not give it a try?" I just ran Software Installer this morning and it didn't find any 'Access Connections' updates for my T42 2373-3UU (like Byron), so I followed Zeitgeist's link, downloaded and installed. I was assured that it would transfer all my profiles. Well, not only did it not transfer my profiles, but it won't even let me in!!!! It tells me I don't have Administrator priveledges (to create a new profile). I most certainly do so! So now what? Roll back the driver, or does someone know what I can do to make it work?

There IS an option to let non-administrators create profiles. Are you SURE your login is a member of the Administrators group? Check lusrmgr.msc (subset of compmgmt.msc) to be sure. If you're in a domain, your local system security policy might be overriden by a domain sec-policy. If so, maybe just login to the local machine as ADMINISTRATOR to enable that option. DON'T roll back your driver, I think AC 3.81 and 4.0 require the latest drivers for wireless services.

davidspalding · #16 Post by **davidspalding** » Fri Nov 25, 2005 4:07 pm

akhavan wrote:Hi,

I upgraded my access connection from 3.81 to 4.0 this morning. After the upgrade my boot up took for ever (On welcome screen it would almost stopped/ looking for something) so I went back to version 3.81 and everything is OK anybody else had boot up problem with v 4.0

There's an option in 4.0 for wireless lan connection on logon, or prior to login ... could that have been your problem? I tried it -- ONCE -- and yes it delayed login quite a bit. (boink) Off with that option.

akhavan · #17 Post by **akhavan** » Fri Nov 25, 2005 4:12 pm

Hi,
Where is that option?

Paul Unger · #18 Post by **Paul Unger** » Fri Nov 25, 2005 7:04 pm

Thanks for your suggestions, davidspalding, but there WAS no option to let non-administrators create profiles. In fact everything was 'greyed out' . . . EVERYTHING. And I am SURE my login is a member of the Administrators group (I confirmed it in Administrator Tools/Computer Management/Local Users/Users). What I'm not sure of is Software Installer's abilities . . . I've had a few hiccups with it. I'm thinking now that my problem was that I went from AC 3.10 to 4.0 in one leap. HOWEVER, Software Installer NEVER gave me the option to install 3.81 (or anything other version of AC)! I use it fairly regularly, so I was surprised to hear (from this thread) that there was an update available. The other thing Software Installer has repeatedly failed me on is updating my wireless adapter driver (IBM a/b/g). To view the properties of the driver in XP's Device Manager shows me that I have 4.1.102.1095 installed (which I had to get down and dirty with and do w/o using Software Installer), but Software Installer still thinks I have 2.4.1.12 installed . . .

Oh well, I've uninstalled AC 4.0, installed 3.81, and may drum up the courage to update from 3.81 to 4.0 someday (after, of course, exporting profiles, setting a restore point, and watching for planetary alignment).

kyrotech · #19 Post by **kyrotech** » Fri Nov 25, 2005 9:59 pm

Am still using AC 3.71, will try to upgrade to AC 4.0 when its available in non-english languages

kai920 · #20 Post by **kai920** » Sat Nov 26, 2005 12:04 am

kyrotech wrote:Am still using AC 3.71, will try to upgrade to AC 4.0 when its available in non-english languages

Same here, I have 3.71 - any reason to use 4.0? Were there big fixes going from 3.71 - 3.8x?

And, anyone have any screenshots of the "new 4.0 User Interface"?

davidspalding · #21 Post by **davidspalding** » Sat Nov 26, 2005 2:04 am

Paul, you will probably get just as much bang for your buck, so to speak, with 3.81.

I think your Software Installer is wack. Whack at will.

Those with earlier versions, if you read the README on the download page for AC 4.0, you can review the fixes from 3.x to 3.81. I think the last rev had hardware support additions,but others had fixes.

Aside from a subjective (and alleged) performance improvement in 4.0, there's really not much to recommend it for. Considering one user's experience, approach with caution. As always, backup early, backup often.

Someone asked for screen shots? I guess I won't get in trouble for posting a couple. Check http://tinyurl.com/d23jw in a few....

madmatrix · #22 Post by **madmatrix** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 2:26 am

My software installer doesn't show any upgrade for AC. Wierd. But I just now set up the AC4.0. Looks good! Up to now just GUI changed.

davidspalding · #23 Post by **davidspalding** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 9:50 am

My SI didn't show it this weekend, either. Possibly because they're releasing it to a smaller audience (us?) to be early adopters/testers. Lucky us.

I think you may find some minor changes in the options. I think the last tab of connections has some refinement, and there are some global options that seem new-ish.

a_d_y_a · #24 Post by **a_d_y_a** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 10:05 am

does it have server certificates built in? Like thawte premium certify authority. usually required for school access.

none of the previous version did. i had to use windows to get on the school net. will update and find out.

madmatrix · #25 Post by **madmatrix** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 4:41 pm

Yes AC can have certificate. I use it in OSU wireless. It's good.

w0qj · #26 Post by **w0qj** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 10:54 pm

Hi guys... I'm totally confused about AC v4.0 and need your help...

I have T42s (2373-K5H) and have Access Connections v3.71 installed (by myself without SI, and I used the factory-installed wireless drivers dated on/about Nov'2004).

Q: So do I have to to uninstall my Wireless Drivers and AC v3.71,
and then install the newer versions of both?

Many thanks for your help in advance!

#27 Post by **GomJabbar** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 11:21 pm

w0qj wrote:Q: So do I have to to uninstall my Wireless Drivers and AC v3.71, and then install the newer versions of both?

Generally yes, but it really depends on if you have the required wireless driver already installed or not. See Wireless driver requirements chart, 2/3rds the way down the following page that Zeitgeist posted. Click on the appropriate link in the chart to download the driver for your wireless adapter. Install wireless adapter driver before Access Connections. Readme file in link gives more installation info.

http://www-306.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-61984

kai920 · #28 Post by **kai920** » Tue Nov 29, 2005 4:57 am

Does this sound like the right procedure? I currently have AC 3.71 and wireless drivers 9.0.1.21 installed and planning to upgrade later tonight:

1. uninstall AC3.71
2. uninstall "Intel PRO/Set wireless software" in control panel's add/remove.
3. install updated 9.0.2.31 drivers for my 2200BG
4. install AC4.0

btw, davidspalding, thanks for those screen captures!

#29 Post by **jdhurst** » Tue Nov 29, 2005 6:14 am

Should work. ... JDH

davidspalding · #30 Post by **davidspalding** » Tue Nov 29, 2005 9:42 am

You're very welcome. ,:)

ThinkVantage Access Connections v 4.0

ThinkVantage Access Connections v 4.0

Re: ThinkVantage Access Connections v 4.0

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