Can my phome modem-using IBM thinkpad

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by sarah.t, Aug 17, 2010.

  1. sarah.t

    sarah.t Private E-2

    I have a very old IBM Thinkpad (I don't know the specifics, but I don't think they're necessary?). It uses a phone modem, but I have Ethernet. Is there any way I can get my laptop to use Ethernet?
     
    sarah.t, Aug 17, 2010
    #1
  2. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    Hi

    Is your internet service Dialup or Broadband?

    If Dialup then no sorry it will use the inbuilt phone modem of the laptop.
    If broadband and your modem/router has as well as your Laptop has an ethernet port then yes just plug in an ethernet cable form your modem to the PCs ethernet port and if the network/ethernet driver is working ok then you should be fine.


    What Windows version you using?
    Yes at times specs do actually help like the model version of the laptop, so we can review the spec of said PC and this will give us info on drivers and any troubleshooting info for an issue.
     
    DavidGP, Aug 17, 2010
    #2
  3. sarah.t

    sarah.t Private E-2

    I have Broadband, so I will try that, thank you. Windows 98, I think, I don't have the laptop here.
     
    Last edited: Aug 17, 2010
    sarah.t, Aug 17, 2010
    #3
  4. scajjr

    scajjr Sergeant

    If the Thinkpad does not have an ethernet port on it, it may have a PCMCIA slot that you can put a network card in (for wired or wireless depending on which you want to use).

    Sam
     
    scajjr, Aug 17, 2010
    #4
  5. plodr

    plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member

    If you have a wireless router, the easiest way might be to purchase a USB wireless dongle.
    Since 98 is not plug and play, before you buy anything be sure it has drivers for windows 98 available. If it doesn't, you will not be able to use it.

    I do have a universal USB driver archived somewhere which might work but I can't guarantee it.
     
    plodr, Aug 17, 2010
    #5
  6. sarah.t

    sarah.t Private E-2

    Well, putting the Ethernet cable in worked. A friend of mine had a PCMCIA card which he tried to put in so I could move around the house, but it doesn't work with Windows 95 (What I currently have) and Windows 98 won't install, the computer just freezes up. But, I have a new laptop coming in the mail:), so if it doesn't work, it's not too much of a problem.
     
    sarah.t, Aug 19, 2010
    #6

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