Windows 7 laptop cannot connect to internet

[AzureSkii]

I recently reinstalled Windows 7 back onto this laptop, I had some trouble with it so did a fresh install I think I missing drivers now cause I cannot connect to the internet trying to do this wirelessly but I guess I need HELP !!!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

When the wifi adapter needs a driver, there will be a device listed in the device manager labeled as a Network Controller, and it will have a little ! mark next to it.

Find that device in the device manager and post the hardware ID for it, so I can figure out what driver it needs and post the link to it for you.

Use this guide for how to find the hardware ID for a device.

https://www.howtogeek.com/193798/how-to-find-drivers-for-unknown-devices-in-the-device-manager/

Since your model is a CTO (configured to order) model, HP could have installed one of several model wifi adapters, which is why I can't just give you the driver link without more info on your part.

[AzureSkii]

I don't know what I did but now it's asking me to do a System Restore man I don't remember it being this hard before when I had issues I either did a System Restore or shoot just bought another laptop but since times are tough Im trying to fix my baby. So I did a clean install of Windows 7 Home Premium and then went to HP.com/support for the drivers they said I needed for my notebook but it didn't work I don't see a wireless adapter or anything close all I see is Realtek PCIe FE Family Controller 😫frustrated 

[AzureSkii]

Okay this is what I see:

Other devices

Ethernet Controller (yellow mark)

PCI Device. (yellow mark)

[Paul_Tikkanen]

There is a problem of some kind with the wireless adapter.

Since there is not a Network Controller device showing up, one of 3 things is wrong.

1.  You need to install the HP connection manager software, restart the PC, and get the network controller device to show up using the connection manager software.

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp54501-55000/sp54630.exe

2.  The gold electrical contacts on the wifi adapter have become oxidized and the adapter needs to be removed and firmly reseated.   Try and leave the antenna wires connected to facilitate installing it easier.

Below is the link to the service manual, where you can find the wifi adapter removal and replacement procedure.

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c03138231

Unplug the PC and remove the battery before removing the wifi adapter.

3.  If the above two steps do not resolve the problem most likely the wifi adapter is dead and needs to be replaced by one with the exact same part number.  You can probably find one in used but tested and working condition on eBay.

Below are the links to the drivers you need for the ethernet controller (wired network adapter) and the PCI device (SD card reader).

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp52001-52500/sp52421.exe

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp52001-52500/sp52186.exe

[AzureSkii]

Thank you but I give up !!! Either I'm going to take it to a real professional IT expert or just go buy a new laptop I lost everything (personal files) that was on it anyway.

I cannot seem to get it back to its former glory it did connect to the internet before I got that dreaded BLUE SCREEN that's why I did the clean install of Windows 7. Before the blue screen I had Windows 10 but it wouldn't take that install I had to put Win 7 first then connect to internet then upgrade....thanks again

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

IMHO, you would be throwing good money after bad trying to get it fixed at a repair shop.

They're not gonna do it for less than $100.