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    MSI MS-171F barebone / how do I install the wireless LAN card? 2 black antennas!

    Discussion in 'MSI' started by Rails393, Jul 30, 2009.

  1. Rails393

    Rails393 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi all,

    I would really appreciate if anyone could help me install the Intel model # 4965AG wireless card into my MSI MS-171f laptop.

    The problem is that the wireless card has 3 ports for antennas (labeled 2, 3, 1 downward from the Intel label) and my antennas are odd colors. I have 2 black antennas and 1 gray. All 3 antennas go into a hole in the motherboard - and I'm assuming they all travel to the outside of the case. (don't want to take it apart just yet)

    Now I tried every combination of the different antennas in the different ports - but windows Vista 64bit was not getting a signal. The card has the proper drivers (I hope) but still showing no signal at all - even when I have it right next to my wireless router (which works fine with my other laptops)

    Also, side note: does anyone know if this barebone system comes with firewire?


    Thanks for any help...I have searched for help on this topic for a while and found nothing. So any is much appreciated.

    -Alex
     
    Rails393, Jul 30, 2009
    #1
  2. Ayle

    Ayle Trailblazer

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    Are you sure the cables don't have any labels on them?
     
    Ayle, Jul 30, 2009
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  3. Rails393

    Rails393 Notebook Enthusiast

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    They do not have any labels on them
     
    Rails393, Aug 3, 2009
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  4. CDubbs

    CDubbs Notebook Enthusiast

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    It sounds like the antenna set was designed for a 2x1 card... Just guessing here and I would think it shouldn't make a difference. Does it appear the center conductor in the cable is getting fully seated or are the antenna side conductors too shalow?
     
    CDubbs, Aug 4, 2009
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  5. electrosoft

    electrosoft Perpetualist Matrixist

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    The 171f only supports a 2x2 WiFi setup. The third wire (which is also black, and all of them are unlabeled btw), is for an optional BT module in the mini-pci slot next to it.
     
    electrosoft, Aug 5, 2009
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  6. Rails393

    Rails393 Notebook Enthusiast

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    sorry for my ignorance, but what is a 2x2 wifi setup? and what would be the highest end model I could purchase?

    I googled it, but didn't find much explanation - just products and multimeters..
     
    Rails393, Aug 10, 2009
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  7. CDubbs

    CDubbs Notebook Enthusiast

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    CDubbs, Aug 10, 2009
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  8. electrosoft

    electrosoft Perpetualist Matrixist

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    The 171F can support either a half height or full height MPCI card.

    @ Rails - the 171f supports a 2 wire setup. The 3rd wire is for an optional BT module. As such, it doesn't natively support an Intel 5300/5350 or other 3x3 (3 antenna) modules.
     
    electrosoft, Aug 10, 2009
    #8