Adding WiFi to older Toshiba

I added a Toshiba / Atheros AR5004G to my 1905-s277. Identification of the card and driver install went just fine. The antennas are connected and the system sees the card with no reported problems. I even let XP update the drivers after that. However, it can't see any wireless networks (there are 5 around me) and the Client software goes through the install process but I can't find or access the program.

Surfing around I've read where there is a bios lock that Toshiba has to prevent other cards from being used. This card is used on other models of Toshibas but probably not an exact replacement for this model.

Is this the symptom of the bios lock? Is there a work around? Any suggestions would be appreciated. TIA.

 

No I the bios would block it so the card wont be detected or installed.

 

Ah... Good to know. Well, it gives all indications that it wants to work. When I run Wireless zero configuration it tells me to turn it on so I'm thinking the card and drivers are fine. They must have it switched off on the motherboard. I'm going to try taping off the infamous "pin 13" as a work around. I realize the card will then be on all the time but I'm not concerned about battery life. We'll see what happens.

 

Hi, I just thought I'd post a follow up in case anyone else try's this and has the same problems I did. Taping off pin 13 on the mini pci card did the trick. I think the Mobo is hard wired with the radio in the off position. Since my laptop didn't have the switch already this is the way to beat it and far less work than going into the MLB and modifying it. Of course, the radio is on all the time but I'm ok with that. If I get into a security situation I can disable it in Device manager. It might still draw current but that's fine. It's worth it for the convenience and better Tx/Rx than using a card in the PCMCIA slot. I added two internal antennas behind the monitor and the reception is fantastic with a connect rate of 108Mbps.

WOO HOO!

 

i have some questions on installing the wifi card. First of all, Does your laptop has a slot for internal wifi card? if not, how did you secure the card in your laptop. Second, how did you install the antenna and connect it to your wifi card?
The reason i asked these questions is because i wanna install an internal bluetooth on my a135-s2386. Any help will be appreciated.

 

Yes, mine had the internal Mini PCI slot.

I bought two internal antenna's off of Fleabay. Took the monitor apart and mounted them at the top between the case and the LCD. They had 21'' long cables and already had the connectors for the card on them. Just had to thread it through at the bottom where the lid hinge is. It was actually quite easy.

If your a135-s2386 has an unused slot you should be good to go. I think they are making cards now that do Bluetooth and 802.11 so if your going to do it I'd get both.