A31p- wireless problem

[malachont]

After updating everything with "IBM Update connector",
the one main improvement to my A31p seems to be that,
now the "find wireless network" button in "IBM Access connections" suddenly insists on announcing that my wireless is turned off and asks to confirm turning it on, and after scanning doesn't show any listed wireless networks. even though the thinkpad connects automatically to my home wireless upon windows boot, and works flawlessly with it (as before the update).

Also the access connection icon in the windows taskbar is gray
(I recall it was white before).
This network profile was configured before I did the upgrade when everything was working properly and the scan did show it on the list.

is my dear expensive lap heater hinting not to do the next update which will break down the wireless completely?

any similar experiences...