Does the HP Pavilion ZE4300 support wireless networking?

[x336579]

Hi,

Currently viewing the network settings only shows the LAN adapter (National Semiconductor Corp. DP83815/816 10/100 MacPhyter PCI Adapter), however, several sources seem to suggest this device comes equipped with a wireless adapter too (HP WLAN 54g W450 Network Adapter).

The HP website failed to find a product when I entered the serial number/product number so I could not locate any drivers from there. The device is running Windows XP 32-bit, could someone inform me which drivers I need and where to get them?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

What is the product number of your notebook?

The product number can be found on the same label as the serial number.

Please do not post the serial number.

[x336579]

Hi Paul, I believe it is DG204A.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Below is the link to the parts list for your notebook's specific product number.

I do not see a wifi adapter listed.

http://partsurfer.hp.com/Search.aspx?searchText=DG204A

Back in those days, wifi cards were optional.

Open up the wifi compartment cover and see if there are two antenna cables to attach to a wifi card.

If there are, you can add a supported wifi card to your notebook fairly easily.

Here is the link to the service manual.

https://data2.manualslib.com/pdf/8/718/71781-hp/nx9010.pdf?a68e0820b15e10ef8d44d8228f8bcb88

The hard part will be locating a wifi card. 

You can only buy one of those listed in the service manual, and it must have the HP Part # on it or it will not work.

The supported wifi cards with their part numbers are listed in chapter 4.

[x336579]

Hi Paul, thanks for that information, I removed the door shown in the manual and took some pictures. Do you think this model would support a wireless card (it appears to support... something)?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Yes, that is where the wifi card goes, but unfortunately, they didn't install the required antennas.

They would by laying in the open space there with a little piece of masking tape holding them down to the open black area.

So, the easiest thing to do to add wifi networking to the PC would be to puchase an external USB wifi adapter.

You'll have to find one that has support for windows XP.

[x336579]

Hi Paul, I see... I actually have another similar HP laptop on hand that has a wireless adapter of the exact same size, with the atennas already installed. Would you happen to know how hard it is to install the antennas themselves? Thanks!

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

You would have to look at the service manual that I posted.

There should be a procedure to remove/replace the wifi antennas.

I don't believe it is an easy task, because you will have to take the whole notebook apart including the display panel area to run a set of antenna cables.