WIFI turning off by itself

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jagged · #1 Post by **jagged** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 11:10 am

Hello!

Finally got my T60 here in Hongkong. I opted for the XGA version because even on another 15" note with SXGA, I felt that the icons and text were already small.

Everything I read about it regarding durable casing, excellent keyboard, average quality screen, solid feeling seems very true. I can't say the same to my older HP DV1000.

Just finish setting up the fingerprint software and I'm writing to you using a prepaid internet card here in my hotel.

Just curious, as the wifi signal here is quite weak, I notice that the WIFI turns off by itself from time to time and I have to hit the Fn+F5 key and turn on WIFI manually. When I do so, automatically, I'm connected to the prepaid internet company's signal.

Could there be something wrong about my T60 ? Does the very weak WIFI signal have anything to do about my problem or is there a hardware defect on my new PC? I'll be in HK for 2 more nights so I can return to the shop I bought it from in case something is wrong.

Or do I need to setup the connection in the ThinkVantage Access Connections program?

By the way, sorry for the very basic Windows question but I'm curious, since my screen is in 1024x768 (didn't opt for the SXGA as text was too small for my eyes), how do I set the taskbar so the icons on the lower right of the screen doesn't show?

jagged · #2 Post by **jagged** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 11:20 am

I just setup a "location profile" using the Fn+F5 window and so far, I don't get disconnected anymore.

I'm puzzled...is this required for every WIFI area I connect to? Can anyone help me with this?

I've also figured out how to hide the numerous icons on the lower right corner but I accidentally removed the battery icon and don't know how to put it back.

Thanks!!!

sovereignty68 · #3 Post by **sovereignty68** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 3:47 am

This is an issue with Wifi driver. Use ThinkVantage System Update to update your drivers. Apparently T60 comes with a bad Wifi driver or an issue with Wireless. I have wireless g with WPA2 and when T60 connected to the router, it caused the router freezes constantly. I updated the driver, now it works flawlessly. But after I reformatted the HDD and restore with default driver came with the R&R, it did the same thing again until I updated the driver.

NJRonbo · #4 Post by **NJRonbo** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 8:01 am

Woah! Woah! Woah!

Holy creola! I just stumbled on this post.

I just got a T60 a few days ago.

I'm in the process of returning it because of WiFi problems
that I posted about on this forum for nearly a week with
nobody giving me the reply I just read in this thread.

You mean to tell me there are known WiFi problems
with the T60 model?

Let me explain my situation...

I have a very strong wireless network in my home. Two
wired desktops and two wireless laptops. The Lenovo was
the third wireless laptop.

From day one, when I tried to connect to the wireless
network, the Lenovo kicked every single one of my
computers off the network. Additionally, it would connect
and then turn itself off.

I called Lenovo tech support. They think it's an electrical
short in the Wifi network card. I have a replacement model
on the way.

But it is being suggested HERE that there is a known
issue with the T60 when it comes to Wifi?

I did run the auto software update program (found on the
Lenovo drivers site) to automatically update my computer.
There *was* a network driver update installed but it did
not solve the problem.

Look, anything any of you can do to assist me on this as
far as finding out what software version I am running - how to
find out - and how to fix this issue would be greatly appreciated.

Nick Y · #5 Post by **Nick Y** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 1:43 pm

If it is any help, I have a T43 with WIFI problems; it kept turning off. T43 was OK for several months, but then after a reinstall, it all went to pot.

I may have found the solution, for me anyway. I removed the Access Connections, as I am at home with one WIFI connection, and it has been stable all day.

(For further details, see http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=23168 Post subject: 2915ABG Disconnect Problems)

johhn14 · #6 Post by **johhn14** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 2:12 pm

I had a similar issue with my T60. Got rid of the Access Connections and all is well now.

That software is garbage if you ask me.

christopher_wolf · #7 Post by **christopher_wolf** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 2:21 pm

I suspect the issue lies with the Registry; try unistalling the Wireless Drivers, re-installing AC, then re-booting. Skip the re-install of AC if you want.

I have seen this happen on T4X Series Thinkpads and X Series Thinkpads as well.

And, no, T60s are not shipped with "Known WiFi Problems;" Everybody's setup is slightly different in terms of their router, software, and whatnot...It takes more custom tweaking than a wired connection would.

NJRonbo · #8 Post by **NJRonbo** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 3:32 pm

Guys,

I removed the Access Connections software via the
ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS in the Control Panel.

How do I remove the wireless drivers? I suspect I go
to Hardware Device menu and remove the driver from there?

Where do I get the new drivers? Please be specific on the drivers
I need to download.

Guys, thanks for the help. Hope this works.

Thanks

NJRonbo · #9 Post by **NJRonbo** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 4:04 pm

Update

This is what I did (right or wrong)....

Went to Control Panel -> ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS and
removed Access Connections.

Went to Control Panel -> System -> Device Manager -> Network
and removed Intel Wireless 3945ABG.

I also downloaded drivers found here:

http://support.intel.com/support/wirele ... 010623.htm

Rebooted computer. Network Card was found and reinstalled.
I then installed the driver I downloaded from the link above.

Same problem. It would not hold a connection and it threw
my other laptops off the wireless network -and- disconnected
my desktop.

The software I downloaded seemed to add its own Access Connection
program in my toobar that automatically located a WiFi source.

I have a replacement T60 on the way. If the same thing happens
I will go with a HP notebook instead.

christopher_wolf · #10 Post by **christopher_wolf** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 4:23 pm

You are supposed to go with the IBM supplied drivers as, from what I have noticed, the Intel Drivers seem to create conflict

Good luck on the downgrade

NJRonbo · #11 Post by **NJRonbo** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 4:27 pm

Well, look, instead of laughing at my situation,
how about a little help.

Did I do this correctly up until the software install?

Where do I get the specific drivers I need?

Really, for all involved now and future, a step-by-step
tutorial on removing the driver and downloading/installing
the new would be greatly appreciated. Please include info.
on what particular drivers need to be downloaded.

I'm on the T60 software page now. I see the following
downloads...

* Intel PRO/1000 LAN adapter
* 802.11ab, 802.11bg and 802.11abg Wireless LAN Mini PCI and ThinkPad 802.11bg, ThinkPad 802.11abg Wireless LAN Mini PCI Express adapter
* Intel PRO 3945bg and 3945abg Mini PCI adapter

Which do I need?

Thanks!

christopher_wolf · #12 Post by **christopher_wolf** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 4:39 pm

I am pretty sure nobody is laughing at this situation; I feel your pain on this.

Go through the software installer and look at what is currently installed wireless driver, un-install it. Then reboot...That should deault and install the basic WiFi driver.

A friend of mine actually had a problem similar to this; whenever his brother's Nintendo DS would connect to the wireless router, it would drop all the connections for anything else connected to it wirelessly. It turned out that the router wasn't assigned the IP leases properly.

I will ask my friend how he resolved that problem.

NJRonbo · #13 Post by **NJRonbo** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 4:59 pm

Christopher,

I checked the Linksys router. It is set for maximum connections,
around 200 by default.

I posted additional information in my prior post about
download drivers on the IBM site. You may want to look
that over and advise.

You also stated above...

Go through the software installer and look at what is currently installed wireless driver, un-install it.

What software installer is that? The self-installer that is
downloadable from the Lenovo site -or- the ADD/REMOVE
function from the Control Panel?

Hamid · #14 Post by **Hamid** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 5:05 pm

I guess he means the Software Installer from IBM/Lenovo, not the add/remove programs in the control panel.

christopher_wolf · #15 Post by **christopher_wolf** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 5:32 pm

Yup; install that then, through it, uninstall the drivers...Then reboot.

sovereignty68 · #16 Post by **sovereignty68** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 6:00 pm

NJRonbo wrote: You mean to tell me there are known WiFi problems
with the T60 model?

No, there are known WiFi problems with Intel 3945ABG especially with Linksys router. Reports came from Dell, Sony, Toshiba, etc notebook users.... so T60 isn't alone in this kind of situation...

Just how horrible Intel 3945ABG is? I have WRT54GX4 with WPA2 setup, 3945ABG just kept killing the router every 2 minute, caused my router reboots itself. I disabled the 3945ABG adapter, and plug in a wireless g PC card with WPA2 turned on, I have no problem since...

movado · #17 Post by **movado** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 6:19 pm

If it helps yiur situation

Last week I replaced my wireless Linksys router (speedbooster) to a new version. As all my laptops have G card - I l set the wireless router setting to G only. I could not get any connections until I changed it back to mixed.

All is fine now

I also use the Access Connections and I find it more relia ble to use than the windows drivers.

sovereignty68 · #18 Post by **sovereignty68** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 6:32 pm

replaced the router with various linksys models. tried all settings but nothing works.
I am going to replace Intel 3945ABG with Lenovo part # 40Y7026 which is atheros chipset-based Mini PCIe adapter 802.11 A/B/G same used in Z60t. Part # 40Y7026 can be purchased from Amazon for $48.00 (shipped free), so I ordered one and see how it goes.

Nick Y · #19 Post by **Nick Y** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 1:14 am

One aspect I discoverd was that, after unistalling the driver via Control Panal/ System/ Hardware/Device Manager/Network Adaptors, I needed to remove the driver folder from C:\Drivers before re-installing with Software Installer.

How to identify the correect folder? Used Lenovo to see which drivers were which, for my particular wifi card, and then went to drivers folder and removed the correct folder. For me the folder was helpfully called 1YWC54WW.

(I, too, tried the Intel website driver, but this made things worse. It changed items inside the 1YWC54WW folder, which were not changed back or replaced when I did an uninstall followed by re-install without deleting the 1YWC54WW folder.)

poekhali · #20 Post by **poekhali** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 1:42 am

I just bought a linksys WRT54GL router to go with my new T60 (with Intel wireless) and I have been having a bizarre problem that I can't figure out. I am able to get the wireless to "work" (I only have one wireless device on the home network), but I can't get out to the internet. It's strange to me since the router assigns an IP address and DNS servers, both of which I can ping without trouble. However, I can't ping a site like Google, Yahoo, etc. Nada.

NJRonbo · #21 Post by **NJRonbo** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 2:58 am

As I sit here and read these posts I feel more angered
by the moment.

I bought a very expensive laptop that is essentially useless
to me because it has issues with Wifi.

There's no doubt that the replacement that Lenovo is sending
will probably have the same issues.

I have spent far too much time troubleshooting this laptop.
Now there's more things I need to try and I am having a hard
time finding the time to do it.

I'm very close to just cancelling my replacement, sending
back this laptop and ordering a HP or DELL.

I'll try to find time later today or tomorrow to once again
uninstall drivers and see if that fixes the problem. I'll get
back with all of you and let you know how that goes.

poekhali · #22 Post by **poekhali** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 8:23 am

NJRonbo,

I can understand your feeling a bit. Granted, I don't seem to be having as significant an issue as some of the others on this post, but I am amazed to see that there is such an issue and if so that Lenovo would allow their "top-of-the-line" laptops to go be shipped with it. I have yet to try the driver solution or call Lenovo customer support though. I tried an on-line chat with Linksys support and the person was friendly, asked about settings, etc. At one pont, he/she just stopped responding in our session! I hope it was a technical glitch, but I was left on "hold" for an hour. I am going to try IBM/Lenovo tech. support next.

NJRonbo · #23 Post by **NJRonbo** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 5:07 am

As I stated in another thread...

I think I fixed the problem, based on the help from this forum.

1. I uninstalled Thinkpad Access Connections
2. Using the SOFTWARE UPDATE tool (download from Lenovo
T60 software page), I uninstalled the driver for the network card.

I presume the Intel 3945ABG is now using a generic driver.

It works! Signal strength is not as good as my Sony Vaio,
but from what I hear, Lenovo wireless receiving strength can
be poor.

I'm going out today to buy a Belkin Pre-N Router (F5D8230-4)
because I don't want to go through this crap again.

I'll let you know if the Belkin fares any better.

NJRonbo · #24 Post by **NJRonbo** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 1:05 pm

Please allow me to post this again...

FINAL UPDATE

I wrote my last post (above) too soon. Seconds later,
my notebook could no longer connect to the Internet. It
also began knocking other computers off the network.

However, there was a solution.....

I dumped the Linksys WRT54GX4 router.

I bought the Belkin Pre-N router that a member of
this forum suggested I do.

EVERYTHING WORKS!!!!!

That's right folks -- it was the friggin' Linksys router!

I now have a properly functioning wireless connection.

It is working in conjunction with Thinkpad Access Connections.

It is working with the original Intel network card drivers.

It works PERFECTLY, as it should.

The Moral of this story....

If you are having connection problems with your T60
and own a Linksys router -- there should be no second-guessing
to what the problem actually is.

I want to thank the members of this forum for being so
incredibly patient and helpful during my situation. I hope
this post helps others who may possibly be in the same
situation I am.

astro · #25 Post by **astro** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 5:52 pm

NJRonbo:

While it is disappointing that you had to ditch your existing infrastructure to make it all work, I am glad that you had the persistence to fight your way through the problems and get things to the way you want them.

Congratulations and enjoy your T60.

Jason.

davidj · #26 Post by **davidj** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 11:14 pm

glad you were able to fix your problem.

Just wanted to say, I am using my t60 2007-64u and linksys wrt54g with no problems.

I did run updates as soon as I got the laptop so maybe this is why I did not ahve the same problem.

jagged · #27 Post by **jagged** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 9:42 am

Hello! Just checked my original post and realize that I wasnt the only one with WIFI problems.

I downloaded the latest drivers and so far no more troubles

hoya · #28 Post by **hoya** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 9:57 pm

I just read Walter Mossberg's review of the X60s (& Sony SZ) and noticed that he also had trouble with his WiFi. I know this is a T60 forum but the Intel 3945 card is the same that we have on te T60:

"My test machine worked well on all the typical computing tasks most people do, but there was one small defect in a Lenovo-supplied wireless software program that kept turning off the Wi-Fi. The company says this problem appeared only in early models like mine and has been fixed. Overall, the quality seemed as good as when IBM was making the machines." - Walter Mossberg, April 20, 2006
- http://ptech.wsj.com/ptech.html

domi · #29 Post by **domi** » Sun Apr 30, 2006 9:40 am

sovereignty68 wrote:replaced the router with various linksys models. tried all settings but nothing works.
I am going to replace Intel 3945ABG with Lenovo part # 40Y7026 which is atheros chipset-based Mini PCIe adapter 802.11 A/B/G same used in Z60t. Part # 40Y7026 can be purchased from Amazon for $48.00 (shipped free), so I ordered one and see how it goes.

Sovereignty68: I assume you have received your Atheros adapter by now. Does it perform OK / better than the Intel adapter?

gunston · #30 Post by **gunston** » Sun Apr 30, 2006 9:46 am

restore your system.

WIFI turning off by itself

WIFI turning off by itself

update

Maybe that explains it...

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