X100e & Win 7 64-bit - WiFi Problems/Drops - HELP!

[underclocker]

Background:
I recently picked up a dual core L335 CPU based X100e and I've upgraded it to near perfection; current configuration -> 4GB RAM, 80GB SSD, Bluetooth, Gobi 2000 WWAN. The preinstalled Win 7 32-bit factory image (with several unneeded software unistallations) runs perfectly. The machine is very fast and doesn't run hot (warm, but not hot). I really like it.

However, with Win 7 32-bit and 4GB of RAM, the machine is only able to use 2.75GB, due to the Microsoft limitation on 32-bit OS's and the integrated video chipset using 256MB of RAM. So, I thought I'd try Win 7 64-bit. Since Microsoft permits the use of the COA key with either bit version, I downloaded the Win 7 64-bit ISO and did a fresh, bare install. FYI, Lenovo does not offer a Win 7 64-bit option for X100e's, yet. (Which is odd, since they do sell some X100e models with 4GB of RAM.)

Everything went well. All Microsoft updates went quickly. I then downloaded the Lenovo System Update and all the updates I selected were installed smoothly. The machine ran incredibly fast and even scored higher than the 32-bit on the Windows Experience test.

Problem:
However, there is one huge problem. The wifi adapter seems to power off after 5 seconds of use. You can go to one web page, then you have to wait from seconds to a minute until you can browse again. If you stream media, though, it won't disconnect and will continue to stream for the duration of the media - even an hour - but as soon as it stops, the connection is gone.

There is a similar problem with the Win 7 32-bit version, but it is easily fixed in the Power Manager. (In Power Manager, Advanced Settings, Wireless Adapter Settings, changed the default from Maximum Power Savings to Maximum Performance.) The problem in Win 7 64-bit is that the Wireless Adapter Settings does not exist in the Power Manager!!! The crazy thing is that both 32-bit and 64-bit used the same version of the Power Manager, 3.30. Where did that option go?

There is an option in the wifi adapter settings under Power Management called Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power, but whether it is checked or not, it has no effect. The power to the adapter is definitely being throttled and/or cut off.

Adjusting the PCI express Link state power management has no effect. OFF, Moderate Power Savings or Maximum Power Savings all behave the same way.

I tried installing and uninstalling drivers and packages in several different orders, nothing worked.

With or without Access Connections, the result is the same.

I even tried using the Realtek wifi driver (downloaded from Realtek), but it didn't help.

There are no issues at all with the wired Ethernet connection. It works perfectly.

So, my X100e is unusable with Win 7 64-bit. Before I go back to 32-bit, less performance and less usable memory, does any one have any ideas on how to fix this?!

I might just try one of the Intel wifi adapters to see if the issue affects all three of the wifi adapter options for the X100e, Realtek N, Intel N and Intel N + WiMax.

[billp117]

I tried Windows 7 64 bit and found it not reliable. I went back to 32 bit and had no issues.

A friend of mine with the same version of X100e is running 64 bit just fine...go figure.

[The Solutor]

Other than a little increased power consumption win 7 64 works just fine, I'm using it since may.

Even XP 64 works with almost no problems (access conncections works but complains about the not supported OS.)

[underclocker]

Thanks for the replies, that gives me hope!

As a follow up, could either/both of you confirm that the IBM/Realtek wifi adapter is in use? Also, does the Wireless Adapter Settings appear in the Power Manager with Win 7 64-bit?

(I found and installed a new x100e BIOS that was just released, no help.)

[billp117]

I reinstalled the Windows 7 - 64 bit hard drive, took all the updates, and it appears to be working OK. The wifi stays connected and has full strenght. The wireless adapter is identified as 11b/g/n Wireless Lan Mini-PCI Express Adapter II with a Realtech driver. The 64 bit verision indicates 3.75 mb memory available. Power Management shows the wireless adapter.

I hope that helps you and I can recind my comment about not working as it seems OK now with Windows 7 64 bit.

[underclocker]

Thank you so much! I will try a reinstall of Win 7 64-bit. Perhaps it was the order of my updates. I did all the Microsoft updates before any Lenovo installs or updates. I'll try the Lenovo installs and drivers first, then the MS updates.

I'll post back the results. I really hope it works because, otherwise, the performance is incredible. The machine is a really nice design and very quick (again, I have an SSD installed).

[billp117]

SSD...rub it in.

[steveg47]

Hi Underclocker,

I was ordering an x100e nearly identical to yours sans wwan and ssd (yum) last night about the same time you were posting this problem. I fully intend to install Win7 pro 64 as soon at it arrives so am very interested in your problem and potential solutions. Have you tried it on more then one wireless router? if not it might be an incompatibility issue with the realtek card, win7 64bit and your router. Also have you checked your router logs for clues? Worth a shot

[underclocker]

It's definitely not the router or adapter. The machine works perfectly with the Lenovo preload of Win 7 32-bit. No issues at all (after setting the wireless to maximum performance). By keeping the available wireless networks box open, I can see the wireless adapter cutting power. The available access points disappear and the text changes from Internet access to no Internet. As soon as I try to go to a site, the available access points populate and my router reconnects. Then I can go to a page or two before it disconnects again.

[steveg47]

OK, that settles that. One last thought, try the vista 64 wifi driver.

[pianowizard]

I tried installing and uninstalling drivers and packages in several different orders, nothing worked.

It's worth trying different versions of the WiFi driver. My Dell D820's wireless card also had a somewhat similar problem -- it could stay connected for 20 minutes or so and then it would drop out. After doing a Google search, I found that only a certain old version of the driver didn't have this problem. All the later drivers, including the one currently on Dell's download site, have this issue.

[steinAK]

I wanted to pipe in because W7 64bit was my saving grace - it really made my X100e shine! I encourage you to hang in there until you get your wireless figured out. I'm thoroughly happy with mine after the x64 install (I was having sleep/lid hardcrashes with stock Windows).

I read that you did all the Lenovo updates, did that include the 1.29 BIOS update?

I don't have the Gobi WWAN in mine. I believe my X100e is doing so well because of the following:

• 1.27 BIOS

• NO Thinkpad Power Manager installed

• NO Communications Manager installed

Good Luck!

[underclocker]

Update: I did a complete reinstall of Win 7 Pro 64-bit and only loaded the Power Management Driver, Hot Key Support, Lenovo ABGN driver and Power Manager. Same result. Most troubling is that there is no option regarding Wireless Adapter Settings in the Power Manager.

However, after uninstalling the Power Manager and unchecking the wireless driver setting Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power, the connection was rock solid.

I then reinstalled various versions of the Power Manager (3.20, 3.25, 3.30) and none had the Wireless Adapter Setting. I checked the Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power setting to see if control would go to the Power Manager. Nothing changed there, but the wifi connection got flakey again. Unchecking the Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power setting did not fix it. Uninstalling the Power Manger did not fix it. The connection is now flakey again, with or without the power adapter plugged in and no matter what is checked or unchecked.

Basically, I won't spend any more time on this. The Lenovo/Realtek ABGN driver is not stable for Window 7 64-bit at this time.

I ordered an Intel 6250 combination WiFi abgn/WiMax adapter. Maybe the driver for that one will work better. I'll post back in 2 or 3 weeks after it arrives from Hong Kong! I'll also test out the Clear WiMax, there is a tower a couple of blocks from my home.

It's really a shame, everything else appears to work very well with this combination of hardware and Win 7 Pro 64-bit.

[billp117]

Let us know which card you ordered and if it works out to be compatible with the X100e. Thanks.

[steveg47]

Underclocker, While waiting for the 6250 why not pull the wifi card from your T60 and try that in your x100?

[underclocker]

steveg47, good idea and excellent troubleshooting step! However, the X100e uses the new Half Mini PCI Express adapter, as opposed to the Full Mini PCI Express adapter, not to be confused, but easily done so, with the Mini PCI adapter.

See here for more info --> http://www.intel.com/technology/itj/200 ... cation.htm

Bottom line, adapters from older machines simply won't fit. I suppose it is possible that I could remove the WWAN adapter, which is in a Full Mini PCI Express slot and try the wifi adapter from another machine, but, of course, it could be locked out by the BIOS.

I'm going to run Win 7 Pro 32-bit, which worked perfectly fine, albeit a little slower, until my shipment from Hong Kong arrives.

Here's some info for the adapter I ordered --> http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Intel_Cen ... WiMAX_6250

Here's a picture of one, notice the size --> http://ibmpc.jp/photo/60Y3195_2.JPG

The FRU number is --> 60Y3195 (apparently some X100e's were offered with it, so it should work)

If it doesn't fix the connection issues with Win 7 64-bit, I'm going to have a rather nicely spec'd X100e for sale! --> X100e w/AMD Athlon Neo X2 Dual Core L335, 4GB RAM, 80GB Intel X25-M G2 SSD, Gobi 2000 WWAN, Bluetooth, Intel 6250 ABGN/WiMax

[yhp2009]

Hi underclocker!
I'm getting an intel ssd 80gigs very soon, and am toying with the idea of win7 64bit install for my x100e (dual core l625, 4gig ram 32bit Win7).

You said in your first post that the config you have at 32bit was very fast and competent ("near perfection" )... I am surprised that you are going to sell your x100e if you cannot get the 64bit to work.
Is the difference in speed that great going into 64bit?

Also, do you remember if you were getting any increase in battery life from the intel ssd?

Thanks

[underclocker]

Hello. Sounds like you're building a nice machine, too. I'm only half-joking about selling the X100e, there are not many alternatives for 3 lbs., a TrackPoint, Gobi 2000 & WiMax. Win 7 32-bit runs just fine and I'm sure new drivers will be out for Win 7 64-bit, so eventually, all will be pefect. Performance is very good with 32-bit, but 1) only 2.75GB of of the 4GB is useable with 32-bit, and 2) 64-bit did seem noticeably smoother/quicker and the Windows 7 experience scores were higher.

I actually kept the 250GB 5400rpm drive that came with the machine with the 32-bit version on it, so I can swap drives and use that until the new wifi adapter arrives. Also, I suppose, my Realtek adapter could be flakey, but again, it does seem to work fine with the 32-bit version.

It's a really nice machine, but since it isn't even offered with any 64-bit Win 7 preloads (no recovery disks available yet, either), maybe it's just not tested fully yet with every possible configuration.

I didn't compare battery life, since I was most concerned about heat. I can say that the SSD does not run hot.

[yhp2009]

Thanks for the reply!
My x100e with the standard HDD 5400rpm is running very smooth and fairly quick right now, so its a bit of a gamble to invest money into an ssd upgrade with unknown results.
Frankly, this x100e project has turned into a sort of obsession in search for the missing link between the power laptops and the flimsy netbooks.
At this point I think the ssd will complete the equation...
As for the 64bit, I guess youre right; eventually in the coming months the bugs will all be sorted out, and I will upgrade then.

Happy computing

[underclocker]

I agree that the performance with the 5400rpm HD is fine and pretty quick, it does use SATA-300 transfer rates, unlike older ThinkPads.

However, with the SSD, you'll be blown away. Shutting down and restarting Win 7 is as fast as hibernating and restoring from hibernation. Applications snap open. It is fast. Whether it's worth 50% of the X100e's original price is up to you!

By the way, apparently the L335 and L625 cpu's run much cooler than the MV-40.

[yhp2009]

Great to hear your first hand experience...
I know the price is hefty, but lately its been dropping to unbelievable levels in different auction sites. I got mine at less than 1/4 the price of my x100e. So for the price, the ssd became a more convincing upgrade for me.

I was curious about the heat so I have CoreTemp running in the background.
My x100e stays within ~30C to 50C during normal to somewhat heavy multitasking use without videos. The highest it gets is ~70C when Im watching HD videos on YouTube for long periods of time. The fan kicks in around ~60C and seems to be very effective.
Overall it gets very warm during heavy use, but nothing that I consider "hot." But then again, I might change my tune when summer rolls around

I'm just very happy with this little thingamajig that seems to do everything I need very competently.

[underclocker]

Just an update. I imaged the SSD from the original 250GB HD that had the factory Win 7 32-bit install. The Realtek wifi adapter works perfectly, before and after numerous Lenovo and Microsoft updates. The connection is rock solid. The Win 7 64-bit driver must be flakey.

Also, I want to ask again, with Win 7 64-bit, is anyone actually seeing the option in the Power Manager v.3.30, under Advanced Settings, called Wireless Adapter Settings? I see it with the Win 7 32-bit version, but not the 64-bit version. This is also true on a T500. That option is not there when the 64-bit version is installed, but is with 32-bit. Please check and post back.

I'm still wating for the Intel 6250 from Hong Kong.

I was curious about the heat so I have CoreTemp running in the background.
My x100e stays within ~30C to 50C during normal to somewhat heavy multitasking use without videos.

My temps are exactly the same in a 70 F degree room. Even HD videos only get it up to 51 degrees C. I saw 60 degrees C while downloading Windows printer driver updates.

[thaler]

Also, I want to ask again, with Win 7 64-bit, is anyone actually seeing the option in the Power Manager v.3.30, under Advanced Settings, called Wireless Adapter Settings?

I got same problem after updated Power Manager to 3.31 (win 7 64 bit). Before that WiFi worked well.
And no, there is not Wireless Adapter Settings in Power Manager 3.31. Unfortunately I can't downgrade PM to 3.30 as Lenovo support page is down again.

Edit:
Made system restore and hope that now working again. PM was downgraded to 3.30.

[steveg47]

The wifi on my new (6 days old) x100e with Win7 Pro x64 seems to work ok. I do not get disconnects and I have used it on a number of different routers and access points. I was using the the 3.30 power manager with no problems and updated to 3.31 which was just released, no visible difference. Considering Underclockers connectivity problems I decided to download the latest driver from Realtek. In general I am not impressed with the Realtek card as I am unable to connect to N supported routers at speeds higher then 150. Using a Belkin pccard (etheros chipset) and a T43 or T60 I have no problems connecting at 270/300 to my Trendnet router.

Gripes: Needs drive activity, wifi activity, bluetooth leds. Using FloatLed app to monitor disk activity. I really miss the thinklight. Runs hot. I got it to thermally shutdown using prime95 in 8 minutes. I used coretemp to monitor and shutdown occured at 88c. The unit runs between 50-64c with typical usage including HD movies. Right now the temp is 58/54. Has anyone pulled the processor and applied quality thermal paste yet?

My touchpad is also acting a little flackey. Jumps and stalls. Could be Win7 x64 or a faulty touchpad. I will need to test it further with Win7 x32 installed before calling Lenovo for a new pad. The trackpoint is fine. The build quality is very good for a netbook but not even close to the build quality of a Thinkpad. An expresscard slot would have been a real plus rather then the memory card slot.
Battery life could be a lot better, no surprise there.

Overall considering the price I paid ($377 with 4gb mem) I am pleased with unit. I find the overall performance excellent.

[underclocker]

2.5 weeks later and the Intel 6250 N + WiMax adapter has arrived. It works perfectly with Win 7 32-bit. I already connected to Clear WiMax.

They have a $10 one day pass, which is 1/3rd less than AT&T or Verizon's $15 broadband day pass. ( Hopefully, AT&T and Verizon will feel the pressure and reduce their day pass fares.)

I will try it with Win 7 64-bit over the next few days and post back results.

Note: The Lenovo driver package for the adapter is 100MB that expands to 250MB. I don't recall a larger driver package for a Thinkpad!