SZ71WN/C replacing internal wireless 4965AGN

Folks

I think I need to replace my 4965AGN on my SZ71WN/C as my laptop will loose connectivity with my router for no reason. I get the dreaded unidentified error and the only way to resolve the issue is to reboot my laptop. This was happening even before I upgraded to Win7. Even on a vanialla Win7 install, with no antivirus, it happens. You could ask if it's my router (Netgear DG834GT), but another Vaio SZ that I have works fine....

So has anyone changed their WIFI module and if so, should I upgrade to one which is WIN7 compatiable out of the box?

Thanks

 

If you have a weak signal, some cards will drop out though this sounds different.

I have swapped mine out for some testing before, it's just a mini-pci express card. Nothing special.

Check ebay, wireless cards are cheap and most are compatible with Win7 as there is really only a few manufacturers for the chipsets on them. I'm pretty sure the 4965agn is win7 compatible out of the box. As are most.

 

Thanks ...
Are these things easy to install?
I've never opened up my Vaio.
Is there some sort of disassemble guide anywhere?

Thx

 

umm, well you have to remove the palmrest to do so, as it rests face up under the palmrest instead of having an easy access door at the bottom of the laptop
I have write down a mini how to right now
-Ground yourself with anti static band
-Remove battery, and press the power button for 10secs
-Start by removing 1 keyboard screw from under the laptop
-Use a flat-head screwdriver on the 3 clips, one near the delete/insert key, one above the F1 or F2 key and lastly somewhere in between. the keyboard should just pop up or you can slide it down.
-Unlatch both sides of the keyboard flex cable and on the left side just
slide it out.
-Unscrew the 3 screws at the edge of laptop underneat holding the laptop down, and the two screws holding the palmrest to the middle chassis/motherboard and slide towards you(outwards)
-above the palmrest you will see a small green tab, you have to slide that off
and now you have access to the wifi card
i hope that would help CHeers!

 

Well i've just ordered an Intel WIFI link 5300 pci mini express card, so here's hoping it's stable than my 4965AGN.

Cheers for the headsup on how to install the card buddy...

 

no problem, just make sure you orderd the right card as there are 2 models to the 5300 card a 3x3 half mini which you need and a full mini.

 

This is a teardown guide for the SZ.
http://home.comcast.net/~nw_systems/vgnSZ.pdf
The SZ7 takes a full size mini pci card so just a standard one will do.

 

here you go i found a picture how to guide of what i explained online, start from the bottom and work your way up, the only parts that you need to focuse on is Part 1,3, and 4

http://openvaioseriez.blogspot.com/

Edit: Thanks Rachel for clearing that up
EDIT2: well Since you already have 4965AGN then you must of have all 3 antennas, but if you dont you can just buy one cheap on ebay, but yeah you'll find out when you check it out yourself

 

Thanks Guys,

I've asked the amazon seller if it's a 3x3 half mini or not....

Rachel i'm gussing whether the card is a half or full mini, it does not matter?

Thanks peeps for the guides, some bed time reading for me....

Funny thing is, the laptop is behaving itself now, almost as if the threat of taking it apart has sorted itself out.... But, for £23 for a 5300 it's just worth trying it.... right?

 

Oh, if anyone wants a link to the card, PM me....

 

Don't forget that you need to secure your wifi card. If you put it in the slot but it is too short to secure it in place then it will matter.

 

Mmmmm, never thought of that, just assumed the card slotted in and was done with....

OK, just to confirm, I need a full sized mini card and not a half mini card yes?

I'll post back in a few days when I receive the card ... or the way our postal service is going, perhaps in a week or two...

 

Yes you need a mini pci standard wifi card and not a half sized one.
I have a picture of it that i took when i replaced my HD.
Btw, has anyone ever seen a half size 4965AGN card?