WiFi works, but it won't detect the network I want.

[JaceMalcom]

I have been tasked with fixing my dad's old HP envy. According to it's BIOS date, it's from 2014, and still works fine, save for 1 issue, it won't connect to his WiFi. He recently moved, and everything he has works fine with it, his Chromecast, phone, iPad, ect, but the envy won't detect the network. I know it's not the WiFi card, since it picks up every other network in the area, except his. I can plug the Ethernet cable in and the internet will work, but with how he's got everything set up, having it plugged in is a bit of a pain so he'd like something else long term.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

The notebook probably has a single band (2.4 GHz only) Wi-Fi card and perhaps the network you are looking for is on the 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi band.

Make sure the router is broadcasting on both the 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi bands.

[ub6424]

Sorry to hear that you are having problems ...

My guess

Connect to:

- WEP networks is possible.

- WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK networks is not possible.

(1) To help you I need to know the product number (p/n) of your notebook !

The product number (p/n) is legally allowed information about your computer. This is not sensitive data.

It is allowed to post in public.

You will find this information on the rear of your notebook printed in small alphanumeric letters.

or

See section <Look on the product>

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c00033108

(2) Open windows device manager and double click on the installed wireless device.

Send me screenshots of all tabs.

(3) Which Windows 7 version are you using?

- Click the Start Orb 

- Type winver into the Start Menu search box

- Press Enter or Click the Program link.

(4) What wireless router are you using ? Manufacturer and model ?

[ub6424]

Hello @Paul_Tikkanen 

Sorry, first I saw that no one has replied. Then I wrote only once and now I see that you replied in between. . The old hand Paul was faster again ... 😊

We usually complement each other, but I didn't want to disturb the conversation or may I help ?

[JaceMalcom]

It's a spectrum router, and it looks like both the 2.4 and 5 are working.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

What model wifi adapter does your notebook have?

If you don't know, go to the device manager, click to expand the Network Adapters device manager category and there you will find the name and model number of the wireless network adapter.

[JaceMalcom]

The model is E1P05AV. It's running windows 7 home premium edition. Attached is a photo of the network drivers.

 

[JaceMalcom]

Here are the network drivers.

[ub6424 · Accepted solution]

Hello @Paul_Tikkanen 

I found the latest RTL8188EE driver for windows 7 on microsoft catalog update site:

Realtek Semiconductor Corp. - WLAN - Realtek RTL8188EE 802.11 bgn Wi-Fi Adapter

Version: 2023.42.831.2016

20934993_a3e6b0e9ab910cb74d2cbceef578b7b1d2646396.cab

@JaceMalcom could try to unzip the cab files using windows explorer or 7-zip and update the wireless driver in windows device manager for the device <Realtek RTL8188EE 802.11bgn Wi-Fi Adapter>

Here you can read and see how to update the driver locally with a driver package that contains an INF file:

https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-update-drivers-in-windows-2619214

What do you mean @Paul_Tikkanen  ?

Let's give it a try ...

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, @JaceMalcom 

The RTL8188EE is a single band, non-Bluetooth wifi adapter, which means you can only connect to a 2.4 GHz wifi network.

That model wifi adapter is fully supported for all types of wireless security.

The latest Windows 7 driver for that model wifi adapter is this one...

2023.79.419.2019    04/22/2019

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp96501-97000/sp96873.exe