Does the HP-Mini have an internal Network Controller?

[PAL_Chiangsaen]

When I first bought my Mini many years ago, it flawlessly connected itself to the internet.  Recently I upgraded its RAM to 2GB and exchanged its HDD for a larger SSD and had to reinstall WIN XP SP3.  But now the Mini is unable to connect to the internet!  I need to know if there is a Network Controller on my Mini as MS Device Manager advises there is no internal Network Controller.  I have been able to use a TP-Link Wireless USB Adapter to connect to the internet but that seems not-quite right.

Finally it is always a major and tedious task getting connected to HP support via the internet.  Can that be improved?

Regards

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

What is the full model number or product number of your notebook?

Use this guide to find that information...

HP Notebook PCs - How Do I Find My Product Name or Number? | HP® Customer Support

[PAL_Chiangsaen]

Model #:  HPMini 210-1012TU PC

Product #:  WF572PA#AKL

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

Below is the link to the parts list for your notebook.

HP PartSurfer

It did come with a 802.11B/G WLAN and Bluetooth adapter combo MiniCard, so you should have both Wifi and Bluetooth.

Perhaps you need the Windows XP Wifi and Bluetooth drivers for the card.

Here are the XP Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drivers for the Broadcom Wi-Fi adapter your notebook comes with.

Wifi:

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp48501-49000/sp48616.exe 

Bluetooth:

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp48501-49000/sp48831.exe 

You may also need to install the HP wireless assistant software, restart the PC and turn on the Wifi and Bluetooth using the HP Wireless assistant.

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp42501-43000/sp42773.exe 

[PAL_Chiangsaen]

Hello Paul!

Many thanks for a VERY DETAILED sheet of what my HP Mini contains.  I will proceed to putting the information you have provided to work and hopefully will get the Mini back to its pristine shape of years ago!

Let's close this post with Kudos to you!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome, Peter.

[PAL_Chiangsaen]

Hello Paul!

This is a follow-up on our previous discussions.  I have downloaded the 3 softpaqs you have advised me to do.  Since my HP Mini still isn't connected to the internet, I had to download the 3 softpaqs to an HP PC where they now sit in preparation for installation.  They need to be correctly installed on the HP Mini and not on the HP PC!

My questions today are what is the proper procedure for installing them on my Mini and in which order should I install them.  I did search the Internet and read about the SDM and SMM, but it proved a bit to technical for me to get into. I would much prefer making sure I get the procedure(s) correct rather than messing up my WIN XP installation and still have no Internet connection. 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Peter:

You should install the driver files in the order I posted them.

You only need the last one if you still have no Wi-Fi and or Bluetooth.

If you install the Wireless Assistant, then you turn on the Wi-Fi and or Bluetooth using the software controls in the HP wireless assistant program.

The instructions to install the files are quite straightforward...

You've already completed step 1.

1. Download the file by clicking the "Download" or "Obtain Software" button and saving the file to a folder on your hard drive (make a note of the folder where the downloaded file is saved).

2. Double-click the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions.

NOTE: After the files are unpacked, the Setup program runs automatically. If the setup program (Setup.exe) needs to be run manually, look for it in the download directory.

[PAL_Chiangsaen]

Good morning, Paul !

Followed your instructed line by line and - lo and behold-,  my HP Mini connected itself to the Internet !

It would seem that this post is now fully solved and I have the proper drivers for the Mini to do what it has not been able to do for lack of them for quite sometime.  I shall be using the Mini now rather than the HP PC desktop for my daily visits to the Internet wherever I go.

All of this is thanks for your patient and detailed assistance.  Many, many thanks indeed!!!!

Best regards,

Peter in Chiangsaen, Thailand

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime, Peter.

Glad to have been of assistance.

Cheers,

Paul