compaq cq50 1 running pclos kernel 2.6.38.8
compaq cq50 2 running pclos kernel 2.6.33.7

both laptops purchased at same time and have identical hdwr
lspci -nn

02:00.0 Ethernet controller [0200]: Atheros Communications Inc. AR242x / AR542x Wireless Network Adapter (PCI-Express) [168c:001c] (rev 01)

Onboard atheros wl, netgear USB wl adapter and onboard realtek eth0 all work on compaq1

w/l stopped working on compaq #2 several weeks ago. No networks seen. tried physical switch, remove- reinstall interface, etc, etc lsmod shows athk5 module loaded on both lappy's. realtek eth0 on compaq2 is working

Thought the atheros mini- PCI-e card might be bad so switched with known good one out of compaq #1 but still no go. "Bad" wifi card from compaq2 works in compaq #1.

OK so try netgear wl USB adapter in compaq2 which I know is supported by both kernels and works in compaq1. lsusb shows netgear detected by compaq2 but Still no networks seen by compaq2.

OK so try pclos 2011.6 (2.6.38.8 bfs kernel) LiveCD on both lappy's:

both onboard atheros and netgear wl USB work on compaq1 but not compaq2.

I have never heard of a pci and USB bus having any common hardware interface that would make ALL wireless on compaq2 to not work. I believe the antenna on compaq2 may be damaged which might explain the onboard atheros on compaq2 not working but this should not affect the wl USB adapter .I have never seen this before.

[UPDATE] Just ran across this from PCI wiki:


"PCI Express Mini Card (also known as Mini PCI Express, Mini PCIe, and Mini PCI-E) is a replacement for the Mini PCI form factor, based on PCI Express. It is developed by the PCI-SIG. The host device supports both PCI Express and USB 2.0 connectivity, and each card may use either standard. Most laptop computers built after 2005 are based on PCI Express and can have several Mini Card slots."

This leads me to belive that an onboard controller common to the mini pci-e and USB is defective, explaining why neither onboard mini pci-e atheros or netgear USB wl adapter work on compaq2

Any ideas appreciated

I see your kernels do not match. Is swapping out box #2's kernel for the kernel in box #1 a possibility, or are you set on having the kernel that is in place?

You stated that the wireless network adapter in box #1 did not work in box #2. But the WNA from box #2 did work in box #1.

So the WNA is good. It is something else at fault.

If the driver module (athk5) in box #1 instructed the WNA from box #2 did its job, then the driver should be good on box #2.

Could it be a firmware issue? Box #1 is good with either adapter and box #2 will not work with either adapter. #2 is the older kernel version. It has been stated that the 2.6.38.x kernel has fixed allot of these problems. I might also suggest punching in Atheros wireless network adapter &/or PCI-E in synaptics and see if anything comes up that might be of use. That is if you have not done so already.

Read these references, see if they help:

http://linuxwireless.org/en/users/Drivers/ath5k

http://www.pclinuxos.com/forum/index.php?topic=96988.0

^Make sure you read page two of the forum post (96988.15)^

http://www.pclinuxos.com/forum/index...93.0/wap2.html

^This one above looks like your exact problem on a single box basis If you have time, read all three pages.^

I hope this helps some. Post back if you come up with anything. Good luck.

Neq

Will read thru links. Meanwhile:
1. Kernels do not match, but the atheros adapter in compaq2 (using older kernel) worked fine when installed last year.


Both atheros mini-PCI-e wireless adpaters work in compaq1 but not compaq2



lsmod shows both drivers for onboard atheros wna and netgear WN111 USB wna show up as loaded on both laptops.

Ran pclos 2011.6 LiveCD with 2.6.38.8 kernel on both laptops. again onboard atheros and netgear USB wireless fine on compaq1 but not compaq2

Strange indeed.

Just for brainstorming purposes, this flow chart can come in handy to think of some of the simple overlooked details:

http://www.ifitjams.com/connect.htm

Hmm......Typical causes of this problem.

1.Kernel - Bugs, install problems

2.Driver - Missing or Wrong

3.Wireless Adapter - Gone Bad

4.TCP/IP and or Network Software - Missing files, bad config., etc.

5.Hardware - bad switch, loose connections, something burnt out on the board

Ruling out the issues:

1.Kernel - You said the kernel and wireless adapter used to work together

2.Driver - Same driver on other pc works fine we would assume it should be the same on pc#2

3.Wireless Adapter - Works in pc#1

4.TCP/IP and or Network Software - Ethernet connection works, kinda rules out that problem.

5.Hardware - This you may want to look into. Loose connection, crossed wires, pinched wires, burnt resistors or circuits on the board. If your skilled in electronics you could test points on the board to make sure voltage and ohms are what they should be.


Curious, is your wifi button working as normal? Light up the way it is supposed to? Turn on and off correctly? If not, that further confirms hardware issues. Although the driver also part of what makes this feature work. But if the driver was in place prior to the wireless giving out, then I would rule the driver out once again.

If your box is still under warranty I would take it in, to get the wireless hardware looked at and fixed.

If not, and you feel confident. Go ahead and crack it open. If you need help, this link should help guide you through how to get inside your laptop:

http://www.insidemylaptop.com/remove...0-cq70-laptop/

If your going to open the laptop and research for problems, pay attention to where the wireless card is. Note if the wireless card has its own board it sits on, or if the slot is hardwired into the MOBO. It would be nice if it is on its own board, better to replace that than the whole MOBO. Im thinking you may very well need a new MOBO being that most laptops have the pci-express slot hardwired. Do not forget to write down model number and any other info you can write down.

Hopefully there is something you can find that is easy to fix on the board that may fix the problem without having to resort to purchasing a new MOBO. Research the items near the slot and make sure they are operable. I would also pay attention to the WiFi antenna cables. I would check them for broken wire insulation and trace them from point a to point b within the computer to make sure they are good.

Post back with thoughts or if you come up with anything.

Good luck,
Neq

Yes the atheros onboard is a separate mini card and we were able to swap out between the two lappys.

The antenna connector to atheros mini-pci-e card appears to be damaged on compaq2 (that's what first alerted me to possible hdwr problem) and it is possible that physical w/l button is not latching properly on compaq2, but NEITHER of those issues should have anything to do with the w/l USB adapter on compaq2 .....UNLESS as mentioned in first post, there is an onboard controller that handles ALL wireless regardless of whether it is mini-pci or USB. In that case it would explain why neither onboard or USB w/l are working and the damaged antenna connector is just coincidental problem masking the real culprit. I've seen this kind of thing in other types of electronic gear over the years. After discussion with daughter, laptop has been allowed to run way hot over the past few months, and this could account for a controller gone bad.

Laptop out of warranty. Am looking into setting up a wired connection for #2 to a second hand router set up in client/bridged mode.

We'll see what happens.Thanks for tips and links

Hey Trio3b,

Making progress none the less. Good deal.

That is great news. Better than the whole darn MOBO ey!

Well an antenna connector could be fixed. I know they are tiny leads so crimping and solder are both difficult tasks. But Ordering something like that should be available.

Hmm You can always adapt a compatible on off switch. Or order a new wireless button. Cheap parts.

To my understanding the usb adapter is usually an express card module. Should be easy trace the wires or circuitry to what is feeding it and operating it.

Indeed. Heat and power fluctuation are good causes for things going to pot. If my memory serves me correct, electronics cant handle a drop or increase in voltage over 3 volts. It does not take much at all. As an Electrician, we always try to run isolated circuits to areas where computers are going to be operated to reduce these instances. Having a surge suppressor between your pc and the power source is always recommended. Heat is a problem as well for flow of electricity. It is a part of resistance.

That is funny you mention that. I was thinking the same thing, a cheap way to create your own wireless workaround. Nice.

But try this on for size:

http://www.pccables.com/70611.html

A male rj45 (ethernet) converted to a female usb port. Perfect for plugging in an external wireless adapter!!!

Use this in google: "male rj45 to female usb adapter"

I found one of those listed at $1.49 nice to have around when your usb port has burnt out

Let me know how it is coming along. Glad to be of some help. I like challenges like these.

Neq