June 17, 2012

IBM Thinkpad Laptops - mini-PCI BIOS Restriction

The BIOS of IBM Thinkpad Laptops restrict the brand and model of mini-PCI cards that can be installed. If you install a card that has not been approved by IBM, the sytem BIOS will report the following upon boot:
"ERROR
1802: Unauthorized network card is plugged in Power off and remove the miniPCI network card."

We have a BIOS modification that removes this restriction. The BIOS/CMOS update is safe, but we can not and do not offer any warranty or guarantee whatsoever. It is to be UTILIZED SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK. We neither write the code, nor do we offer it as product or service of our company. We are simply providing an option to frustrated IBM Thinkpad owners who are unable to source a card that works in their system. Note that loss of power during BIOS updates can render a system useless. Replacement BIOSes can only be installed by the factory or authorized repair centre.

If you utilize this BIOS modification, any of our mini-PCI wireless cards will work in your IBM Thinkpad system (including but not limited to T30, X30, T40, T41, R40, R41). Please contact us, if you would like us to e-mail you the BIOS software update.

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