HP Pavilion g6 - suddenly can't connect to Wi-fi networks

[DKN7]

Hello,

I can no longer connect to any wi-fi networks (i've tested on both my usual Sky hub and hotspot from my iphone). 

It asks for the password and then says 'Windows was unable to connect to XXX'.

I've run the network diagnostics but after turning off and on, it says it cannot diagnose the problem.

I do recall a Windows update recently so it could be related to this but i have restored to before this and it still doesn't work.

I've uninstalled an re-installed the wireless adapter driver software (Ralink RT5390 802.11b/g/n WiFi Adapter).

Can anyone help?

Thanks

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

It could be that the wifi radio on the wifi card's circuit board has gone band and is no longer transmitting or receiving.

Here is the latest W7 wifi driver HP has for that model card.   Give it a try and see if it resolves the problem.

5.0.53.0 Rev.D    May 18, 2015

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp71001-71500/sp71421.exe

If not, you will probably have to replace the card.

Depending on the specific model g6 notebook you have, you may have to replace the wifi adapter with the exact same model and part number, or the BIOS will reject it and the notebook will not boot up until the unsupported wifi adapter is removed.

[DKN7]

Thanks for the reply.

Installed the driver you linked to but it doesn't seem to have worked.

So, if the card has gone, would it still be able to pick up the different signals? As that is what mine does - it just can't connect to them.

Is it possible for a novice to replace a card? If so, could you provide a link to a replacement card?

Cheers

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

OK, so if it sees but can't connect to any wifi networks, then the card is probably OK.

I have one other easy idea to try...run the system restore utility in W7, and select a restore point to a time before the wifi quit working.

https://www.wikihow.com/Use-System-Restore-on-Windows-7

If that doesn't work...

Since you have already tried uninstalling the wifi adapter and driver in the device manager with no success, I would say the windows registry is corrupt and you may need to back up your files, and do a factory reset of the notebook using the HP recovery manager program.

I would need to know the full model number or product number of your g6 in order to suggest a replacement wifi card.

[DKN7]

I've done a full restore back to factory settings but I still can't connect to wi-fi.

Not sure what could have possibly changed from the morning to mean it just can't connect.

Is there anything else i can try?

Thanks

[Paul_Tikkanen]

That is very odd.

I can only assume that something has happened to the wifi card.

A factory reset should have fixed the problem if it was software related.

When you look at the Ralink wifi card in the device manager, it shows everything is fine?

Device is working properly?

If you turn the wifi on or off using the F12 key, does pressing that key do anything?

[DKN7]

Yep - it says the device is working properly.

If i press F12, the light goes Amber and then lights up again once i press it again. 

Doesn't make any difference to being able to connect. 

I'm connected to the network fine on my iphone so it's 100% a problem with the notebook.

Thanks for your help so far!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

The only other suggestion I have would be to replace the wifi card.

What is the full model number or product number of your g6?

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

I need that info so I can see what your options are.

[DKN7]

Product number: A5M45EA#ABU

Thanks

[Paul_Tikkanen]

OK, you have a HP g6-1241ea notebook PC.

Unfortunately, that is an older model that requires you only install one of the supported wifi cards listed in the service manual for the notebook.

Below is the link to the service manual for your model.  The problem is that this manual lists two generations of the g6 models...ones with the 1st generation Intel core processors, and the ones with the 2nd generation Intel core processors such as yours.

The wifi adapters that would work in the older models won't work in yours and visa versa.

They are listed in chapter 3, on pages 24-25

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c02968997

The safe thing would be to replace the current wifi card with the exact same one with the HP part number.

I'm looking at the list, and the best one that I think might work in your model is the

Realtek 8188BC8 802.11a/b/g/n 2x2 WiFi and Bluetooth 3.0+HS Combo Adapter   HP part # 602993-001.

Another alternative would be the Intel Centrino Wireless-N 1030 + Bluetooth (802.11b/g/n)   HP part # 631956-001

But I can't say for sure.

You should be able to find replacement cards on eBay in used but tested and working condition.  Do your search by the HP part number, not the model of the wifi card.  Find a listing that shows an actual photo of the wifi card, not some stock photo.

Otherwise you can always be safe and order the same card/part number that is inside your notebook now, or purchase an external USB wifi adapter.  They make the nano style ones nowadays that hardly stick out of the USB port.

Chapter 4 of the service manual provides the wifi card removal and replacement procedures.

I guess you can take a look at it and see if you would want to tackle the job.  It shouldn't be too difficult.