X60 wireless dysfunction: do I need a new wireless card?

[twigdip]

Hi there,

I'm using an X60 with Windows XP.

My wireless has stopped working a few days back. It has had problems in the past: the light at the bottom of the screen would just go off all by itself, so I would restart computer and it would light up again. Nothing to do with the on/off switch.

Now it doesn't light up again. I have restarted computer, disabled/enabled wireless, updated driver to version 13.3.0.137.

I have bought a USB wireless which works fine, but would rather fix the internal one. Do I just have to buy a new wireless card? Can this be any ole Intel Pro Wireless 3945 ABG Mini WIFI, or does it have to be an official LENOVO one?

Many thanks,

ian

[tim S]

Before purchasing a new card I'd remove the keyboard and upper bezel and make sure
the card hasn't popped loose. Regardless, I'd take the card out, wipe the contacts and
reseat it, a few times, to clean the inner contacts.
If that's the fix then it's all good, if not then I'd replace it with same card to avoid
any (BIOS) errors.


Tim S

[twigdip]

Hi there,
thanks Peter for your reply. I have popped it out and cleaned it up, but no luck. So I've just gone ahead and bought a new one. By the way, how exactly do you clean these things? with an antistatic cloth and some air?

Thanks

ian

[Woodenspoon]

bit of isopropyl alcohol on the contacts ...but it is more likely the card is dead. if you take it out and reinsert it any poor contacts should be fixed..anything more than that is not likely. if the contacts seriously corroded after all something else is horribly wrong.

[twigdip]

thanks for your help. I'll try the alcohol too. no, nothing corroded. but the wireless has been funny for a while, going off randomly (coming on after a restart). must be all the bumps I gave it travelling in the himalayas for 2 years!

thanks