Why IBM.. oh Why.. "1802: Unauthorized network card..&q

[reticent]

I purchased an X41 2525-54U a couple weeks ago and ran into a problem while trying to replace the wireless mini-pci card with a kick-[censored] Atheros AR5006EX

I own a few thinkpads so its a familiar problem, IBM has a whitelist built into their Bios and won't allow the system to boot when an "unauthorized" mini-pci card has been inserted into the slot.
There is actually a hidden bios option that allows you to disable this check on many thinkpads (via an external utility that tweaks a bit to enable/disable the check) but it does not seem to work with the X41.

I phoned IBM and of course they were of no help.
"That means the card is not compatible with the laptop", come on now.. I've done this with a T30 and an X30 without any issue whatsoever and read of many many people employing this hack without a single issue. (regardless as to how it stands to reason, we aren't dealing with somthing proprietary here)

I feel like they keep these support guys in the dark just so they don't have to acknowledge to themselves that they are lieing.

I'm curious if anyone has looked into this issue and found a solution

I'm also appalled that IBM would employ these tactics, which i can only guess are there to create a revenue stream for them (buying expensive "IBM Certified" hardware only for your thinkpad). I suppose one could make an argument something to the tune of "its to guarentee that they can provide support for the laptop" but in this case i would expect there to be a Bios option available so you have the choice.

Such greed has become so common in business this day in age..

I really do love thinkpad laptops, but with these artificial limitations i will seriously consider alternatives when i purchase another laptop.

[egibbs]

I really do love thinkpad laptops, but with these artificial limitations i will seriously consider alternatives when i purchase another laptop.

There won't be any alternatives - Google TPM or TCPA.

Ed Gibbs

[amgdoc]

i thought a non-bios workaround would be to put the notebook into suspend and insert the minipci into the computer (carefully of course since the notebook still has battery/ac adapter in).

the problem would be that you cannot turn off the notebook or put into hibernation or else you would have to go through the whole suspend process again.

[LtTPfan]

These "artificial limitations" as you term them are due to FCC certification requirements, not a product of IBM's greed "to create a revenue stream for them." You will find these same limitations with all PC manufacturers as they are imposed by the FCC.

Even if IBM support technicians were aware of a "hack" to circumvent this limitation they would not tell you as they would be violating FCC regulations and could wind up in hot water, and without a job. "In the dark?" Maybe, but like most tech support folks these days, they only know what comes up on their PC screen. Better and more experienced techs know how to better interpret the problems posed by callers (most of whom have no clue as to what they are talking about or referring to) so they can better query their problem solving software.

If the no-1802 hack doesn't work on your model you might try hacking your wireless card instead. There is a good thread on the subject HERE.