Ralink Network Connection Driver

[Bassdarter]

I own a HP p7-1449 desk top. Coincidentally, the Ralink RT5390R 802.11bgn  wifi adapter will no longer function as the Network Connection driver appears to have been rendered useless. I suspect this was a result of the latest Windows 10 update. Is there a a more recent driver available (can't find one on the HP site) out there? Any solutions are more than welcome. I really need wifi as a cable is nearly impossible to run given the location of the PC and the router. Thx!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

That is a common issue with the Ralink wifi adapters and the newer builds of W10.

The only W10 driver that was ever released for that card was from June of 2015.

The easiest solution to the problem would be to purchase an external USB wifi adapter.

There is no known solution to get the internal Ralink wifi card to work again.

[Bassdarter]

Thanks Paul, from what I've read, should I be looking for an external USB adapter that is of the 802.11ac edition? 1300 Mbps?The router is a Sagemcom 5566, aka Bell's homehub 3000. 

Also, am I able to replace the card on the motherboaard with an internal 802.11ac edition? Would the pin configuration be the same?

Thx! Iv'e learned a lot in the past 24 hrs!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

That is correct.  They make dual band USB AC adapters that normally range from 433 MBPS (AC 600) throughput to 867 MBPS (AC 1200) throughput.

If your PC has two antenna cables connected to the Ralink wifi card in there now, you should be able to  upgrade to this internal dual band AC adapter with bluetooth:

Broadcom BCM4352 802.11ac 2x2 Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 4.0 combo    HP part # 724935-001.

You should be able to find this card in used but tested and working condition on eBay.

I see them listed for sale as low as $23.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=+724935-001&_sacat=0&_sop=15

Search by the HP part number, not the model of the wifi card.

If your PC only has one antenna cable connected to the Ralink card, I recommend you go the USB route, unless you want to install an internal wifi card that uses a PCIe x1 slot if your PC has a free one.