Problem with error 01C9 - More than one Ethernet devices

Problem Description

Certain ThinkPads show a warning message during POST when a WLAN card with an Atheros chipset is present in the MiniPCI slot:

  WARNING
  01C9: More than one Ethernet devices are found. Remove one of them.
  Press <Esc> to continue.

At POST, the BIOS conducts a scan for ethernet devices. It does this by reading the "PCI Class Codes" of every connected device. If more than one ethernet device is found, it produces the 01C9 error message. Unlike other wireless cards, which identify themselves as "other" network adapters, Atheros classify themselves as "ethernet". This collides with the internal ethernet controller (also a PCI device) and causes the 01C9 to appear.

Affected Models

• ThinkPad A31p
• ThinkPad T23
• ThinkPad T30
• ThinkPad R40
• ThinkPad X22

Not affected are:

• ThinkPad T40 series
• ThinkPad X40 series

Solution

The solution is to modify the Atheros EEPROM so that the card correctly identifies itself as an "other" instead of an "ethernet" network adapter. No messing with vendor and device ID is necessary. Madwifi drivers will function properly.

A Linux Live CD to remove both this error message as well as the 1802 is now available.

ATTENTION!

This software has not undergone beta testing. It can harm your computer. The authors are in no way to be held liable for any damage caused by this program. There is no warranty given, either express or implied for any fitness for any kind of purpose. You agree to use this entirely at your own risk.

Download instructions 1. Click on this link. [1]. 2. In the right column, press "free". 3. Wait a few seconds, then type the code into the blank field and press "Download via...".

Usage 1. If you want to use this to remove the 1802 error, do not install your Atheros card yet. 2. Burn the ISO to a CD or DVD. Make sure to open the image instead of burning it as a regular file on the disc. 3. Boot from the CD. 4. If you choose to remove the 1802 error, do so and reboot with Ctrl-Alt-Del. 5. If not already present, install the Atheros card now and boot from the CD. 6. Choose not to apply the no-1802. 7. Select your Atheros card from the list. MAKE SURE IT'S THE CORRECT ONE, a wrong selection may cause damage! 8. Ctrl-Alt-Del reboots, the 01C9 should be gone.