[SOLVED] Thinkpad Wireless Connection Problems

pcox3921 · 02-05-2008, 09:55 AM

I have an IBM Thinkpad T41 with the IBM/Atheros A/B/G wireless mini PCI card installed. When I switch networks or try to connect when there is no network available, the system will eventually times out and fails to connect. The system then reports that the wireless card is powered off even though the little green wireless indicator is turned on. When I use the hot keys to check status of the wireless card, the on screen display reports that the wireless card is powered off. Attempting to change the setting has no affect on the card. When the system goes into this "confused" state, the system cannot connect to any wireless network, even when a vaild network is present.

The only way to restore wireless operation is to disable the wireless card in the bios, un-install the drivers for the wireless card, re-boot the machine without the wireless card enabled, then re-boot again, enable the wireless card in BIOS, and re-install the wireless drivers. I am using completely updated WinXP pro system. The problem appears to happen when using the IBM access connections package or the WinXP connection manager.

Any comments are appreciated.

**johnwill** · 02-05-2008, 01:19 PM

Almost sounds like the card is going bad or the drivers are buggy...

pcox3921 · 02-05-2008, 06:50 PM

Will try downgrading drivers to older version.

pcox3921 · 02-09-2008, 01:01 PM

Tried all 3 version of wireless driver from Lenovo/Thinkpad website. Every driver would cause system to lose sync with wireless card (Wireless indicator on, but system thinking that card is off). i downloaded most recent Atheros drivers, re-installed card and system seems stable now.

**johnwill** · 02-10-2008, 11:01 AM

Thanks for the feedback.

Dr.Furrfu · 03-04-2008, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pcox3921

Tried all 3 version of wireless driver from Lenovo/Thinkpad website. Every driver would cause system to lose sync with wireless card (Wireless indicator on, but system thinking that card is off). i downloaded most recent Atheros drivers, re-installed card and system seems stable now.

I'm in the same situation. Where did you get the most recent Atheros driver and what version is it?

Thanks!

02-05-2008, 09:55 AM	#1 (permalink)
pcox3921 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 23 OS: XP	[SOLVED] Thinkpad Wireless Connection Problems I have an IBM Thinkpad T41 with the IBM/Atheros A/B/G wireless mini PCI card installed. When I switch networks or try to connect when there is no network available, the system will eventually times out and fails to connect. The system then reports that the wireless card is powered off even though the little green wireless indicator is turned on. When I use the hot keys to check status of the wireless card, the on screen display reports that the wireless card is powered off. Attempting to change the setting has no affect on the card. When the system goes into this "confused" state, the system cannot connect to any wireless network, even when a vaild network is present. The only way to restore wireless operation is to disable the wireless card in the bios, un-install the drivers for the wireless card, re-boot the machine without the wireless card enabled, then re-boot again, enable the wireless card in BIOS, and re-install the wireless drivers. I am using completely updated WinXP pro system. The problem appears to happen when using the IBM access connections package or the WinXP connection manager. Any comments are appreciated.

02-05-2008, 01:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,654 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Thinkpad Wireless Connection Problems Almost sounds like the card is going bad or the drivers are buggy... __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

02-05-2008, 06:50 PM	#3 (permalink)
pcox3921 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 23 OS: XP	Re: Thinkpad Wireless Connection Problems Will try downgrading drivers to older version.

02-09-2008, 01:01 PM	#4 (permalink)
pcox3921 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 23 OS: XP	Re: Thinkpad Wireless Connection Problems Tried all 3 version of wireless driver from Lenovo/Thinkpad website. Every driver would cause system to lose sync with wireless card (Wireless indicator on, but system thinking that card is off). i downloaded most recent Atheros drivers, re-installed card and system seems stable now.

02-10-2008, 11:01 AM	#5 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,654 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Thinkpad Wireless Connection Problems Thanks for the feedback. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience