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    IBM Thinkpad T61 Mini Wireless Card Problem

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by idle0095, Apr 13, 2008.

  1. idle0095

    idle0095 Notebook Consultant

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    i tried to change out the wireless card in my thinkpad t61 and when i did i got a message when starting my computer. i was replaceing the stock abg card with a draft n card. same type of card same hook up just different speed. so when i turned on the computer it said mini wireless card changed. reboot and remove card. what did i do wrong. isnt swaping out a card a normal think. i mean ive done it so many times before with other computers.
     
    idle0095, Apr 13, 2008
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  2. rob65789

    rob65789 Notebook Consultant

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    Did you obtain the card through lenovo? If not, it is probably not recognized by the bios. There is a way around it, but i cannot seem to find them right now. Hopefully someone will know and post.

    How are you going to address the third antenna?
     
    rob65789, Apr 13, 2008
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  3. idle0095

    idle0095 Notebook Consultant

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    ya its not a lenovo wireless card its the intel 4965 one, anyone have the work around and do i need to use the thrid ant?
     
    idle0095, Apr 13, 2008
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  4. aamsel

    aamsel Notebook Evangelist

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    I don't think there is a work-around, I think you are SOL with the generic card.
    The card that you use has to be "white listed" for use by your model to be recognized by the Thinkpad's BIOS.

    I am about 99 percent sure on this.

    Andrew
     
    aamsel, Apr 13, 2008
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  5. rob65789

    rob65789 Notebook Consultant

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    Google "No-1802" there is a lot of information.

    I believe it a abgn card will work with only 2 antenna, but at reduced capicaty. It may not that hard to add it, but do your homework first. There is a lot of information on that too, but I find it quite confusing. However, the antenna is probably the least of your problems.
     
    rob65789, Apr 13, 2008
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  6. aamsel

    aamsel Notebook Evangelist

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    The third antenna, which you need for n can go easily under the keyboard, but that's not the problem. The Thinkpad BIOS is not going to recognize the generic Intel card.

    Andrew
     
    aamsel, Apr 14, 2008
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  7. idle0095

    idle0095 Notebook Consultant

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    so i should use the abg card thats in here then?
     
    idle0095, Apr 14, 2008
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  8. rob65789

    rob65789 Notebook Consultant

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    unless you really need n, then yes, use the stock card. If you just gotta have n, then the easiest way is to obtain a card that is intended for use in a lenove t61. The other option, which is adapting the card you have is not for the faint of heart and should not be attempted by anyone who doesn't understand exactly what they are doing, what the risk is, and that in the end it may still not work anyway. heck, I even understand all that and happen to think it would work, but i still wouldn't do it.
     
    rob65789, Apr 14, 2008
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