Problem with wireless adapter or access point - Atheros AR9285 adapter range decreased in dv6

[Rajeev_R]

I'm using HP pavilion dv6-3085tx laptop. It has Windows 7 home basic 64 bit operating system and Atheros AR9285 wireless network adapter.

From past few days, After servicing of laptop, it shows the wireless network (good or excellent strength) but windows can't connect to network and gives error that there is problem with wireless adapter or access point. 
The laptop connects to network only when it is within 3-4 feet from the Wi-Fi Router (Beetel 450TC1 Wi-Fi Router) or via LAN cable.

This same laptop was working fine earlier since last 18 months, even from the distance of more than 20-30 feets. Also other laptops (hp, sony,dell etc.) and mobiles are working absolutely fine with same Wi-Fi router as usual.

When I took my Laptop to HP service centre, I got the response that Laptop hardware is working fine and the problem may be because of software like windows or any other thing.

Then I tried every possible troubleshoot methods and actions which are available on HP site or on Google to solve this problem. Like reinstalling drivers, Updating BIOS, Windows Reinstalling and then finally Factory Reset of the system. But still the problem persists.

My wifi Router settings are also correct and there is no filtering enabled. Then I changed my router channel to different channel from others' router to decrease interference, but of no use.

Kindly help me to solve this problem. Thanks in advance.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

The only thing I see that you haven't listed that you tried was to install the latest driver for your wireless card which I have provided at the link below.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareDownloadIndex?softwareitem=ob-99392-1&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en

If that doesn't help, then I don't know what else you can try, since you have already tried things I would have suggested like changing the broadcast channel.

Paul

[Rajeev_R]

Hi,

I tried that also (updating wireless adapter drive to Latest version 9.2), but the problem remains the same.

When I updated with the latest wireless driver v9.2, wireless networks signals started fluctuating from low strength to Full strength. So I reinstalled the older version.

Now I'm clueless and angry on HP that why they provide these type(Atheros AR9285) of worst adapter. They are not bothered to replace the same even under warranty period.

Need some suggestions, what to do now.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Did you check the card to make sure the antennas were attached correctly?

Also remove and re-seat the card.

Make sure you remove the A/C power and battery before working inside the notebook.

Maybe when someone worked on it, they disconnected one of them.

If you see nothing wrong with the hardware, you may want to consider ordering a different card for your notebook.

Below is the link to the service manual.

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c02657339.pdf

Supported wireless cards with HP part numbers can be found in chapter 3 starting on page 23.

The only thing I know for sure is that the Intel 6250 has the wrong part number so don't order it or you will get an incorrect replacement. No one knows the answer for what the right part # is.

Considerations for you may be the Broadcom 43225 or the Broadcom 43224.

Make sure you order a part # that works in your country. You can only order one of the cards listed in the manual and it must have the HP part number on it or it won't work.

You can order new at the link below. If you don't live in the USA, change the country location on the top of the page, as it is set to the USA right now.

http://h20141.www2.hp.com/Hpparts/Default.aspx?mscssid=1DE91C092EE1484596F86A0279DB36FA

You can also try to find one of the cards in the manual on eBay in used but tested and working condition.

Just make sure you limit your search by the part number you are interested in, not the model.

Paul

[Rajeev_R]

Hi Paul,

I tried with re-seating the card also, but it didn't help me either.

Now the only solution is to Change the Hardware (Atheros AR9285) wireless adapter.

Since my laptop is under Warranty, it should be changed by HP without any chrages from me.

But HP Service Centre is not willing to do anything for this.

What should I do now ?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Like I posted above, you can try one of the cards listed in the service manual, except the Intel 6250, as there is a known issue with the part number listed in the manual.

That's up to you.

Paul

[Big_Dave]

Hi,

Try this Atheros version 10 driver update. Download it from here. Courtesy of Daniel_Potyrala