T20 - WIFI (Problem - Doesn't work) (PIC)

[PAQMAN]

Welcome.

I've tried to find something about this problem (using search ) - but I couldn't, so at start I would like to appologize if such topic was earlier - but details during my problem are quite different.

I have IBM T20 Thinkpad. I normally use internet via "cable" at home.
But sometimes (probably as everybody), I need to use internet via WIFI.

I bought PCMCIA Wireless Lan CardBus Adapter - brand TENDA (TWL541C)


First, I installed original software (attached to this card). Everything goes fine - but I couldn't get any signal of WIFI (even next to the main source - the laptop of my friend - had no problems with that).

I thought, that maybe drivers are wrong or anything. So I have tried to use original Windows drivers. The situation was the same like before. No Signal - card was looking after it - but without any results.

Maybe my PCMCIA port was broken - I though or WLAN card. So I get WLAN with USB. The situation was exactly the same. No Signal.

I have no idea - where the problem is. Hardware looks fine (because Wlan card was searching).

I know that T20 has no wifi antenna inside. OK. But WLAN at PCMCIA should has internal antenna I think.

There was no message (for example that Illegal Card is inside or anything).

I will be very greatfull for any suggestions - because I really need WIFI in my laptop. Holidays are coming

Please HELP.

mod edit: please post a warning in the post subject if you have images in the post. -- gator

[RealBlackStuff]

Welcome to our forums.

Did you check that your Firewall does not block it?

Run PC Doctor to see if you have any other problems.
Try it without the NIC/Modem card.

Check in Device Manager, if there is a yellow question mark.
If there is, unplug and reinsert the card, Windows will find new hardware, stick the small CD in, and it will find the drivers.

I use the same card and have no problems on a very old (1980s) Compaq Armada 7400.

[PAQMAN]

About that Firewall could block it - How can I check it ??

About Device Manager - I checked everything. There was no yellow tab - everything should work properly.

NIC/Modem card ?? - Could you tell me something more, please?

Ps. Of course I have Windows XP Professional.

[PAQMAN]

Bump. SOrry - but I have the problem still.

Please Help.

[Purcy]

I don't use this card but a Linksys similar card on my old T22. the driver came with a connection utility where I would have to insert the WEP key for the signal I was trying to access. Is the wifi you are trying to access "open" without any security? Do you have a connection utility for this card or are you using the Windows connection utility?

[RealBlackStuff]

Maybe start with the basics:

Does any other wifi laptop work with your wireless router/access point?
If so, what signal do they receive, 802.11 b or g?
Are you using encryption? (WEP, WPA etc.)
Are you sending the SSID name of your wireless router/access point?

Your card can handle both b and g.
If one PCMCIA slot does not work, did you try the other slot?
When you open the lid under the docking slit on the back, you will find a card in there which is the combination modem/NIC.
Can you receive a signal on wifi if you remove that card?

If you have a firewall program (other than the built-in one from Windows), switch that off temporarily and see if you get any signal then.

[Mike Blake]

If one PCMCIA slot does not work, did you try the other slot?

But didn't I understand him to say he also tried with a USB wireless device and had the same results?

Anyway, I wanted to pass along a Google hit on someone with the same issue with that card:

"There are two common ways of connecting wireless through Windows - through third-party software (eg. the Tenda software), or through Windows with "Windows Zero Configuration" (WZC) which comes with Windows. It's usually a choice affair - either you use one or the other. If you were using the Tenda software it was probably overriding or interfering with WZC. You don't necessarily need to use third-party software to wireless connect in most cases, and sometimes it is preferable to just let Windows handle it as third-party software can sometimes be buggy or unreliable.

In otherwords, the Tenda software was probably affecting it. Since Windows Zero Configuration comes with Windows - it is native to Windows - it will handle re-connecting even after hibernation with little to no problems."

What struck me is of course on a ThinkPad there can be another culprit involved: the TP Access Connections. I wonder if this could be factor.

[Purcy]

I personally had issue with WZC my Linksys PC card, until some smart people on this forum suggested downloading and using the Linksys connection utility (I had purchased the PC card on ebay and received no software) After I downloaded and installed the utility, I never had any troubles getting or staying ocnnected when using my wireless card.

[JBUK]

Did you say that a friend can connect his laptop using your wifi access point ??

If so then there are two (at least) reasons that you cannot.

Your wifi card is defective (assuming you have loaded the correct drivers for your O.S. )

The setup on your tpad needs fine tuning...........
Do not use the manufacturers connection software. Uninstal it. I assume XP is your o.s.

For the wireless network connection - which presumably does not say connected, select properties then Wireless Networks. Check use windows to configure. Click the view wireless networks button. Do you see anything ?
Next look at the window < Preferred Networks>, see anything ??
If not then ADD the name of your access point. Select properties and choose the correct encryption options, then in the Connnection tab check the connect when this network is in range.
Click OK several times to close all these windows.

You should then see some activity from the wireless icon in the task bar. If not right click the icon and select repair - or reboot.

If still no joy try configuring your access point/router by removing the security encryption options and ensure that the SSID is broadcast. Also disable any MAC address access control. Select a protocol and channel no. that suit your card (probably 802.11g and 1 thru 9)
You should eventually see your network as an available wireless network.

Persevere and you will be rewarded

To prove a faulty card you will need to fit it in another laptop and meet with a similar failure to connect.

[RealBlackStuff]

As mentioned before, I use the very same card on a non-IBM laptop without any problems. That laptop also has XP Pro, plus the Tenda software.
There is no IBM software on that one.
I actually have two of those cards and both work fine.
I'll try one on a standard T23, and report back.