HP Pavilion laptop systems are sometime prone to wireless problems. They are most common with the DV Series which have so far been the ones with many reported cases. One of the contributory factors inimical to this problem usually comes from the failing wireless card, often known as WLAN mini-pci card.
When the first installation of the network adapter driver for the wireless works and suddenly it disappears giving sign of missing driver may be revealing just that. The reason why it appears to behave that way is likely due to hardware failure or other factors like malicious software attack, restore to point of no wireless network,etc. Repeated installation seems to fail in restoring back the wireless Network connection and the icon on system tray is missing even after it has been installed several times with the right ones.
To troubleshoot this problem requires different processes and approach which have to do with knowing where it is emanating from. To start off with, for those going through this wireless failure, there are evidences it might actually need a replacement of the hardware part, most especially, in few dire situations. If you've just upgraded or downgraded the operating system doesn't actually matter in this case but getting the right information on where the problem is coming from to find appropriate solution.
Image of WLAN card
Nevertheless, if you are experiencing a wireless problem of continual installation of the network adapter driver that works at the first installation and disappears upon restart of the system or while trying to connect to another wireless network the following steps below will help you to forestall the problem at minimum time.
Step 1: Download the recommended Network drivers from HP official website for the particular system.
Image of a working and connected Wireless Network Adapter.
Step 2: Make sure the Ethernet driver is download and installed along side the wireless adapter driver.
Image of Windows Update at the Control Panel
Step 3: Allow a Windows Update through Ethernet connection to install the right wireless driver(usually for those who upgraded operating system without right drivers from the official maker site ). It is usually 'Broadcom 802.11g Multiband Network Adapter driver'.
Step 4: If it's an old system scan it for malicious software and remove any one found. On how to remove malicious software from your system visit this LINK
Image of WLAN compartment or bay.
Step 5: If it disappeared after restart of the system it means the WLAN card perhaps has developing a fault. Open the Wifi compartment and check if the antenna cables are properly in place.
Image displaying three WLAN cables.
Step 6: Make sure to place the white cable on the number 1 pin and the black on the second and the last cable on the last pin. The number are usually written on the body of each cable. Close the WLAN compartment and start the system.
Image of missing or non-connect wireless network.
Step 7: If the Wireless Icon for the wireless appears non-connect at the system tray check the Device Management for missing driver. Right-click on 'My Computer' and select 'Manage'. Click 'Device Manager' and double-click on 'Network Adapters'.
Image of Device Management with missing Wireless Network Adapter.
Step 8: Look for 'Wireless Network Adapter'. If it is missing then there is problem with the WLAN card.
Image of a USB Wireless Adapter.
Step 9: Either get a new WLAN mini-pci card or get a USB wireless adapter(you can get the micro USB wireless adapter at cheaper price) .
