"Can't Connect to this network" Error

[Sorafanchick7]

I am having a tough time getting my laptop to connect to the internet. All the other devices in my home (which are not HPs) have working internet. I already called my internet service provider and it's working fine on their end. My modem is working fine. The only way I'm able to talk to anyone here is through another laptop.

Every time I try to connect to the internet, it says "can't connect to this network". I tried all of the other troubleshooting methods I can find on this website. I tried restarting the computer, uninstalling the adapter (as it appeared to be) under Network Adapters, troubleshooting issues which comes up blank, pressing "forget" and trying to get back in, and even "toggle with the airplane mode". What else should I do? Now, it's not even accepting the network key at all.

Unfortunately, my laptop is now considered "old", so some methods don't apply or help. I still need to use it and would like to know how I can get this thing to connect to my network. 

I tried everything on this page outside of HP: https://helpdeskgeek.com/networking/fix-windows-is-unable-to-connect-to-the-selected-network/

This seems to be a recurring problem for people with HP laptops, but every solution is unique to the individuals and don't seem to work for everybody.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

Note that the model Wi-Fi adapter your notebook has only works on the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band.

If you are trying to connect to a 5.0 GHz network, that model Wi-Fi adapter can't connect to it.

It is possible the wireless card has a hardware issue of some kind.

This is the latest Wi-Fi driver for the Realtek RTL8188EE Wi-Fi adapter the parts list indicates your notebook comes with.

2024.0.4.208   05/26/2019

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp136501-137000/sp136987.exe 

Download the driver from another PC, copy it to a USB flash drive, plug the flash drive into your notebook and run driver installation from there.

If that fails to get the Wi-Fi card to work, there are 3 options I can think of...

It might be an operating system issue.

1. Make a bootable USB recovery drive with the cloud recovery tool that will reinstall W10, the drivers and the software that originally came with your notebook.

Here is an info link for how to use that utility.  You will need a 32 GB USB flash drive for this.

HP Consumer PCs - Using the HP Cloud Recovery Tool in Windows 11 and 10 | HP® Customer Support

Back up any files you need to save onto a portable hard drive because this will erase all data on the hard drive.

2. Purchase a dual band USB Wi-Fi adapter and use that to connect to the internet.

This model is both dual band and has Bluetooth...and it is relatively small.

Amazon.com: USB WiFi Bluetooth Adapter, 600Mbps Dual Band 2.4/5Ghz Wireless Network External Receive...

3. Replace the RTL8188EE internal wifi card with this dual band AC/Bluetooth adapter...

Realtek RTL8821CE 802.11 ac 1x1 Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 4.2 Combo Adapter (MU-MIMO supported) HP part # L17365-005.

The card has a maximum throughput of 433 MBPS on the 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi band with an AC router and an excellent signal.

You can find this model on eBay, or Ali Express. 

I see some Intel 3165 cards listed on the eBay listings, so don't buy those.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=L17365-005&_sacat=0&_sop=15

RTL8821CE - Buy RTL8821CE with free shipping on AliExpress

On the Ali Express listings, make sure the card has the HP Part # of 915620-001.

Below is the link to the service manual, where you can find the Wi-Fi card removal and replacement procedure.

HP Notebook PC (Intel) * Models: 15-ay000 – 15-ay099 * Models: 15-ay100 – 15-ay199HP 250 G5 Notebook...

You can use the same wifi driver file I posted but it will install a newer driver for that model wifi adapter.

[Ruth-7273]

Before I found out what my problem was...  I did have temporary success with a "hard power cycle" which brought back my wifi for a day or so, but then it would drop out.  So a hard power cycle is to have the laptop unplugged from a power source, and turned off.  Then hold the power button down for 60 full seconds.  Let go and then try to turn on as norma.   I was having a "known problem" with my Pavillion laptop.  I just had to go to HP downloads, Driver-Network, and had to download the Mediatek wireless LAN driver (Jan 27, 2022 update)  because my Wifi kept dropping out.  Not sure if this had anything to do with your problem.