HP Pavilion m7-1015dx, wlan card replacement

[wmorillo]

I want to replace my wireless network card (Ralink RT5390R) for one that supports 2.4 & 5 Ghz frecuency networks, with up to 450 Mbps bandwidth. Which (brand, model) do you suggest that's compatible with my laptop?

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

Upgrading a wireless card in an HP notebook is nothing short of a nightmare.

Below is the link to the service manual for your notebook (dv7 = m7).

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c03221579.pdf

As you can see from the list of supported wireless adapters (Chapter 3, page 27), the one in your notebook is not even listed as supported.

The only supported wireless card that meets your request is the Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6230 WLAN module with HP Part # 670691-001.  But the part number is wrong. That is the part number for the Ralink card you currently have when you check the HP part store.

You can only purchase a wireless card listed in the service manual and it must have the HP part number on it or it will not work.

So, I would have to say that there are no wireless cards that are compatible with your notebook that meet your upgrade request.

Paul

[DOTCHIEF]

My Ralink 5390 is not connecting to ANY Wi-fi. Downloaded updated drivers and two hours with HP Tech. Nothing. The networks are listed but I can't connect. BTW - the ethernet connection works just fine.

Pat

[AxshunJaxun]

Hey DOTCHIEF, 

Are you receiving an error message? Have you double checked the network passwords?

Which product number do you have? Here are the steps to find your product number.

What is your wireless card manufacturer and wireless driver version? Here are the steps to find your wireless manufacturer and driver version.

On Windows 8, Press Windows Key + Q to bring up the Search Bar > Type "device" > Click Settings under the Search Bar > Click Device Manager in the results on the left > Expand the Network adapters section > There will be 3 or 4 items listed under Network adapters - you're looking for the line that says "WiFi" > Copy and paste or take a screenshot of that line and put it in your reply.

On Windows 7, Click the Start Button > Type "device" in the Search Bar at the bottom >  > Click Device Manager > Expand the Network adapters section > There will be 3 or 4 items listed under Network adapters - you're looking for the line that says "WiFi" > Copy and paste or take a screenshot of that line and put it in your reply.

To find the version number, double-click on the "WiFi" line listed under Network Adapters. Then click on the driver tab and make note of the driver version number. 

Please let me know if you have any questions. I know your post was about a month ago but I'll keep an eye out for your reply!

[DOTCHIEF]

The computer is running Windows 7.  The computer "sees" the Wi-Fi networks.  However, each time I attempt to connect to ANY Wi-Fi, I get an error message.  Even in unsecured networks.

The WLAN Module is:  Ralink RT5390R 802.11 b/g/n 1X1 Wi-Fi Adapter.  The driver version is:  5.0.9.0

I have eliminated my home network as the culprit because my wife can connect to the Wi-Fi from her Kindle.  The replacement module should be arriving tomorrow via USPS.

I'm hoping that this is the solution.

[AxshunJaxun]

Hey DOTCHIEF,

It would be really helpful to know exactly what error message you're seeing, especially if it's the same message every time. The error message can be very informative in most cases. What does it say?

Also it would be helpful to know which product number you have, if you don't have the same one as the thread title (HP Pavilion m7-1015dx).

I think you're right. The network may not be the culprit. However, there are settings on some routers that may prevent a Windows 8 computer from connecting. The new module may resolve the issue. If it doesn't, please let me know. I would like to help you get to the bottom of it. 

Thanks

[DOTCHIEF]

Axshun:

The product number is:  B4170AR#ABA  Model:  M7-1015DX.

I changed the WLAN card and restarted the computer after the installation.  I attempted to connect to my network.  What was odd this time was, the computer initiated the connection to my network.  It appeared to be working - then BAM!  The same error message which is:

Windows was unable to connect to 04Z409066XXX on the top line.  (the "xxx" are the last three numbers to my network.)

Trobleshoot problem is the next field

Tell me more about Internet connection problems.

This is the same message each and every time!  After what I experienced with HP support, I really do not want to talk to them again - ever!  I may just box the **bleep** thing up and send it back to HP.  I never owned an HP before and this may very well be the last one.

 I took a screen shot of the message.  However, I can't insert a photo in this format.  I want you to know that I REALLY appreciate your time on this aggravating issue. 

[AxshunJaxun]

Thanks for getting back to me on that 🙂

I want you to try the earlier driver version Ralink 5.0.5.0 and check what your current BIOS version is.

To find the current BIOS version, follow the steps below:

1. Windows 8 : From the Start screen, type msinfo32 . Click msinfo32 from the list of results.
2. In the System Information window under the System Summary category, look for the BIOS Version/Date entry. This is your current BIOS version.

Figure 1: BIOS Version/Date

3. Write down the BIOS version and post it in your reply. 

To share screenshots with me, try right clicking on the saved picture you want to send and clicking Copy. Then in your reply right click and click Paste. That should Copy and Paste the screenshot into your reply; not a necessity but it helps 🙂

Once you know what your BIOS is currently, see this link to get F.24. It came out in early February so it may or may not already be on your computer. 

Let me know what the results are with these steps 🙂 

[DOTCHIEF]

Here's the BIOS Version:

Insyde F,OA, 5/2/2012

I downloaded the February driver onto a stick drive as I am working on this computer and trying to get the other computer working.

I just read something about the Ralink module in my computer.  The post stated that this module doesn't support 5 GHZ systems????

[AxshunJaxun]

Ok good to know! F.0A is several versions earlier than F.24. Download and install F.24 from here. 

During the installation, your notebook will restart on its own. When it comes back on, you may see a 'BIOS updated/flashed' notification and/or you may have to click Apply to let it complete. 

Once the desktop has loaded, go ahead and try connecting wirelessly and let me know what happens.