Laptop WiFi issue

.Kencs · 12 Apr 2011 at 12:21

Packard Bell EasyNote TJ65
Windows Vista Home Premium
Pentium Dual-Core CPU T4300 @ 2.10GHz
4GB RAM
32-bit OS

Wireless card is not install. Checked Device Manager

Network Adapters
- Broadcom NetLink Gigabit Ethernet
Other devices
- SM Bus Controller (!)

There is no wifi adapter listed. Please help.
My mate took the laptop to a repair shop to replace the hard drive but has come back with this wifi issue.
I have tried to run through device managers but no wifi card found.
Wifi switch is also on.

any help?

ns400r · 12 Apr 2011 at 12:42

Take the cover off the base of the laptop and visually check if a wireless card is fitted! I don't know where that cover would be though, don't have one of those laptops.

Six6siX · 12 Apr 2011 at 12:43

Sounds like they've reinstalled Windows and not put the drivers back on correctly.

Download and install the appropriate drivers from here http://www.packardbell.co.uk/pb/en/GB/content/download

ns400r · 12 Apr 2011 at 12:46

Six6siX said:
Sounds like they've reinstalled Windows and not put the drivers back on correctly.

Download and install the appropriate drivers from here http://www.packardbell.co.uk/pb/en/GB/content/download

You'd expect to see a mention of a device with no drivers in the Device Manager though!

Six6siX · 12 Apr 2011 at 12:55

ns400r said:
You'd expect to see a mention of a device with no drivers in the Device Manager though!

Not always - some devices don't show up if prerequisites aren't installed. The SM Bus Controller is chipset related and when installed, could pop up "New Hardware Found" dialogs for attached hardware.

Could also be a BIOS setting!

OP: Also check there isn't a "soft" Wi-Fi key as well as a hard switch - I recall some Packard Bells have both which need to be on. (Again, hotkey button drivers may need to be installed)

Kerplunk · 12 Apr 2011 at 12:59

Scan for Hardware Changes ?

.Kencs · 12 Apr 2011 at 14:06

Kerplunk said:
Scan for Hardware Changes ?

Tried this but didnt detect the Wireless card.

Deleted member 77746 · 12 Apr 2011 at 14:15

Post a screenshot of your device manager please and post what model your laptop is.

The card does exist in the laptop doesn't it? It hasn't been taken out for any reason?

.Kencs · 12 Apr 2011 at 14:21

iDroid84 said:
Post a screenshot of your device manager please and post what model your laptop is.

The card does exist in the laptop doesn't it? It hasn't been taken out for any reason?

Check my first post, details are there. Not at my mates now so cannot get screenshot.

I have not opened the laptop up yet as I didnt have time before I had to leave his for work...

Deleted member 77746 · 12 Apr 2011 at 18:55

.Kencs said:
Check my first post, details are there. Not at my mates now so cannot get screenshot.

I have not opened the laptop up yet as I didnt have time before I had to leave his for work...

Then as stated you will require the SMBUS controller installed possibly before it will show up as a device. Depends on the hardware internals, unless the card has been taken out.

Pestilence · 13 Apr 2011 at 12:33

Best have a look physically before running around after software, etc.