BleepingComputer.com: Wireless adapter problems

Just recently my Compaq CQ61 has been unable to connect to our houses wireless router. There is a message before windows starts saying there's a problem with the wireless adapter and to go the HP support website. I'm running a windows 7 32 bit. Windows seems to have forgotten that the adapter exists. It isn't acknowledged in device manager. Does anyone have any ideas about what the problem is and what to do about it?

First thing I would try, is download the driver for the wireless card from HPs website. What is the full product number? its Compaq CQ61-xxx (replace xs with numbers) should be on the sticker under the laptop.

If the device isn't even reflected in Device Manager...I would check the BIOS to see if it's enabled/recognized.

If onboard, enabled and not reflected in Device Manager, with no prompting at all from Windows to install drivers...I'd say that it's probably dead and needs to be replaced by a PCI card.

Louis

hamluis, on Oct 16 2010, 10:09 AM, said:

Compaq CQ61,is a laptop

caperjac, on Oct 16 2010, 05:38 PM, said:

Most of the laptops have replaceable wireless adapters that I have seen, very small cards.

DaChew, on Oct 16 2010, 05:26 PM, said:

very true ,but not a pci card one .

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Finding the right one for your laptop might be an issue, probably cheaper to get a usb adapter

It's a 311-AX. I downloaded the driver, hasn't helped. How would I go about checking if it's enabled in the bios?

BTW, getting an error message before windows starts, I'd assume thats the bios saying its not working? in which case it needs to be replaced? Pain in the butt.

to get into the BIOS you normally hit the F10 button on boot up until it enters, some computers it varies, it should tell you on the splash screen that pops up immediatly after it turns on. from there,it should be on the first page, should say something along the lines of wlan device ID or something similar. (I have a similar model laptop)

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Pardon me for asking?

asking whether that's the case? No, the wireless on/off button doesnt turn blue when i push it.

Your wireless card is probably dead. You may be able to replace it, but it would probably be just as cheap to buy a USB adaptor.

sullyj3, on Oct 17 2010, 02:08 AM, said:

Should it need replaced they are usually an easy fix. Finding the proper wireless NIC will be the hard part.

Most mini-pci NICs are located under a cover on the bottom of the machine. The cover is held in place by one, maybe 2 screws and a couple tabs.

1) Locate the proper cover.
2) Remove screw(s). Remove cover.
3) There will be two wires, usually one black & one white, with terminals connecting them to two different posts on the NIC.
4) It does matter which go`s where so take note of how the connecting posts are labeled on the NIC and the corresponding color of the wire.
5) The wireless card is in a slot, mini-pci, with small metal clips, one on either side.
The clips are spring tension only.
6) Gently spread the clips apart and slide the NIC out of the mini-pci slot.
7) Simply reverse the steps to install the new wireless NIC.
8) Note The NIC is keyed. There is a small notch on the side that is inserted into the mini-pci slot. There is a corresponding bump in the mini-pci slot. Just make sure that the terminals to connect the wires are pointing up and you should be all set.

the_patriot09, on 19 October 2010 - 12:17 AM, said:

That is best choice i think ,i actually just bought one to-day ,seems to work great so far ,a no-name of sorts ,i never heard of the company before today ,,i paid 25.00 cdn for mine.
http://www.tp-link.com/products/productDetails.asp?class=wlan&pmodel=TL-WN821N

This post has been edited by caperjac: 19 October 2010 - 04:38 PM