I've reinstalled Windows 7 32 bits a year ago on my X201 tablet, and since then I have NEVER been able to get the Wifi to work again. I've been using a cheap router set in Client mode via Ethernet, which works fine (I have network and internet access), but I've had enough of packing all these bits and bobs around with me.
I have tried installing every WAN and WLAN driver listed here, downloaded from Lenovo's website, but the only network connections listed are "Local Area Connection" and "Bluetooth Network Connection". Device manager flags that "Network Controller", "PCI serial port", "PCI simple communications controller" and "Unknown device" do not have drivers installed (under "other devices"). Lenovo does not have any ISO of driver DVD available, which I found ludicrous.
I'm out of options, any help would be very appreciated!
Best Answer
I have managed dozens of x201 series laptops and can say I have not seen a more consistent rate of problems with wifi adapters than with this specific series.
In most cases, the internal wifi antenna is damaged/defective and must be replaced. A good indicator of this is when the green wifi symbol will not light up (and the bluetooth symbol is lit), or having the wifi light turn off shortly after enabling wifi (
Fn+F5).Of course, make sure the main wifi switch is set correctly and that you enable all wireless radios with
Fn+F5. The switch is on the left hand side of the laptop and on the end closest to the user.I have had occasional success by uninstalling the wifi network adapter from Computer Management, which forces the laptop to reidentify the adapater on next boot.
Lenovo has suggested running their ThinkVantage System Update tool for all available updates (critical/required/optional). They have insisted that some updates that claim to install merely defer when not all available updates are selected. I can't speak to the validity of this, mostly because it sounds like a support filler statement, but it may be worth trying.