Install of L35282-005 into Elitebook 845 G7 - No Wifi

[r43ey]

My Elitebook did not have a wifi card and I have been using a TP USB adapter with no issues.  I wanted to free up a USB slot, so installed a L35282-005.  (The service manual calls for a L35282-001, but I couldn't find any of those.)   I have installed latest drivers and bios.  The Bluetooth works fine, but the Wifi part is not recognized by windows.  I have tried hard resets, multiple reboots, resetting the network from settings and netsh.  Is there anything else I should be trying?  

[Paul_Tikkanen]

I'm very surprised the card didn't work and there isn't anything that I know of you can do to fix it.

You probably would have to mask one or more of the contact pins but which ones, I have no idea.

I can find YouTube videos for the Bluetooth not working but not for the Wi-Fi not working.

But this is what's interesting:

If you look at this eBay listing, this is a genuine HP card for sale with the L35282-001-part number on the white sticker.

But if you look at the Intel SPS # it is exactly the same as the card you bought-- L35282-005

HP Wlan Int. 22260NGW AX 2X2 + B Card Grade A L35282-001 | eBay

So, I can't imagine what the difference is unless it comes down to that 0C identifier after the SPS number.

[resistencia]

Hi @r43ey 

As Paol says, it is very strange, and the service manual also indicates that

Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 + Bluetooth 5 (non-vPro) L35282-002

and is sold as (see the link) see the wi-fi card number and see the number on the packaging

L35282-005

HP L35282-002 Intel Wi-Fi Wlan 22260NGW | eBay

I recommend you check the antennas, they are very weak and may be broken.

[r43ey]

I agree those antenna wires are something else, but I was very careful, and the fact that Bluetooth works (well) makes me think that is not the issue.  (And that the card doesn't even show up in device manager.)  I saw the same thing on many cards where they claim -001 or -002, but the pic shows -005.  I can't believe that is it...  I know both of you are very smart on this, so if you are stumped.  I might try just re-seating the card, and then maybe the tape thing.  But wanted to try anything else first so I didn't have to mess with those antennas again!

[resistencia]

Typically Intel Wi-Fi cards have the MAIN connector only for Internet (Wi-fi), and the AUX is Internet (wi-fi) + Bluetooth.

But you indicate that the card is not recognized in the Device Manager, very strangely it should not recognize the Bluetooth then, try downloading the drivers directly from Intel

Intel® Wireless Wi-Fi Drivers for Windows® 10 and Windows 11*

[Paul_Tikkanen]

I know what you mean about those thin and delicate antenna wires.

I broke two of the connectors off an Intel 7265 card when I wanted to upgrade it to the 9250.

So, I had to spend an hour using tweezers, pins and other small instruments to dig the broken terminals out of the antenna wire connectors.

I will never try to fool with another M.2 Wi-Fi card again.

It's a compatibility issue.

The card would show up in the device manager even if there were no antenna wires in the notebook.

It just wouldn't get any reception.

The 845 G8 uses the same part number as the G7, so you would have to move up to the G9 and experiment with the Realtek AX card and that I feel, would be a long shot.

Maintenance and Service Guide (hp.com)

[r43ey]

Before physically installing, I loaded the latest drivers from Intel, so don't think that is the problem.  I'm pretty sure the drivers were separate for BT and Wifi, so I suppose the BT worked and the Wifi didn't.  But I got the latest.  It is very odd that DM only sees the BT and not the Wifi.

I think I'm going to have to try pulling the card out and looking at.  I have an old HP Envy 15t.  I wonder if the card in that would work in this Elitebook?  (Just to make sure the socket / MOBO is OK?)  After that, I'm out of ideas and might have to give up.

Thanks for your help.

[r43ey]

Paul,

Thanks for your thoughts.  I wasn't sure when you said "It's a compatibility issue" if you were saying you think this card isn't compatible with my Elitebook?  I used to have this exact model before I retired.  I wish I had it to take a look at.  I wouldn't buy a new laptop just for this.  This whole "experiment" was just to gain a USB port, since I have no spares with my Logitech mouse and my TP wifi adapter.  I think I'm at the point where I need to try removing and re-installing and hope for a miracle.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome. 

What I meant by it's a compatibility issue is that the card should have been fully functional after you installed it, so there is something about that card that it isn't supported in your notebook.

The only thing I can think of is some very minor difference between the HP part numbers. 

If you want to gamble the money on that ebay card that shows the actual HP part number on the label, that would be the only other suggestion I can offer.

[resistencia]

Many times reinstalling the drivers before installing the card is not a good idea, and even more so when they are Intel drivers. They look for the hardware ID and if they don't find it they don't configure the card,

I also recommend that you activate hidden drivers in the Device Manager under "view" to see if the card wi-fi  is there.

Windows Software and Driver Installation Guide for Intel®...