Won't connect unless next to router. Help!

[Skeeber78]

Basically my laptop will connect to the Internet but only if I'm literally sitting next to the router.

This isn't something that's changed, it's been like this from day one.

Before anyone says I should of taken it back, I didn't actually buy it. My mother inlaw bought it a while ago, had this issue and decided to just use it for photos etc and not try using the net.

Now it's been given to me and although it detects the internet, it only does so when your on top of the router.

All other phones, tablets, old laptop etc work fine all round the house except this one. Anyone help me? 

Please be aware that I'm not very technical minded. I use a computer but I don't really understand them or know my way around them.

I am prepared to give anything a go if it's explained as I can't afford another laptop and this one is like brand new.

Many thanks

[A4Apollo]

Hi! @Skeeber78, Welcome to HP forums.

I understand you have wireless issues with your laptop.

Don't worry I'm here to help you out.

Did you make any software or hardware changes on your PC?

As you mentioned you have issues connecting the laptop wirelessly to the router. 

Are the wireless drivers listed in device manager?

If yes try the steps recommended below.

Manually change network settings

Manually changing the network settings can resolve wireless connection issues. Create a restore point in Windows, and then manually change the network settings.
Using the search box on the taskbar, search for and open Create a restore point.
The System Properties window displays.
Click Create.
Type a name for the restore point, and then click Create.
Windows creates the restore point.
Using the search box on the taskbar, search for Command Prompt. In the results list, right-click Command Prompt, and then click Run as administrator.
If a User Account Control screen displays asking if you want to allow the app to make changes to your computer, click Yes.

Type the following commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each one.
netsh int tcp set heuristics disabled
netsh int tcp set global autotuninglevel=disabled
netsh int tcp set global rss=enabled
To open the TCP Global Settings, type netsh int tcp show global in Command Prompt and then press Enter.
Make sure all settings are disabled except Receive-Side Scaling State.
Close Command Prompt, reboot the system and then try to connect to the Internet.

Also, try uninstalling the wireless drivers from device manager and install the latest drivers using HP support assistant.

Note: Before uninstalling the wireless drivers make sure you connect the ethernet cable to your PC and then uninstall the drivers.

Refer this article to know more information about using HP support assistant.

If the issue still persists try reseating the wireless card on your PC and check if it helps.

Also, if you have issues after installing the drivers from HP support assistant. 

You can install the wireless drivers using HP recovery manager.

Refer this article to know how to restore drivers using HP recovery manager.

If the solution provided worked for you, please mark accepted solution for this post.

Let me know if this works!

Have a great day! 🙂

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

[CF4]

Hi

Some of the above may help.

The range problem could be a disconnected aerial inside the device, it could be the wrong driver. 

Using a command prompt and typing getmac will show that there is a WiFi device, adding the ones below will help to diagnose the area of concern.  So if you could post any results, that do not contain personal details that would be appreciated.

getmac

netsh wlan show interfaces

netsh wlan show drivers

msinfo32

If you could re-specify the Make and Model, along with the Operating System that would be good.