Intel 2200BG issues

[stevo1210]

Got the shits with three laptops here using the Intel 2200BG wireless card.

Basically they worked well before when I was using a WRT54G as my router with WPA/TKIP 128 bit encryption. My WRT54G went belly up after I moved house so I replaced the WRT54G with an all-in-one ADSL 2+ modem & wireless router setup from D-Link.

My new all-in-one unit is a D-Link DSL-2740B, it's a wireless N router as well.
So far I've set my channel to 12 and to 802.11g mode only and it still doesn't connect to Wi-Fi.

What happens is I'd double click on the network, enter the passkey and wait for it to connect... instead it won't connect and says "Windows is unable to connect" and that's it. Happens on all 3 laptops with the 2200BG (2x XP and 1x Win 7)

One time I tried connecting my Sony Vaio UX handheld under Widnows XP and it asked me for a WPS key. I ended up going to WZC and it would connect using a normal WPA-PSK key.

All other PC's that don't use this model of wireless card work with no problems at all. What is going on here?

[Uranium-235]

Re: Intel 2200BG issues

whats wrong is something inherently wrong with that intel wifi card.

I can't tell you how many times i've had connection issues with a 2200bg cards. mostly what i've experienced however is AP dropping issues. But the 2200bg is a terrible card across the board for multiple reasons

I would have to say update your drivers, and HOPE that fixes it.

a problem you might run into is some laptops will ONLY take intel cards, some won't even boot with another card in there

but if yours can, I would recommend broadcom or atheros

[stevo1210]

Re: Intel 2200BG issues

I have a thinkpad t43, I don't think it takes anything BUT intel 2200 bg cards from IBM :-/

[stevo1210]

Re: Intel 2200BG issues

I'm getting desperate, so I'm gonna order another Linksys WRT54G off eBay and daisy chain it to the D-Link because I know these intel cards worked with the WRT54G really well... besides this method might also solve the wireless reception issues in my new home which is 3x as large as the old house (have many dead zones + complaints from other family members).

[ratdude747]

Re: Intel 2200BG issues

I have a thinkpad t43, I don't think it takes anything BUT intel 2200 bg cards from IBM :-/

There is a workaround. For your model there is a 3rd party hacked BIOS that allows the use of different wifi cards. I cannot remember where they are but they do exist.

[stevo1210]

Re: Intel 2200BG issues

There is a workaround. For your model there is a 3rd party hacked BIOS that allows the use of different wifi cards. I cannot remember where they are but they do exist.

They do, but I'm not game enough to hack my BIOS... I'll probably brick it or something >.<

On another note, I just turned off WPS on the D-Link... but haven't tested if this works yet for the 2200BG.

[stevo1210]

Re: Intel 2200BG issues

Well... plugged in the WRT54G and made a daisy chain with a bit of tinkering with IP addresses and so forth. Now the 2200BG cards all work... and I can finally get Wi-Fi reception out the back of the home!

[ratdude747]

Re: Intel 2200BG issues

They do, but I'm not game enough to hack my BIOS... I'll probably brick it or something >.<

On another note, I just turned off WPS on the D-Link... but haven't tested if this works yet for the 2200BG.

No, its just a file that you reflash it with. Same procedure as a BIOS upgrade.

[stevo1210]

Re: Intel 2200BG issues

No, its just a file that you reflash it with. Same procedure as a BIOS upgrade.

I know that, but knowing me... I'd probably screw that up as well. I think the ONLY thing I've ever been game enough to flash was my Dell Inspiron 6400 which was still under warranty. When I have something under warranty I'll flash every single update onto it. :P

[shovenose]

Re: Intel 2200BG issues

I've had this trouble before.
Here's what you have to do (assuming you're running XP, ignore this for any other OS)
1. Update XP to SP3 with ALL the latest updates
2. Install the latest Intel driver from the Intel.com website

This works for the 2100 and the 2200 cards, both of which are pretty crappy until this is done!

[ratdude747]

Re: Intel 2200BG issues

I know that, but knowing me... I'd probably screw that up as well. I think the ONLY thing I've ever been game enough to flash was my Dell Inspiron 6400 which was still under warranty. When I have something under warranty I'll flash every single update onto it. :P

its pretty foolproof given that you do it under AC power.

[shadow]

Re: Intel 2200BG issues

its pretty foolproof given that you do it under AC power.

Have to agree there.

I also love how the WRT54g has a JTAG port on it. Even if you completely trash the firmware, it can be recovered without any sort of issue. Now if only all electronic equipment came with a JTAG connector.