HP Pavillion dv9009us Broadcom 802.11 problems

HP Pavillion dv9009us
Windows XP Media Center 2005
1 GB Ram
100 GB HD
Freshly installed OS (from created backup disks)

Hi, I've got a problem with my HP Pavillion dv9009us laptop's wireless card, or drivers... or something? It had worked fine for about a year now, but all of the sudden, after a reboot, the wireless device is not recognized by the PC.

I made sure that the switch is turned in the on position (so it should turn blue), however it keeps an orange glow in both on and off positions.

I tried uninstalling and reinstalling the device once and had success, but after another reboot, the device disappeared completely (even in regular safe mode.. also tried in safe mode w/ networking). After that, and several reboots at various times of the day (because that makes a huge difference - internet sarcasm xD), I've had the laptop recognize it and work properly.

I even took 5 minutes of my life and found a mini-screwdriver so I could reseat the hardware (you betcha I did it right) and still it doesn't work! (though I've had it work since I reseated it, so don't go all "you did it wrong")

Because someone's asked me before.. no I didn't disable the device, it doesn't even show up in the device manager.

Also, I sort of noted (not very clearly) that I reinstalled recently. Upon doing this, the light showing the card being recognized was a shiny blue... but after rebooting once, not even installing/updating anything... you guessed it, the light reverted to being orangish-red again T_T

It's pretty annoying having a useless wireless card... almost defeats the purpose of a laptop for me Any help would be appreciated!

 

There is an updated Broadcom driver for your machine, did you try this one? (Be sure to check the device model. Driver was released in August 2007.)
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...n&cc=us&dlc=en&product=3289677&os=228&lang=en

 

Trouble with miniature mechanical switches they are dodgy devices.
Check the function and solder connections with a meter or see a tech about it.

 

Sorry to revive dead threads... but I forgot where I posted this xD

Updated news is: upgraded to Vista Ultimate in effort to see if it would help the wireless situation.

Right after initial install, it worked! After the first reboot, it stopped working. Later, 1 day later, I brought it over to a friends to watch movies... and I decided to check my device manager in a false sense of hope, and no doubt it worked! After reboot, it still won't even recognize the device (even in safe mode, tried in both regular and w/ networking). It just doesn't see the device about 99% of the time. Even in the "off position" the computer should recognize it as disabled, but it doesn't

I've got all the latest drivers from the HP site and everything on the computer is up-2-date. So my question is, what should I do?!

*Also, to studiot's post: I had no idea what you're talking about "Check the fuction"? I'd like to fix this all myself, because just about every tech in my area charges like $30 to just look at a comp >_>

 

I assume you are talking about the mechanical switch on the front of some laptops that is used to switch the internal wireless on and off.

 

Oh, yes that's what i was talking about. I'm just a little confused as to what you meant by checking the function of it and possibly loose connections? I'd rather not take apart my whole latop if possible, but it duty calls