CF-19PJRFXAM, Intel WiFi 4965AGN, Wireless Switch "Solved"

Edit, solved ( me thinks so anyway...I tried an Intel 5100 card out of a spare CF-52GFNBPZM, and the CF-19P works just dandy), Edit, solved...
I just put a wireless card in this baby (thank you Sadlmkr). Each time I fire her up and OS boots up, the task bar shows "no wireless connections". I turn the Wireless Switch from On to Off to On and then....
Wireless starts working and finds my network at 144 Mbps. I'm thinking the Switch is faulty, but thought I'd ask you all for your thoughts. PS, it's running Windows 7, NOT linux.
I'm gifting this to a nephew graduating soon and would like everything working well. Best regards, Cleve

 

1) Buy recovery CD from Hear... )) Download and install latest driver from Intel. Driver only, without Proset software.
2) if 1st step doesn't help - try to disable power management for this card in device manager.
3) report whether problem has gone or not

I'm sure your hardware is ok. I presume you've already checked Wi-Fi state in BIOS.

 

Thank you. I did check and the Intel driver for this card is the latest version. So far, as described in original post, turning the Wireless Switch (inside door) Off and then back ON works, so I'm thinking the switch. I'll have to google your step 2, regarding disable power management for card in device manager.
Best regards

 

You can turn off that switch in BIOS at all if you think it's broken
Do you have Wireless switch utility installed? Is your device (4965 card) disabled or enabled after boot?

 

Cleve,
Do we assume the wifi card is from a Toughbook?
Once in a while with other brand cards, you need to do the pin 20 mod.
If you do the pin 20 mod (I just cut the trace) the hardware switch will not affect the wifi card, it will still control the wlan card.
Something to consider is doing the pin 20 mod anyway. That will prevent the panic phone calls of "My wifi quit, HELP!"...Answered by..turn the switch on.....
Disable the switch in Bios should also have the same affect.
Uninstall the wireless switch utility and test again.
Then reinstall all the wireless utilities.
The driver should not cause the problem you are experiencing....

I should have a hardware wireless switch or two for a CF19 here..

Let me know.....

 

Thanks Shawn, I will let you know. I used the card referenced by JonLowe awhile ago regarding a Cf-19 MK2, I bought two that I sent to the west with two pristine MK2's...this is a MK3 and so I bought two more...do you think it is hardware or software issue?? I other words, everything works as it should once I wiggle the wireless switch back and forth ONCE... If you think I need a new wifi card, please suggest and I will comply....

 

I don't completely understand your post...Probably my recovery issues...
Rough few days for me....anxiety issues....I guess that's normal post stroke. Got some meds for that..Trying to avoid.

I am betting a hardware issue. The wifi/bios compatibility on the later Toughbooks is a confusing and seemingly random hurdle.
I think they changed it with BIOS version flashes. These CF52's are the worst of the bunch. Several times I have failed attempting the exact same card upgrade as another poster reported as working...

So, lets shift into reverse...
CF19P....mk3 you say...That should probably be a Intel 5100 or 5300. ..Start with a 5100 if you have one...Lets eliminate a BIOS whitelist possibility.
A 4965 may end up working fine, but if we can avoid all remotely possible issues, the solution will come easier.
If all you have is a 4965 then go with that. 5100's are very cheap. Avoid Hp and IBM.
Disable wireless switch in the BIOS if you have that option.
Next try removing the wireless switch software and test.
Reinstall wireless switch software and repeat.
The wireless switch is tiny and soldered to the motherboard.

 

I just read your sig..

Pull the wifi card from the CF52GUN and try it....

 

Great idea, Shawn. I'll pull the wireless card from the 52 that's in the mail. I'll also try disabling the switch in bios as you suggested in the mean time.
I was thinking that although the unit only has 600 hours on her that maybe the switch is defective, since it is a Federal build that came WITHOUT WLAN.
These steps you mention above:
"Disable wireless switch in the BIOS if you have that option.
Next try removing the wireless switch software and test.
Reinstall wireless switch software and repeat."
When you say, remove the wireless switch software and test, what does that mean? See if the card will be recognized by Windows7 and work properly?

 

Yes, try it without the wireless switch software and see if it works...


Federal unit......You be needin a BIOS flash I bet...

 

I send you a link to dropbox since ftp is down..

Model Number:
CF-19PJRFXAM
Status:
DISCONTINUED
MSRP:
$4,579
Description: WinXP (Vista COA), Intel Core 2 Duo SU9300 1.20GHz, 10.4" XGA Touch, 160GB, 2GB, No WLAN, No Bluetooth, Dual Pass, TPM, GPS, Rubber Backlit Keyboard, Smartcard, No Absolute BIOS, No Drive, Toughbook Preferred

 

Post the bios version,all the fed units I have had just needed a card,I have 3 CF-52N right now. Curious to see if it is a special bios.

 

I have come to believe different engineering teams work on each model.
That's the only explanation that makes sense.
I can put an ubiquity sr 71e. or a variety of other cards in a cf19 or cf30.
In a cf52 it must be the original Intel card.. Why the whitelist on a semi rugged but not a fully rugged?
Federal model wifi blocked in a cf74, cf30 or cf19 means a bios flash. But a cf52 federal does not need a bios flash for wifi.
I find zero logic or consistency....

 

Just got home and read your notes & PM, I think I'll start with a different card just to see if that is it. I have a spare identical Intel 4965agn, BUT me thinks trying the card out of a 52 might be an option. I could also order one of the Ubiquity ones you like. Of course, tonight I can try disabling the switch in bios, and go from there also. Appreciate all your input.

 

Cleve! the right card for that model is 5100 as mentioned by Shawn. Some intel card 4965 has an issue when you are trying to install it from other unit. Its recognized but as you mentioned, its on and off or grayed out from the task bar icon switch and sometimes the unit freeze. I believed its not the switch of your unit.

ohlip

 

I think there is a 5100 card in the box with the battery. (from a CF-52)

 

Thank you ohlip and Sadlmkr...you're right lefty, but when I installed it the antenna connector broke off of the card...at any rate, I have a parts 52 coming soon and hoping it has a working 5100 to try. I sure appreciate all your help guys, thank you very much....Post script, tried to edit the title of the posting, but could only edit my first post, not the title...I pulled the Intel 5100 wireless card from the CF-52 G (Thank you Shawn), and she's a working fine now, no fuss, no muss. Now I just need to find two more Intel 5100 wireless cards that are compatible.

 

What would you like it to say . I will change it for you.

 

Thanks Blair, I think a simple "Solved" in the Title, that way people would know a resolution has been found. I'm getting used to this new format on NBR...

 

I had to shorten it up some but is this ok now ??