my network adapter just disappeared

[salguodlevan]

cannot find a driver for something that dosent even show exists, when it is there. must i get out my screwdrivers

[Echo_Lake]

@salguodlevan

Welcome to HP Forums,

This is a great place to get support, find answers and tips,

Thank you for posting your query, I'll be more than glad to help you out

As I understand, Wi-Fi driver is missing on your computer, 

Don't worry as I'll be glad to help, however, to provide an accurate resolution, I need a few more details:

• Have you attempted any steps on your own before posting on the HP Forums?
• When was the last time it worked without these issues?
• Were there any hardware/software changes made to the computer?
• Are you able to connect other devices to the Wi-Fi?

Let's try these steps to fix the issue:

Use the Network and Internet Troubleshooter (Windows 7)

The Network and Internet Troubleshooter tests the network for problems and attempts automatic repairs for any issues found. Use this Windows tool to test and repair the connection.

1. Right-click the wireless connection icon in the notification area, then select Troubleshoot problems. The Windows Network Diagnostic window opens and the troubleshooting process begins.

Restart the PC

1. Restart the computer with the wireless issue.

2. After the computer has restarted, try connecting to the Internet again.

Uninstall and reinstall the network adapter through Device Manager

Use the Windows Device Manager to uninstall the wireless adapter and then install the latest driver.

Video of Reinstalling the wireless network adapter through Device Manager

• If you are using an external USB wireless network adapter or cellular broadband device, unplug it, restart your computer, then plug it into a different USB port after Windows opens.

• In Windows, search for and open Device Manager.

• Double-click Network adapters.

• Right-click the name of your wireless network adapter, then select Uninstall.

NOTE: If the name of the network adapter is missing from the network adapters category, the network adapter hardware is not connected or the device driver cannot Plug and Play. If this happens, shut down the computer and check the hardware connection to your wireless adapter hardware.

• When the Confirm Device Uninstall screen is displayed, click OK and wait for the device to be uninstalled.

 Do not select “Delete the driver software for this device”

• At the top of the Device Manager window, click Action, then select Scan for hardware changes.

• The computer reinstalls the wireless network, and the wireless network adapter name is shown in the Network adapters category.

• After the network adapter name shows in Device Manager, close Device Manager and restart the computer.

• Try connecting to the Internet again

Reinstall the network adapter using HP Recovery Manager (Windows 7)

Reinstall original software or drivers using the HP Recovery Manager. If your PC does not locate the Recovery Manager installed, click the ‘next step’ button below.

• If you are using an external USB wireless network adapter, unplug it, restart your computer, and then plug it into a different USB port.

• In Windows, search for and open HP Recovery Manager. If prompted by User Account Control message to allow the program to open, click Yes.

NOTE: If you cannot find HP Recovery Manager on your computer, use Device Manager to reinstall the device driver.

• In the Recovery Manager screen, click Hardware Driver Reinstallation.
• Scroll through the list of drivers, select the name of your wireless adapter, click Next, and then follow the prompts to reinstall the driver.
• Close all open applications, restart your computer, then try connecting to the Internet again.

Set BIOS default and restart

To restore BIOS settings for HP notebook computers, use the following steps.

Video of Restoring the BIOS settings

1. Restart your notebook.

2. During startup, press F10 repeatedly until the BIOS menu is displayed.

3. Once the BIOS menu is displayed, press F9 to restore factory defaults.

4. Select Yes to confirm.

5. Press F10 to save changes and exit.

6. Select Yes to confirm.

7. The computer restarts using the default settings.

After your computer has restarted once in Windows test your wireless connectivity. Try connecting to the Internet again. 

Keep me posted for further assistance, 

If I have helped you resolve the issue, feel free to give me a virtual high-five by clicking the 'Thumbs Up' icon below,

Followed by clicking on "Accept as solution" from the drop-down menu on the upper right corner,

Thank you for posting in the HP Support Forum.  Have a great day!