Solved: No wireless nic found in compaq presario 2100 laptop

[JoeyG]

I just finished a re-install of XP on a Compaq Presario 2100 Laptop, Now I have no wireless access capabilities what so ever.. I don't even see a switch to turn the antenna on.. And there is no wireless card to enable via the GUI in network connections. The LAN card works fine. And They said it did have wireless access before I did the re-install. I have a feeling I am making a simple mistake, Such as turning the antenna on, via a control / F? button, However I do not see any antenna logo's, switches or lights of any kind.. As always appreciate your input..

 

[Triple6]

Have you installed the wireless drivers? Check Device Manager for missing drivers.

You can get the drivers for all the hardware to reinstall after an O/S reinstall from the Compaq site.

 

[JoeyG]

Oh I saved the drivers and thought I reinstalled them all, When Looked at the device manager there were no question marks.. However there is no Wireless Nic present either, It's like it doesn't exist, I will check their site, Maybe it's an executable.. THANKS, I'll let you know how it goes..

 

[Triple6]

No wireless switch on the front right hand corner? Or the FN key plus one of the F# keys? Is the wireless still enabled in the BIOS?

 

[JoeyG]

There is no physical switch on the front right hand corner, Though I see A Lite (Not lit of course), and there is no F button with any antenna like ogo's on it. Also There doesn't seem to be any Wireless choices in any of the BIOS choices. I downloaded two "Network Drivers' from Compaq and still no luck.. Do you think the card is smoked? I' m stuck ..Thanks For your help thus far..

 

[Triple6]

And the wireless worked before reformatting? Is it an internal card yo have or a external USB or PCMCIA card for wireless?

 

[flavallee]

Joey:

What's the exact model number of that Compaq Presario 2100 series laptop? If you don't know for sure, advise what the product/part number on the sticker is.

You said there's no wireless adapter listing in the Network Adapters heading in the Device Manager. Is there an Other Devices heading, and does it have any listing in it?

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[JoeyG]

The exact model is Compaq Presario 2100 Laptop. There was not any external USB adapters or PCMCIA cards. I am On the road right now but when I get back I will be sure to check "Other Devices" in the Device manager. I did not see any question marks, but I did not open Other devices to see if they have any questions or objects.. THANKS Fellas'

 

[Triple6]

Thats usually just the series, the exact model is generally something like Presario 2135us, and found on a sticker on the bottom, see here: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...ct=212728&dest_page=product&docname=c00033108

Here is what you get if you try to look for just Compaq Presario 2100(over 300 results and none displayed): http://h20180.www2.hp.com/apps/Look...y=compaq+presario+2100&submit.x=11&submit.y=2

 

[flavallee]

Joey:

Look for a number on the sticker which looks something like DB954A#ABA. This will confirm the exact model number of that laptop. The HP/Compaq site has 2100US and 2100CA and 2100LA listed for model numbers. There is no 2100. If you look at this list, you'll see what I'm talking about. The 3 models that I checked show no built-in wireless adapter.

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[JoeyG]

Gotcha.. OK will check everything out, and get exact number as soon as I get back.. That makes sense that it doesn't.. Cause I could find no signs of it.. But I will check the # and get back to you guys.. Thanks Again..

 

[JoeyG]

Sorry it took so long to get back to ya's.. It is a 2135US, My mistake. There are no missing driver's.. I think it never had a wireless NIC, just like you said. There is a sticker on here that says "link to wireless networks", However I think that must have been from a previous USB wireless adapter, and that's where their confusion of them thinking this had on-board wireless capabilities. I will simply get a USB wireless adapter and install it. THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR HELP FELLAS' IT'S GREATLY APPRECIATED AS ALWAYS..

 

[flavallee]

Here are the hardware specs for the Compaq Presario 2135US laptop. That pretty much confirms it has no built-in wireless adapter.

Unless you have your own personal choice, I recommend this wireless adapter.


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[JoeyG]

That's what I'm using.. GOOD STUFF!!!!

 

[flavallee]