Adapter Trouble

[ScaredLittlePot]

Hello, everyone. I need help. 

My laptop is an HP CQ58-BF9WM running Windows 8.1. It started having trouble connecting to the Internet, so I uninstalled the driver...only, it didn't reinstall when I restarted the computer, so now I have no connectivity at all.

I already did a system restore and ran through the multiple steps listed here.

None of it solved the problem. I don't know what my next step is. Manually take out the adapter and put it back in? Update the driver (can't since Windows 8.1 is obsolete)? Somehow reinstall the previous driver? The part is supposed to be a Ralink RT5390R 802.11bgn 1x1 Wi-Fi adapter, according to the parts surfer.

Any and all help is appreciated. My laptop works fine otherwise.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Below is the link to the last W8.1 Wi-Fi driver HP has for the Ralink Wi-Fi adapter:

MediaTek (Ralink) Wireless LAN (WLAN) Adapter Driver

5.0.50.0    Nov 4, 2014

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp69501-70000/sp69543.exe 

[ScaredLittlePot]

Thank you, Paul! I'll install it and see if that repairs the issue.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

[ScaredLittlePot]

Hi again. When I try to run the install wizard, it crashes before it can fully open.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Is the Ralink Wi-Fi adapter showing up in the device manager under the Network Adapters device manager category, or is there a device labeled as a Network Controller in the device manager under an Other Devices category?

If either device is showing up, you can try manually installing the driver as follows:

Click on the Network controller device or the Ralink wifi adapter (whichever you see).

Click on the driver tab.  Click on Update driver.

Select the Browse my computer for driver software option, and browse to the driver folder that was created when you ran the file.

That folder will be located in C:\SWSetup\sp69543.

Makes sure that the Include subfolders box is checked and the driver should install.

If you do not see either device listed, then you may have to remove and firmly reseat the wifi adapter and hope it shows up again.

Leave the antenna wires connected if you can to facilitate an easier re-installation.

Make sure you unplug the notebook and remove the battery before reseating the Wi-Fi card.

[ScaredLittlePot]

Device isn't showing at all in the device manager, and reseating it did nothing. Looks like I'll be getting a new adapter unless there's some other step I can try.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Doesn't sound good. 

The other problem is that you can only replace the card with the exact same model, and it must have the HP part number on it or it will not work. 

I recommend you purchase a USB wifi adapter. 

[ScaredLittlePot]

I'm thinking the same. Thank you again for all your help.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime. 

Glad to have been of assistance.