Need wireless network driver for a retired pc/laptop

[jeitres13]

Hello, my wireless network adapter suddenly disappear now i cant connect to wifi, now i need to get a driver for my old laptop but its unfortunately retired. my laptop is a HP notebook 14 pc, the serial number is (removed), can someone please help me

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Based on the information you posted; your notebook has a Ralink RT3290 Wi-Fi adapter.

If you are running W10 on your notebook that is a very common problem with the Ralink RT3290 Wi-Fi adapter disappearing from the device manager.

The W10 driver is useless to fix it.

There is no fix other than to use a USB Wi-Fi adapter, or replace the internal Wi-Fi card with this model:

Realtek RTL8723BE 802.11bgn 1×1 + BT 4 LE Combo Adapter    HP part # 753077-001

Below is the link to the service manual:

c04513798.pdf

[Max3Aj]

Hi @jeitres13,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

Since your HP Notebook 14 is retired, official driver downloads may not be available from HP’s website. However, you can try the following steps to get your wireless network working again.

Check Device Manager for Missing or Hidden Adapters

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters and look for your wireless adapter.
   • If you see it with a yellow triangle, right-click it and select Update driver.
   • If it's missing, click View > Show hidden devices to check if it's hidden.

Reinstall the Wireless Driver

If the adapter is missing or not working properly, you can reinstall the driver:

1. Identify the Wi-Fi card:
   • In Device Manager, check the name of your wireless adapter (e.g., Realtek, Intel, or Broadcom).
   • If it's missing, check under Other devices or look in System Information (Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and check Components > Network > Adapter).
2. Download the correct driver:
   • If you know the Wi-Fi adapter brand (Realtek, Intel, Broadcom), visit the manufacturer’s website to download the latest driver.
   • Alternatively, use a working computer and visit HP’s support website:
     • Enter your HP Notebook 14 model number.
     • Look under Drivers – Network for the wireless driver.
3. Install the driver:
   • Transfer the downloaded driver to your laptop via USB.
   • Run the setup file and restart your laptop.

Try a Generic Driver from Windows

If you can't find the exact driver, try this:

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Right-click the missing Wi-Fi adapter and choose Update driver.
3. Select Browse my computer for drivers > Let me pick from a list.
4. If a compatible driver appears, install it.

[Max3Aj]

Run Windows Troubleshooter

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
2. Select Internet Connections and run the troubleshooter.

Use a USB Wi-Fi Adapter (Temporary Solution)

If all else fails, you can use a USB Wi-Fi adapter to connect to the internet.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Max3Aj

HP Support