Wifi signals very low

[Mus89p]

Hi,

My laptop has suddenly started having really unreliable wifi signals. To the point where it can go from 3 bars to 1 bar within seconds while being in the same place and sometimes the connection even gets completely dropped.
I have been using the laptop in the same place for quiet a while now and sitting in a room which is directly under the router i would easily get full bars till last week.
All other devices in the same place are working just fine so i dont think the router is at fault.

Also this laptop is 3 years old so i no longer have a warranty.

Any help would be really appreciated.
Thankyou

[CF4]

Hi

I use inSSIDer to see if there is a problem with nearby signals swamping me.

[Mus89p]

Thanks for the reply,
I assumed if that was the problem I would experience problems with other devices but my phone and all other devices are getting full connectivity in the same place.

[CF4]

Hi

Well we gotta start somewhere.  So if we assume it is isolated to the 1 device, then...

Hardware loose or aerial broken?  The aerial would pass thru the hinge area so could vary with flexing.

Any recent updates to vary the status quo? No energy saving modes?

If there are no known changes, then perhaps the only change is ageing hardware.

[Mus89p]

Hi
No, i havent made any recent updates.
And i opened the back panel and from what i could tell the wires seemed fine, but as you said the ariels are in the hinges and i did not open that part as it was too close to the screen and i didnt wanna risk doing more damage.

You are probably right about the ageing hardware part too cause this laptop is just over 3 years old.

Guess i will take it to a repair shop and see what they find.

Thank you very much for your help

[CF4]

Hi

If you have the time (you certainly seem capable) ....

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c03935332

Page 37 shows the scope of the work, so you have an idea as to the cost/time involved.

Before removing the WLAN module, follow these steps:

1. Shut down the computer. If you are unsure whether the computer is off or in Hibernation, turnthe computer on, and then shut it down through the operating system.

2. Disconnect all external devices connected to the computer.

3. Disconnect the power from the computer by first unplugging the power cord from the AC outlet

and then unplugging the AC adapter from the computer.

4. Remove the service cover (see Service cover on page30 ).

5  Disconnect the battery cable (see Batteryon page 32).

Remove the WLAN module:

Disconnect the #1 and #2 WLAN antenna cables from the WLAN module(1).

The #1 WLAN antenna white cable is connected to the WLAN module #1 main

terminal. The #2 WLAN antenna black cable is connected to the WLAN module #2 auxiliaryterminal.

Remove the 2 PM 2.0×3.0 screws (2) that secure the WLAN module to the computer. (The WLAN

module tilts up.) Component replacement procedures

Remove the WLAN module by pulling the module away from the slot at an angle 

If in doubt please ask.

[Mus89p]

Hi

They dont guide us on how to remove the anteenas, so would i just keep them in for now and just replace the WLAN module? 

Thankyou

[CF4]

Hi

The antenna's are about as accessible as a Martian's, you need to open the screen area because they are taped to the casing or similar behind the screen.

[Mus89p · Accepted solution]

HI, 

I found a solution while doing some research today.

It involved inverting the black and white wires on the wifi card.

As happy as i am about this I cant help but wonder the reason behind this.

From what i understand i basically just switched between the main and the supllementary antennas, but shouldn't my device already have been able to do this via a software switch or something without me having to physically open it up?

I might just be overthinking this but could this point to some other problem with my device that needs to be fixed?

Also I wanna thank you again for taking out time to help me with this. 🙂