Can a LAN be updated?

[PrismStudios]

Since I`m asking odd little PC questions today, I`ll try tis one. I have a wonderfully reliable OLD Compaq Presario c700 that I can no longer use because the wireless is no longer compatable with modern WiFi ... I know what I`m trying to say, but I can`t explain it all that clearly, and I am sorry about that! Apparently my PC`s 802.11g can`t link up with the newer 802.11n .... I have tried taking the notebook to various venues, and cannot get any internet, local connection only. I can only get full internet at ONE freind`s home because the router/modem there are probably 10 years old, and the notebook performs PERFECTLY in that situation. Can the notebook`s wireless be upgraded to modern WiFi, or do I just keep it at that location to use on site? I love this stupid Presario, and have dragged it to several foreign contries with no issues. I would love to be able to use it again.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

Unfortunately, you can't upgrade the wifi adapter, as HP used a BIOS whitelist that prevents users from installing any other wifi card than those listed in the service manual for your notebook.  And they must have the HP part number on them or they will not work.

However, I do have some encouraging news for you.

If your notebook has the Atheros AR5007 wifi card, like many C700's do, there is an updated driver that will normally allow it to work with the newer routers.

Atheros 2011 Wireless LAN Driver

9.2.0.444

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp54501-55000/sp54972.exe

It is not on your notebook's support page.

The problem you are having is that the old drivers don't allow for the new WPA2 security setting.

Your notebook would work just fine if you had the wifi security turned off or set to WEP, which of course you wouldn't want to do.

Anyway, give the updated driver a try, and I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

[PrismStudios]

I`ll give it  a go when I get the chance. That was the only possible solution I have ever heard, even if it diesn`t work....Thanks for the link!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

I wrote a short help thing on this forum regarding that issue years ago.

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebooks-Archive-Read-Only/Atheros-WLAN-Driver-Fixes-Connection-Issue...

I was lucky to have stumbled upon the solution because I had a HP dv6810us notebook with the same wifi adapter had had the same issue.  That driver fixed it immediately.

[PrismStudios]

THANKS!  That worked brilliantly. I now have lots of tinkering to do....so many available updates, and whatnot. I have that file on a flashdrive, in case that topic comes up again. 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

Glad that driver update worked for your notebook too.