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    Thinkpad T400 rejecting 5300 Wireless

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by Charr, Sep 26, 2008.

  1. Charr

    Charr Notebook Deity

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    I got a new a new Intel 5300 to replace the Thinkpad branded atheros wireless card in my laptop, but the laptop is rejecting the new 5300. When plugged into the system, it refuses to boot, claiming an unauthorized wireless card is in the machine. Is this a restriction from Lenovo or Intel, or is it an error?
     
    Charr, Sep 26, 2008
    #1
  2. blue68f100

    blue68f100 Notebook Virtuoso

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    Sounds like the BIOS is set to a specific hardware.

    May want to see if there is any options in the BIOS to allow it.

    May need to contact IBM and see if it possiable to replace a failed card and see what they stay.
     
    blue68f100, Sep 26, 2008
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  3. cryogenic

    cryogenic Newbie

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    From what I recall from older thinkpads, the problem isn't the fact that it's a 5300 card, as the T400 supports that card. The problem is that they have a certain PCI ID that they'll allow (those that were shipped with the laptop). So if you could find a 5300 that came specifically in a T400 it'll work. The BIOS has a table of certain cards that it'll allow and the card you have isn't in that table so it's rejecting it. On the older Thinkpads (pre-Lenovo) there was a BIOS hack to skip the check, but I don't think that's possible anymore.
     
    cryogenic, Sep 26, 2008
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  4. havoc531

    havoc531 Notebook Evangelist

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    Exactly the same thing happened when I installed mine into the U330. You have attached the incorrect antennae. The third antenna (grey) plugs in the middle. Your Thinkpad WILL accept the 5300, but only when all three antennae are in the right places.
     
    havoc531, Sep 27, 2008
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  5. Charr

    Charr Notebook Deity

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    I had the two antennas where they were with the Atheros card, and the extra in the middle for a black - grey - white lineup. When I get back home I'll try checking out different locations for the antennae. If that doesn't work, I will call them and ask about it. Thanks for the suggestions!
     
    Charr, Sep 29, 2008
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  6. Charr

    Charr Notebook Deity

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    It isn't the antenna lineup, I tried every combination and it still wouldn't take it. I talked to several customer service reps and they had no idea what I was talking about. They suggesting replacing the motherboard, changing out the wireless, upgrading the BIOS, turning the kill switch off, and using a PC card wireless card. The BIOS is the problem, and there isn't anything to be done for newer thinkpads.
     
    Charr, Sep 29, 2008
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