Problems with Wireless Connection on T60

Message

Ade · #1 Post by **Ade** » Fri Sep 22, 2006 1:53 pm

p.s If this has been discussed before, Someone should kindly provide me a link to the thread.

I am having 2 problems with my wireless connectivity. Firstly the wireless connection disconnects intermittently for very short periods. Although it reconnects, this is beginning to get annoying.
Secondly, it doesnt detect networks/hotspots in locations I am well aware other connections are available. It doesnt even detect, not to mention connecting.

I ordered it in August and took delivery on the 1st of September. It is a T60, T2400, 1.83ghz, 2623D6U. (product id)

Anyone experienced this? And what did ou do to solve it? Is it a driver issue? Or a bios. I also really cant remember this happening before using the Thinkvantage update utility.

#2 Post by **Kyocera** » Fri Sep 22, 2006 7:00 pm

Ade, there are some links a ways back, feeling kind of lazy right now. I'm assuming you have the intel card in yours. You are not alone in this. What is your main router/acess point you are using, mines a Belkin. If you just got your machine I am assuming you have the latest BIOS, and system updates.

I got a new wireless card from Lenovo and it did not help, heard others say the atheros card is an improvement though.

Ade · #3 Post by **Ade** » Fri Sep 22, 2006 7:18 pm

Thanks,
I will dig around for the thread. My router access is Netgear. So if a replacement from lenovo doesnt work, what would be the option.
It is so sporadic, the unpredictability makes it even more frustrating..

Seen a few thread, and I have disabled the wireless Lan. Would monitor this for a while.

One of the suggestions was to disable the windows network manger to avoid conflict btw windows and access conections. How do I do this?

JohnDrake · #4 Post by **JohnDrake** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 12:08 am

try this driver: System update won't auto install it...

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-62875

kimx · #5 Post by **kimx** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 1:27 am

I havn't had any problems with my wireless intel card,
but I'm not using acces connections, nor the lenovo driver, but the standart intel driver:
http://support.intel.com/support/wirele ... 010623.htm

FlexOink · #6 Post by **FlexOink** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 1:35 am

I'm using both IBM drivers + Thinkvantage Access Connections no problems here. (well access connections sometime is a b**ch, but thats the software, and not the hardware).

JohnDrake · #7 Post by **JohnDrake** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 2:15 am

New version of Access Connections that will release in mid Oct is much better than current one...

Ade · #8 Post by **Ade** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 7:01 am

JohnDrake wrote:try this driver: System update won't auto install it...

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-62875

Thanks a lot,
I installed this driver and everything seems to be ok so far. Only intriguing thing is, I dont seem to be Using Access connection anymore. As it is showing the radio as permnently off, and i cant even turn it on manually.
Does anyone understand why this is?

#9 Post by **GomJabbar** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 7:50 am

Some of us have found that the only sure way to update the wireless driver without a problem is to unistall Access Connections, uninstall the wireless driver, reboot choose Cancel on any found hardware wizard, install the new wireless driver, then reinstall Access Connections. Myself, I reboot between each step. Some have said this isn't necessary, but I feel more confident doing it that way.

JohnDrake · #10 Post by **JohnDrake** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 7:57 am

if Fn+F5 no longer works, it might be because of this:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-64439

Ade · #11 Post by **Ade** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 8:39 am

I see.
Should have used GomJabbars' method. Guess it is late now. Wont even let me do a system restore.

#12 Post by **Kyocera** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 7:58 pm

Well I finally got around to updating to the above linked driver and there is no improvement, actually a little worse.... so far.

claudeo · #13 Post by **claudeo** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 10:57 pm

You might want to try this:
- Uninstall Access Connections
- Uninstall anything you can find about the driver and any Intel wireless utility that you might have installed -- check in Add/Remove Programs.
- In Control Panel/System/Harware, find the wireless adapter and uninstall it. Then shut down the computer immediately.
- Turn the computer back on. When Windows says it found new hardware, click cancel. Keep clicking cancel if if tries to install it.
- On the lenovo support web site, let it discover your computer type and model, then go to the driver matrix. Download and install the wireless driver specified in the matrix.
- Restart the system. Wireless should work with the Windows Wireless Zero Config, but Access Connections may be better for you (see below).
- Reinstall Access Connections (you can install the current version automatically through Start Menu/ThinkVantage/Software Installer).

Why Access Connections rather than Windows Zero Config? The main reason why I use Access Connections is because it allows me to configure the Windows firewall automatically, and even connect trough my VPN, depending on the connection I use. This can save a lot of time and also save grief if you forget to set a safer Windows configuration before leaving home or the office. However, the firewall config feature only seems to work with Windows firewall or Symantec Client Security. The VPN feature, OTOH, is great.

JohnDrake · #14 Post by **JohnDrake** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 1:13 am

If it is the Fn+F5 problem I put in the link above, all the reinstall stuff won't help, though the procedure above is pretty good.

So, also search the system for every instance of LIBEAY32.DLL, and make sure each instance is the file from Intel\Wireless\Bin folder

Ade · #15 Post by **Ade** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 9:03 am

claudeo wrote:You might want to try this:
- Uninstall Access Connections
- Uninstall anything you can find about the driver and any Intel wireless utility that you might have installed -- check in Add/Remove Programs.
- In Control Panel/System/Harware, find the wireless adapter and uninstall it. Then shut down the computer immediately.
- Turn the computer back on. When Windows says it found new hardware, click cancel. Keep clicking cancel if if tries to install it.
- On the lenovo support web site, let it discover your computer type and model, then go to the driver matrix. Download and install the wireless driver specified in the matrix.
- Restart the system. Wireless should work with the Windows Wireless Zero Config, but Access Connections may be better for you (see below).
- Reinstall Access Connections (you can install the current version automatically through Start Menu/ThinkVantage/Software Installer).

Why Access Connections rather than Windows Zero Config? The main reason why I use Access Connections is because it allows me to configure the Windows firewall automatically, and even connect trough my VPN, depending on the connection I use. This can save a lot of time and also save grief if you forget to set a safer Windows configuration before leaving home or the office. However, the firewall config feature only seems to work with Windows firewall or Symantec Client Security. The VPN feature, OTOH, is great.

Thnaks Claudeo,
tried this, and so far so good. it seems to be working perfectly.

Fizz · #16 Post by **Fizz** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 5:34 pm

Hi Guys,

I have a similar problem with the difference being that I can't connect to a secure wireless network. Actually it will connect but the IP address wont get assigned. I have tried both the wireless zero and access connections but no luck. I can easily connect to unsecured networks and I think I have the latest updates as well, and the secure network has no issues as others can easily connect. I tried going through the Claudeo / Gom Jabber methods but still no luck.
Any ideas ?

ThinkVantage Access Connections 4
Intel Wireless driver 10.5.0.0 API

#17 Post by **GomJabbar** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 8:21 pm

Fizz wrote:I tried going through the Claudeo / Gom Jabber methods but still no luck.
Any ideas ?

Sorry it didn't work for you. Did you look at the link JohnDrake posted above regarding Fn + F5? The information in there may solve your problem. Also make sure any software firewall you are using is not causing a problem.

claudeo · #18 Post by **claudeo** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 12:49 am

Some problems that cause loss of wireless connectivity after a few minutes include:
- IP address conflicts. Some cheap routers don't manage aging of DHCP leases properly. If you are in control of the wireless router, try another brand or try to use an external router, with the wireless device acting only as an access point (there is a FAQ on "lobotomizing" a wireless router into a plain access point on the Wireless forum at dslreports.com).
- IP address conflicts due to another computer on the network having Internet Connection Sharing turned on. ICS includes a DHCP server and can badly screw things up when there is more than one DHCP server on a network. It's easy to accidentally turn it on when using the network setup wizard or setting up a card's network properties because the prompt can be a little confusing (share my connection -- someone trying to share printers and files might be conned in thinking sure, why not?).
- Power management that affects functionality of the wireless card, e.g. by deciding to "sleep" or slow down.
- Incompatible interpretations of the Wi-Fi encryption standards by different manufacturers.
- Thermal issues--some marginally defective components only start misbehaving as they warm up. The typical QA test often on wireless hardware does not last long enough to reach the operating temperatures under stress that happen in the real world.

Firewall issues are usually pretty clearcut -- it works or it doesn't, right off the bat.

When all else fails...
There are a lot of stories about incompatibility of the encrypted connection implementations between various brands and even within a particular brand. When all else fails, you might consider trying out another brand's wireless PC card, even a cheap one (like the Airlink+ on sale for $9.95 at Fry's Electronics today, which I have used successfully with various computers and wireless routers). Such a card might be able to connect to some of those other access points where the Intel might not. At the very least, it might help you figure out whether the problem is with the radio or with the TCP/IP stack or connection management.

#19 Post by **GomJabbar** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 5:27 am

Very good tips claudeo.

@Fizz
You might also look through this recent thread to see if any of the tips there help you out: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=31150

Fizz · #20 Post by **Fizz** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 11:38 am

Thanks for the help so far people...

1. AFAIK, it cannot be an issue from the router side since I am referring to a company which is 20K+ employees and the admins say all is OK on their side.

2. My Fn + F5 key always worked ok. However I am going to try the JohnDrake fix.

3. Windows FW is off and I am near an access point when I try all this.

4. GomJabbar pointed me to another thread in which you say that I need the latest version of the Wireless LAN Adapter Software (ThinkPad 802.11abg) - V 4.1.102.147. I dont see that in either installed stuff in add/rem programs nor in the SW installer and neither does System Update have it. I have Intel Pro/1000 wireless driver (11a/b/g, 11b/g) version 10.5.0.0 APISet. Could that be the issue here ? Do I just uninstall this and go through what you guys have suggested ?

5. Finally, what is the difference between these two drivers ? Intel PRO 2200bg, 2915abg, 3945bg, and 3945abg Mini PCI adapter wireless software for Windows 2000, XP - ThinkPad http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 75#version
and Wireless LAN Adapter Software(ThinkPad 802.11ab, 802.11bg, 802.11abg) for Windows 2000 and XP - ThinkPad General http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-52527
Sorry but I am really confused here. Why would IBM have both on the T60 driver support site if they are not needed....or are they

#21 Post by **GomJabbar** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 12:57 pm

Fizz wrote:4. GomJabbar pointed me to another thread in which you say that I need the latest version of the Wireless LAN Adapter Software (ThinkPad 802.11abg) - V 4.1.102.147. I dont see that in either installed stuff in add/rem programs nor in the SW installer and neither does System Update have it. I have Intel Pro/1000 wireless driver (11a/b/g, 11b/g) version 10.5.0.0 APISet. Could that be the issue here ? Do I just uninstall this and go through what you guys have suggested ?

5. Finally, what is the difference between these two drivers ? Intel PRO 2200bg, 2915abg, 3945bg, and 3945abg Mini PCI adapter wireless software for Windows 2000, XP - ThinkPad http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 75#version
and Wireless LAN Adapter Software(ThinkPad 802.11ab, 802.11bg, 802.11abg) for Windows 2000 and XP - ThinkPad General http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-52527
Sorry but I am really confused here. Why would IBM have both on the T60 driver support site if they are not needed....or are they

4. NO! You apparently have a different wireless adapter, so it requires different drivers. You already have the latest wireless driver available for the Intel adapters. You can look up your model in this link, to see which wireless adapter was supposed to ship with your model T60. Look under item 7. System service parts - ThinkPad T60/p

5. Some of the T60's come with Intel wireless adapters (based on the intel chip), and some come with the ThinkPad wireless adapters (which I believe are based on the Atheros chip). The software driver you use, depends upon which wireless adapter your T60 came with.

Fizz · #22 Post by **Fizz** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 1:47 pm

I looked up my Wireless card on the detect your system and it shows as Intel 802.11abg wireless. GomJabber, on the site you sent me to it shows Intel PRO Wireless 3945ABG Mini-PCI Express Adapter.

So it appears I have the Intel card. I guess I need the Intel PRO 2200bg, 2915abg, 3945bg, and 3945abg Mini PCI adapter wireless software for Windows 2000, XP - ThinkPad http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 75#version

Is this correct ? I will do this at work tomorrow and keep you posted.

Thanks again.

#23 Post by **GomJabbar** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 6:39 pm

You already have the latest wireless driver, you can try to uninstall it then reinstall it again. See claudeo's post above regarding uninstalling and reinstalling.

This below is really what I was trying to steer you to in the other thread.

GomJabbar wrote:Below are a couple of links that may help.
Troubleshoot TCP/IP Connectivity
How to recover from Winsock2 Corruption
Using the Network Diagnostics Tool

Fizz · #24 Post by **Fizz** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 4:36 pm

Still no luck

Can't connect through Windows Wireless either though.

I replaced the libeay32.dll file from system32 folder with one from the intel\wireless\bin folder.

Went through the whole setup as described by you guys. However, now it shows as Wireless Network Connection 10 ! (Since I have done it 10 times now) Obviously I am doing something wrong though I am following all the instructions AFAIK ??!!

Btw, GomJabber, I checked and found that Winsock corruption is not an issue here after going through the links you provided.

#25 Post by **GomJabbar** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 6:42 pm

Sorry nothing is working for you.

My feeling on this is that sometimes it is best to just cut your losses and start over with a fresh install. Backup your data files to a second hard drive, DVD's or CD's. Make a set of the Product Recovery Discs if you haven't already. Boot into Rescue and Recovery (press ThinkVantage button at the beginning of the boot sequence) and choose Restore Factory Contents. If you run into trouble, you can use the Product Recovery Discs instead.

EDIT: If you have a full recent backup that was made before these problems began, then try restoring your backup first.

Fizz · #26 Post by **Fizz** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 6:50 pm

Hmmm. Thats what I been thinking as well. Will do that and keep you posted.

I get an option of making either Rescue Media or Recovery Disks. Whats the difference between them (explanations in Help are confusing me

) and which do I use ?

Fizz · #27 Post by **Fizz** » Sun Oct 08, 2006 12:49 pm

Went back to factory settings but still no luck connecting via WEP security. I will ask my IT people to see if they can connect via the Windows options now.

Problems with Wireless Connection on T60

Problems with Wireless Connection on T60

Who is online