Module wireless not connected
Module wireless not connected
Hey, I'm having trouble connecting my HP Victus 16 (4H2B4EA#ABU) to any Wi-Fi network. It was returned for a warranty claim and now it seems the screen issue is fixed, but the wireless feature isn't working. I reinstalled Windows from scratch to check for driver problems, ran some BIOS tests which indicated the wireless module wasn't installed, and found the Wi-Fi card physically present with a cable connected. Also, the QA list mentioned the connectivity was tested and functioning properly. My thought is the Wi-Fi card might not be working correctly. If you can help narrow it down on the software side, I'd appreciate it. Thanks! EDIT 1: Bluetooth also isn't available. Updated Nov 12, 2023 by m16ali
I understand your point, except HP chose a design where the Wi-Fi card is placed beneath one of the head pipes, making it very secure. Also, this means if I need to swap it out, I’d have to take off the heatsink and reapply thermal paste, so I’d prefer to skip that step whenever possible.
A few laptop makers offer Wi-Fi antenna boosts built into the side panels of their screens. It’s possible they didn’t reattach or damaged the connections during installation. This information could be outdated, as I haven’t worked with laptop Wi-Fi antennas in roughly a decade.
Consider reaching out to HP to report the repair issue and insist they resolve it. I’ve never worked with HP for returns, but other companies have required me to pay shipping costs, which could be costly and uncertain. Alternatively, you could replace the heatsink assembly by removing and reinserting the card. Another option is to purchase a USB WiFi adapter, or switch to Ethernet if needed.
Antennas remain installed on most laptop displays. Even if a cable or antenna fails, the adapter remains functional and detectable in Windows, though performance may decrease. If your laptop is still under warranty and you're okay with a short period without it, return it to HP for repair. Avoid causing damage that excludes warranty coverage. It seems HP might have made an error, so they should handle it free of charge. Alternatively, as suggested by @Donut417, consider using USB or Ethernet connections instead of relying on HP support.
@Donut417 highlighted that software can't resolve hardware problems, which is accurate. Even if the warranty center conducted tests, the WiFi card failed immediately after installation, placing the responsibility on them to address the issue, possibly due to shipping conditions. You might attempt re-seating the card, though it could be challenging given the laptop's build, or reach out to the service provider to inquire about the cause of the failure.