DM-2180us no WiFi

[desertpatriot]

have: dm4-2180us
issue: no wireless connection

device manager error: unknown device

the drivers for this device are not installed (code 28) 

     value: ACPI\HPQ0004\3&11583659&0

need: driver(s)

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

You need this driver for that device.

This package provides the HP 3D DriveGuard software for supported notebook models that are running a supported operating system. HP 3D DriveGuard protects the hard drive by "parking the heads" if the notebook is accidentally dropped or is abruptly impacted by another object.

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp64001-64500/sp64144.exe

If the wifi card needs a driver, there will be a device listed in the device manager labeled as a Network Controller.

If you do not see a Network controller device, or the model of your notebook's wifi adapter listed under the Network adapters device manager category, then there is most likely a hardware problem with the wifi card.

[desertpatriot]

thank you for sharing the link; after installing the software the unknown device error is now gone. unfortunately there is still no wireless device present. my conclusion is the internal wireless card is defective and needs replacing.

note: the red light on the f12 wireless keyboard button remains on at all times. hmm...  

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

There is a remote possibility that if the wifi card was turned off with the HP wireless assistant or connection manager software during the upgrade to W10, that would be the only other reason the wifi card would not appear in the device manager.

Since neither of those programs are supported in W10, the wifi remains off.

You can see if you can turn the wifi on like this...

Download Ubuntu from the link below and make a bootable Ubuntu installer.

Download Ubuntu Desktop | Download | Ubuntu

Here is a tutorial on how to make a bootable Ubuntu installer.

Create a bootable USB stick on Windows | Ubuntu

Boot from the Ubuntu installer, and select the option to 'Try Ubuntu without installing.'

See if you can turn on the Wifi and Bluetooth (if applicable) in Ubuntu.

If you can, exit out of the Ubuntu installer, shut down the PC, remove the installer, and when you get back into Windows, the Wifi and Bluetooth (if applicable) should be working.

If you can't, then you can try removing and firmly reseating the wifi card.  Leave the antenna wires connected to the card to facilitate an easy reinstallation.  Sometimes the contacts get oxidized and the electrical connection with the slot is lost.

If that doesn't work, then the wifi card would have to be replaced with one having the same exact HP part number, or the notebook will not boot up.

Below is the link to the service manual, where you can find the wifi card removal and replacement procedure.

h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c03106877

[desertpatriot]

i have tried several times to create a bootable ubuntu usb drive but have failed each time (the instructions are poor). is there another source for for creating ubuntu on a usb stick?  

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Unfortunately, there aren't any others that I know of.

You may want to find an Ubuntu forum and ask there, such as this one.

Ubuntu Forums

[desertpatriot]

at last i figured it out; the ubuntu iso file needs to be dragged and dropped to the usb drive containing rufus. why wasn't this explained in the install instructions? ahhhh!!!! sooo very frustrating!!!

result: after running ubuntu on the questionable hp notebook i discovered the wireless function was not recognized ...just like in w10. 

conclusion: after removing the wireless card then reinstalling, reconnecting antenna leads and running ubuntu the immediate conclusion is the wireless card is defective and needs replacing.

thank you for the support.   

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Since your notebook has a BIOS whitelist, you will have to buy the same card with the same part number on it.

I suggest you check on eBay by searching by the HP part number.

Get one where you see an actual photograph of the item for sale that clearly shows the same part number on the label.

[desertpatriot]

i'll make a note of it thanx.

question: would a bios upgrade allow for the installation of a new and improved wifi card?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

A BIOS update will not add support for any new wifi cards.

The parts list for your notebook indicates that it comes with an Intel Centrino Wireless-N 1000 802.11 b/g/n (1x2) WLAN module, which was a fairly decent card in its day.

HP PartSurfer

The problem is that it may not be supported in W10, but it should have at least showed up in the device manager as present and working properly.

This is the cheapest one I could find that shows the HP part number on the 'Replace with HP Spare' label.

Intel Centrino Wireless-N 1000 b/g/n PCIe Half 593530-001 | eBay

You could experiment with one of the other wifi cards listed in the service manual (chapter 3), but they may not work.

c03106877 (hp.com)

The only one listed where the Bluetooth might work on W10 would be the Intel 1030.

You would have to find one with the same part number listed in the manual and again...with a picture of that part number on the 'Replace with HP Spare' label.