WiFi Device ... Gone?!

[RomeoNate]

Compaq Persario F500  (F579WM)

Windows Vista

Was trying to connect this laptop to my home network, when it just stopped.

after extensive troubleshooting, seems the Broadcom wifi device has disappeared from the system.  It is not even listed in Device Manager.  The switch on the front stays Amber no matter which direction its flipped.

I turned the machine off, and took the plate off the back - re-seated the network adapter, turned it back on - nothing.

WiFi device is not detected by the PC anymore.

Any thoughts ?

[Ldobie2]

Same problem happened to me just over a month ago.  Turned the laptop off and when I turned it on again (about a day later), the wireless was gone...no where to be found!  I reinstalled drivers and still nothing.  Had my friend look at it (he works in a computer repair shop) and he said the TX1000 series is NOTOURIOUS for losing its wireless card!  I ended up buying a $10 external one to hold me over...

now, whenever i turn on my laptop I get a black screen and nothing happens.  I have to remove the battery and reinstall about 10 times before the stupid thing turns back on!  I am afraid to shut it down again...

[RomeoNate]

UPDATE:  I pulled a WiFi card out of a Dead Dell Latitude .. Turns out they are the same Broadcom Cards..

At any rate, it did not help.  The system still will not detect the WiFi Card.  Major Bummer.

Guess its over to PCMCIA...