The “problem child” Flybook Utility that removed the ability to have any wireless options on while in tablet mode was ver 2.4.0.25 dated 2007/12/10. There is now a newer version on the Dialogue.com.tw Member’s Club downloads page, – Flybook Utility 2.4.0.33 – also dated 2007/12/10 – which carries the ambiguous note “fix: turn off wireless in tablet mode to follow FCC standard – in all area.”
From Maruo in Sanremo, comes the following information:
I SOLVED !!! With these steps:
1) Uninstall old FBCCenter (2.4.0.25)
2) Install new version (2.4.0.33)
3) Reinstall WWAN Drivers and Firmware
4) Reinstall WIFI DriversWireless, now, DON’T shutdown in tablet mode and working fine….in ITALY…
Bye.
Mauro – Sanremo (ITALY)
I sent this on to Tom from Indy in an email. He was the brave soul who installed the 2.4.0.25 version and ended up without wireless in tablet mode. If he hasn’t figured out a work around yet, I’m hoping he’ll see a positive result from this new version. Mauro makes the point that it works… in Italy… it could still have something that makes it non-functional in the U.S.
Update 2008/1/10 11:23pm
Tom reports that this solution did not, unfortunately, fix the issue for him but that he is going to keep working on it.
Update 2008/1/11 9:05am
The Dialogue.com.tw website now has this information listed under the Flybook Utility (still ver 2.4.0.33):
TabletNoWireless (US limit) behavior
no initial setting unless HKLM/../TabletNoWireless has value (V5)
MUST SHUTDOWN (NOT REBOOT!) AND REMOVE DC-IN ADAPTER
WHEN FINISH THE UPDATE!!
do we think HKLM/../TabletNoWireless is referring to a registry setting?
Can you test this solution?
I can not do it because my FB, now working fine.
It is preferable to have:
- a data backup or Acronis backup Image
- recovery dvd of your OS
1) Remove battery
2) Remove SIM card
3) Starting FB only with AC adapter
4) Update to FBCenter 2.4.0.33
At the end of the update, remove AC adapter. Yes, really.
The FB power off.
After few seconds reinsert battery and AC adapter and power on FB.
I know that it’s not a good method, but it seems preferred to the normal update driver/firmware.
Bye…
Mauro.
I FIXED IT! Go to the registry editor and browse to HKLM\Intel\Wireless\Install. Then there’s a whole group called NoWireless somewhere in that area. Delete the whole folder called “NoWireless”. I can’t remember the exact location of the folder but it’s in the group HKLM\Intel\Wireless\Install so you can use the “Find” feature and search for “NoWireless”. Delete it and reboot and voila…..wireless is back in tablet mode!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Note, you must reboot in order for registry changes to take effect)
Whoo hoo!!! Thanks you guys! Mauro for pressing for the 2.4.0.33 version of the utility and Tom for the registry entry.
So… does that mean it’s time for me to take the plunge?
Hi all, so does 2.4.0.33 version of the utility (or newer?) fix the ‘no wireless in tablet mode’?
Thanks!
- Jim
I believe you still have to follow Tom’s steps above. It isn’t just the Utility, however, it is some combination of the Utility and the latest BIOS. I upgraded the Utility without upgrading the BIOS and don’t have the issue.
I’m not sure whether or not anyone tested Mauro’s fix. It might be a place to start.
Hi all, just fyi… I’ve just received one of the new V5’s (new spec’s, U7600, etc.) and the issue with “no wireless” while in Tablet mode is still a problem, even on these newly shipping units. The versions of FB Util and BIOS shipping with them are:
Flybook Utility: 2.4.0.33
EC Firmware: 1.63
This is sad, really… an otherwise beautifully done, excellent piece of gear, rendered useless in tablet mode. Other than this issue, the new V5 simply ROCKS, it very peppy, boots pretty quick, programs pop open very fast, wireless is very good, beter than many full size laptops and the machine is really solid.
I haven’t tried the Regisrty fix mentioned here, but will do and report back.
- Jim
PS: Brenda, if you could email me, I took quite a few unboxing pics and have a side by side of the Flybook and the OQO model 02… if you’re interested, I’ll send them to you for the blog, along with some comments.
Well couldn’t wait, so I tried the registry fix….. exported the entire Key first, deleted it and rebooted.
Sorry to say, this does not fix the issue.
- Jim
This totally sucks. I have a note on the Vista Drivers page that the latest EC is ver 1.53 (not 1.63). The Dialogue website still has the same driver dated listed (2007-12-10), but they don’t specify the EC version number anymore). Can anyone confirm? Has anyone else worked with this issue?
I’ve received the answer from Flybook that this is a requirement of the FCC, but no real information on whether or not they are working with the FCC on it. I haven’t heard that this is an issue on other laptops that have the Sierra Wireless HSDPA PCI Express Mini Card embedded modules. How can this unit be so very different from, say, the Sony or HP models?
My sentiments exactly.
I double checked my version numbers and EC Firmware is for sure 1.63, Flybook Util is 2.4.0.33… just to be sure I wasn’t seeing things
Well, it’s not just the Sierra Wireless that has the ‘NoWirelessRadio’ issue in Tablet mode, it’s Wi-Fi too (Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG), which, of course is very standard in other laptops, too. So, your question is valid either way… why the FCC issue with the V5?
I’ve also been all through the system BIOS and there are no settings to control or change this behavior, either… nor can I find anything in software, such as within the Flybook Utility or otherwise.
Patrick at FlybookUS.com is pushing this issue with Dialogue USA and they’re working with Taiwan. Hopefully there’s a solution soon. I’m confident there will be, as I do think Dialogue USA does genuinely want it fixed.
True. I guess I was just assuming that it had something to do with the Sierra card, but indeed, there is evidence to the contrary since it affects WI-FI as well. Is Bluetooth available in tablet mode?
Bluetooth is available while in Tablet mode.
Just received a Flybook V5 in France
Bios 1.53
I have tried everything you mentionned on this blog.
Still without WIFI in Tablet mode!!!
Wrote to Dialogue Tw, no answer!!
Any news from you??
Regards
Well, that is incredibly unfair given that France isn’t under the jurisdiction of our FCC (although I suppose if you look at it from a safety angle…). If anyone has suggestions, please offer them or indicate a willingness to exchange emails and I’ll pass them on.
I solved the problem !!!
Buid a connection to a playing list over the net with media player. Then go in Tablet mode. The flybook does not cut the Wifi connection!!! And after the flybook utility works fine (Wifi and Wwan goes on and off in tablet mode).
I think another way is to open a little the screen in tablet mode and use the Fn F8 keys
It is really just a Problem with the flybook utility, even in 2.4.0.33 version.
Regards
Hi There..
It was realy simple for me.
Downloaded the latest drivers and installed them.
Then go to the BIOS setup during restart of the flybook.
While in BIOS – relay you HAVE TO DO THIS – remove DC in and remove your BATT. then wait few seconds and replace BATT and DC in.
Nove your flybook does not shut off WLAN in tablet mode.
Another side effect, if you reboot all wireless options that where on , will be on again. (so you have to switch all the time by hand)
Good luck..
Paul
Excellant, Paul!
Greetings !
Is there a really working solution for this annoying and stupid limitation, especially because I live in Europe and FCC can kiss my Flybook’s rear.
I have latest BIOS and 2.4.0.45 utility, still no wireless in tablet mode. Tried deleting registry entry but no success. I haven’t tried extreme measures yet (removing AC while Flybook is running) because I want to try some legit way.
Thank in advance !
I’ve never done the upgrade so I haven’t had to deal with the problem. I know people *have* successfully done it – I believe removing the battery is a crutial step in the process (at one point Flybook even said that on their download section). Have you created a Service Request in the Member’s Club section of Dialogue.com.tw? If so, what response from them did you receive?
Hey Newt, thanks for reply !
Yes, I created service request on thursday already but haven’t recieved answer still.
However, I have found a workaround and it’s functioning. Can’t believe how simple it is.
I just needed to exit Flybook utility and then I could use wireless in tablet mode without problems ! It’s working like charm, FN-F7 is also working normal.
Still, I would like to have wireless in tablet mode and NOT to lose Flybook utility if possible, but I’m ready to deinstall FB Utility completly if that means tablet mode wireless is always available.
To others: Please try this method to see if it’s working for you. Cheers !
Matta, I sent you a personal email on 12/23 (would have come from my yahoo account)… did you receive it?
Yes, I received mail and I thank you for help. I haven’t tried that file yet because I partially solved problem like described above.
I will definitely try it in the next few days.