HP MINI 311 Windows 7 Wireless Issue

Fishy · #1 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 10:05 AM

Hey ya'll. Just got my mini 311 today and installed Win 7 32-Bit RC. I've installed everything on HP's support page for the mini, but nothing seems to fix the wireless adapter. I got it configured (so I assume it's the CTO model) with the Wireless-N adapter. I also have the windows.old folder from the XP pre-install, so I'm hoping the driver for the adapter there would work in Win 7. But I don't know which driver it is. >.< Anyone know this info or a way to fix this?

ThisIsNot · #2 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 02:50 PM

The Windows XP driver probably won't work. You need to double check and see which wireless adapter you have in your netbook before we move on. It would be pointless to download certain drivers that don't match your wi-fi card.

Just make sure that you download the drivers for Windows Vista, those will work inside of Windows 7. I looked on HP's website and they aren't offering Windows 7 drivers for the wi-fi adapter that is inside of the Mini 311, they aren't even offering drivers for Windows XP for the wi-fi adapter.

Is it a Broadcom adapter? Look at your order sheet to obtain what adapter it is. Broadcom might be offering drivers on their website. You can try installing the Windows XP drivers but, from my experience, Windows XP drivers don't always work with Windows 7 and/or you can have bad experiences later down the line.

You can also try downloading the Vista drivers for the Broadcom wi-fi adapter for the Mini 110XP. Then again, that is 802.11b/g only. That is why you need to make sure which wi-fi adapter you have in your system.

Post it here and I would be glad to help you find Windows 7 drivers that will work.

wafin · #3 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 01:57 PM

Cool you have a new HP mini 311.

Please post some observations whenever you get a moment. Can't wait to see how well the ion chip works out for you.

I've just gotten back into the pc gaming and would love to play some guild wars on this little guy but still waiting to see what other options may come up after windows 7 is officially out.

Very exciting news!

robroy90 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 12:31 PM

Fishy: I am in the same boat as you are, and I have the added headache of no WWAN drivers for my 3G card either. I rattled HP this morning, and after some arguing back and forth about the removal of XP voiding the warranty, this is what I got. Why they have some Windows 7 drivers but not all makes no sense. But, I will believe this when I see it:

Hello Rob,

Thank you for contacting HP Total Care.

Yes, once the full version of the Windows 7 will be launched, HP will provide the drivers.

If you need any further assistance then please get back to us

Thank you
For information on keeping your HP and Compaq products up and running, please visit our Web site
at:
HP Total Care

Sincerely,

Vinit

HP Total Care

robroy90 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 12:34 PM

By the way, there are no Vista drivers posted for this model, Period. I also tried the XP drivers I could find for WWAN and they crashed out, so it is just a waiting game at this point... I would gladly use some other WiFi and WWAN drivers known to be compatible, they don't need the HP branding to make me happy.

ThisIsNot · #6 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 02:21 PM

Well, that sucks. HP released a Windows 7 driver for the Broadcom Crystal HD accelerator in my netbook. I can now run an older version of ArcSoft TotalMedia Theatre without having it crash (I was using older Vista drivers provided by HP and they would constantly hang in Windows 7).

I installed Windows 7 Ultimate, Signature edition on my netbook last night and things went smoothly. It even came with drivers to work with my Broadcom 802.11 b/g wi-fi card without issues. I am surprised that Microsoft isn't working to get Windows 7 compatible with 802.11 b/g/n cards.

rittchard · #7 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 03:34 PM

Same story here - I got the Wireless N adapter and it simply won't work, the button stays orange, and I can't find anything in BIOS.

Here's what I got from HP:

First they tell me I don't have enough resources to run Win 7, so I should run XP. I reply that I've upgraded my RAM, and so they reply they "have no expertise in Windows 7." What a joke lol. A top of the line netbook that cannot support the critical function of wireless connectivity?

Yes I realize Windows 7 isn't officially released yet, but someone really dropped the ball on this one. I can't even get them to tell me who the manufacturer of the Wireless N card is.

ThisIsNot · #8 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 09:23 PM

I believe that it is made by Broadcom. You may want to conduct a Google search for "Broadcom 802.11n Windows 7 driver." HP definitely isn't the only one who uses Broadcom's 802.11n wi-fi adapter so someone might have found working drivers.

HP was the same way regarding the Mini 110XP but they eventually released pretty much everything for Windows Vista on their website. They are slowly starting to trickle out with Windows 7 drivers.

deadiefreddy · #9 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 12:52 AM

I also installed windows 7, and after trying to find online what type of wireless my hp mini 311 came with i popped the cover off the base that covers the HD and ram slot, and on the reverse side of the cover was printed
"broadcom bcm943224hms" this is the 'n' draft wireless. searching the internet, then inevitably HP.. i stumbled across "sp44825.exe" which woke my wireless card right up. no issues yet, works as intended, i believe the driver pack was for vista..

raghavghei · #10 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 02:58 AM

thanks was looking for driver 4 eva

here is a link for people who are looking for
windows 7 wireless n drivers
ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp44501-45000/sp44825.exe